Five Jhānic Factors
Jhānas are attained through the complete suppression of the five mental hindrances by cultivating five opposing factors. According to the Theravāda tradition, these are:
• Vitakka (applied thought, coarse investigation) — counteracts sloth and torpor;
• Vicāra (sustained thought, precise investigation) — counteracts doubt;
• Pīti (rapture, joyful interest) — counteracts ill will;
• Sukha (non-sensual pleasure, contentment) — counteracts restlessness
and worry;
• Ekaggatā (one-pointedness of attention) — counteracts sensual desire.”