The seventh stage--supreme in the world--is the first fruition level of Buddhist sainthood, or arhatship. The distinction between the dhyana of ordinary beings and the dhyana of the Hinayana is that the former utilizes the four dhyanas and eight samadhis, while the latter employs the seven expedient means.

Basics Aspects of Dhyana Practice

The basics of dhyana practice can be summarized in six aspects: seeking, waiting, enjoyment, bliss, oneness, and putting down.

Seeking is the starting point of practice, wherein one actually engages in contemplation. For example, if we are practicing counting the breath, the mind is aware of , and focused on, counting the breath. This is seeking.

Waiting is the state of stillness, when one stays on the focus of the meditation, such as the breath. This is not the literal meaning of 'waiting.' Moment after moment, one is clear of being on the method. Having the same thought after thought after thought is waiting.

Enjoyment, bliss, and oneness are states one may experience during dhyana that one should not attach to, and should put down. Whatever one experiences at this stage should be let go. So, these six aspects are the entry to practicing the four dhyanas and eight samadhis. After getting to the sixth stage, one continues putting down until there is nothing left, and that is when one enters the seventh and last stage, supreme in the world.