The perfection of meditation (S. dhyāna) is a development of right concentration (S. samādhi) of the eightfold path. Meditation in a state of bliss without discriminating thought refers to the second through fourth of the four dhyānas (states of increasingly refined meditative absorption) wherein discursive thought has been transcended. One way of entering into the dhyānas would be through contemplating the four infinite virtues of lovingkindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity and extending those feelings in one’s regard to all beings in all directions. From the fourth dhyāna one might also cultivate the four attainments that are increasingly subtle formless objects of contemplation: space, consciousness, nothingness, and neither perception nor non-perception. It is taught in Buddhism that entering any of these states creates the karma to be reborn into a corresponding heaven. The bodhisattva, however, does not practice meditation for the purpose of attaining a heavenly rebirth or to selfishly abide in such pleasant states. Instead, meditation is used to overcome the hindrances of sensual desire, ill-will, drowsiness, agitation, and debilitating doubt. Meditation is also the optimum way of developing the aforementioned four infinite virtues and other wholesome qualities with which to help sentient beings. Finally, meditation provides the calmness and clarity of mind that allows for the insight into the true nature of reality. All of this is cultivated for the sake of all beings, but again without holding onto any of these states as an object of attachment or aversion.