Five experiences
Five experiences (Tib. nyam nga; nyams lnga) – these experiences accompany the development of shamatha -
1. At the beginning thoughts will arrive one on top of another, uninterrupted, like a steep mountain waterfall. This is the experience of agitation.
2. Gradually, as you perfect meditation, thoughts become like the water in a deep, narrow gorge. This is the experience of attainment.
3. Then it becomes like a great river slowly winding its way down to the sea. This is the experience of familiarity.
4. The mind then becomes like a still and placid ocean, ruffled by only the occasional ripple or wave. This is the experience of stability.
5. The fifth experience is that of perfect stability which is described as an oil lamp that is not blown by the wind, resting bright and clear, unmoved by anything.
See also the nine ways of resting the mind, the five faults and the eight antidotes.