In the simplest terms, the Jhanas are traditionally classified as Samatha (serenity/tranquility) because they are states of deep mental absorption and unification.¹ However, in practice and across different Buddhist traditions, the relationship is more nuanced.

Most teachers agree that Samatha and Vipassana are not two "different" types of meditation, but rather two qualities of the mind that work together.

1. Jhana as Samatha (Tranquility)

In the classical sense, Jhanas are the result of Samatha practice.² By focusing the mind on a single object (like the breath or a kasina), you calm the "Five Hindrances" and enter a state of "one-pointedness."³

• The Goal: To unify the mind and create a state of profound peace and stability.⁴
• The Logic: You cannot see the "true nature of reality" (Vipassana) if your mind is like a turbulent lake; Samatha stills the water so you can see to the bottom.

2. Jhana as a Basis for Vipassana (Insight)

The Buddha often described a sequence where one enters Jhana (Samatha) and then, upon emerging—or sometimes while still in the state—uses that sharpened, clear awareness to investigate the Three Characteristics of Existence: impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta).

• The "Sharp Tool" Analogy: If Vipassana is the surgery, Jhana is the sharpening of the scalpel. Without a sharp mind (Samatha), the "cutting" of insight is difficult.

3. The Modern Distinction: "Vipassana Jhanas"

In some modern traditions (notably the Burmese Mahasi Sayadaw lineage), there is a concept of Vipassana Jhanas. These are stages of absorption that occur not by focusing on a static object, but by focusing on the changing nature of sensations themselves.

• Samatha Jhana: Focuses on a concept or a stable "still" object.
• Vipassana Jhana: Focuses on the flow and dissolution of physical and mental phenomena.

Feature	Samatha Jhana	Vipassana Jhana
Object	Stable (e.g., breath, light, concept)	Changing (e.g., sensations, thoughts)
Primary Quality	Stillness and Absorption	Flow and Clarity
Result	Deep Peace / Psychic Powers	Wisdom / Liberation

Summary

While Jhanas are formally the "Right Concentration" (Samma Samadhi) of the Eightfold Path, they are generally seen as the culmination of Samatha. However, for a practitioner seeking enlightenment, they are used as a platform to launch Vipassana.

Would you like me to explain the specific factors (like rapture or equanimity) that define each of the four Jhanas?

Vipassana Jhana vs Samatha Jhana

This video provides a monastic perspective on the differences between these two approaches and how they apply to your practice.