kiñcaññyatana

Kiñcaññyatana is a term in Buddhism referring to the "sphere of nothingness" or "sphere of infinite space." It is one of the four formless attainments or formless jhanas (arūpajhāna), which are profound states of meditation. These attainments are considered higher than the form jhanas, which involve concentration on material objects or visual perceptions.

To enter the sphere of nothingness, a meditator must first overcome the perception of form and the perception of infinite consciousness. The practice involves contemplating the idea that "consciousness is nothing." This does not mean that consciousness ceases to exist, but rather that it is seen as devoid of any substantial, fixed, or independent self. It is a state where the mind transcends all conceptualization and attachment to phenomena.

The kiñcaññyatana is one of the eight meditative absorptions (samāpatti) and is achieved after progressing through the preceding formless attainments: the sphere of infinite space (ākāsānañcāyatana) and the sphere of infinite consciousness (viññāṇañcāyatana). It is followed by the sphere of neither perception nor non-perception (nevasaññānāsaññāyatana). These formless states are considered extremely subtle and difficult to attain, requiring significant meditative skill and purification of mind. They are seen as stepping stones towards deeper understanding of emptiness and the eventual cessation of suffering (nirvana).