The dhyanas and samapattis share similar traits to the various stages of samadhi of clas-
sical yoga. Buddhists themselves acknowledge that yogis and non-Buddhist ascetics can
have access to the four dhyanas, samapattis, and even to the ultimate, the samapatti of
unconsciousness (asamjnisamapatti). However, they challenged the authenticity of this
last samapatti when it was attained by non-Buddhists: they believed that the 'samapatti
of the destruction of consciousness and sensation' was a discovery of the Buddha, and
represented the establishment of contact with nirvana. "...If they barred non-Buddhists
from access to nirvana...it was beyond all doubt because the non-Buddhists did not re-
cognize the truth revealed by Buddha. In other words, one could not attain to the unconditional state through mystic meditation alone; one must understand the way that leads to the state...(or risk) some random 'heaven', even though thinking that one had attained to nirvana." (Eliade)
This brings up a distinction with major relevance even today: is there any place for an
intelligence or experience? (Samkhya opting for metaphysical knowledge, and yoga, salvation brought about with the aid of Patanjali's eight limbs.) Even the intent behind this blog is called into question. In any case, "Rare indeed are those who have an experience of nirvana: and no less rare are those who "see" reality as it is and who - by means of this intellectual vision - gain deliverance." (Eliade) Reginald Ray "Secrets of the Vajra World" spends considerable time on the divergence in Tibet between 'monastery' and 'cave' (my terms) monks.
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