Opening and perfecting of stages is widely discussed in Amrita Mandala. Pure Land Meditations (13 Pure Land Jhanas) is a practical tool to gauge the process of an individual practitioner, that is, to check whether a practitioner has completely purified any, some, or all of their mind. This is an advanced practice for seasoned practitioners.

In this context, the word jhana (Skt. dhyana) does not refer to absorption or meditative samadhi, as it does in some Buddhist traditions. The logic behind the practice is that when a particular stage is perfected, one no longer experiences intoxication or bliss on this level of the mind. Instead, there is only the dynamic clarity and aliveness of the natural state. Thus, if one experiences absorption or bliss when practicing any of these 13 Pure Land deities, corresponding to the 13 bhumis, or stages of enlightenment, it indicates that the particular stage is not yet perfected.

Pure Land Meditations must be learned from an authorized teacher.

Watch Amrita Baba’s Talk and Empowerment: 13 Pure Land Jhanas below.