The Three Signs (Nimitta)

The Preliminary Sign (Parikamma-nimitta) is mentally constructed such as by visualizing meditation objects or mentally and verbally reciting Lord Buddha’s virtues etc. The Preliminary Sign can be attained with all 40 types of meditation.  

The Learning Sign (Uggaha-nimitta) is a sign that lasts longer. While opening and closing the eyes, the meditator can recall the sign accurately. The Learning Sign is also called the visualized image. The Learning Sign can be attained with all 40 types of meditation.

The Counterpart Sign (Patibhaga-nimitta) is stable for a long period, fixed in the eye and mind and can be made bigger or smaller. It can be attained with 30 types of meditation: The Ten Meditations on Corpses, the Ten Meditation Objects (Kasinas), Mindfulness of the Body, Mindfulness of Breathing, the Four Divine Abodes and and the Four Formless Jhanas. The Counterpart Sign can be attained with 22 types of meditation: 10 Kasinas, 10 Meditations on Corpses, Mindfulness of the Body and Mindfulness of Breathing.

Note: The Preliminary Sign signifies Momentary Concentration (Khanika-samadhi). The Learning Sign signifies Access Concentration (Upacara-samadhi). The Counterpart Sign signifies Attainment Concentration (Appana-samadhi).

Three Stages of Meditation 

The Preliminary Meditation (Parikamma-bhavana) is visualizing a sign (Nimitta) or mentally reciting Lord Buddha’s Virtues etc. It can be attained with all 40 types of meditation. The Preliminary Meditation can be attained with all 40 types of meditation.

The Proximate Meditation is attaining the Learning Sign (Uggaha-nimitta) due to contemplating a meditation object, as a result the Five Hindrances are calmed. The Proximate Meditation can be attained with 10 types of meditation: 8 Recollections [excluding Mindfulness of the Body and Mindfulness of Breathing], Contemplation of the 4 Element Kasinas and Contemplation of the Loathsomeness of Food.

The Attainment Meditation (Appana-bhavana) is attaining Jhana due to developing the Learning Sign. Attainment Meditation can be attained with 30 types of meditation: 10 Kasinas, 10 Meditations on Corpses, Mindfulness of the Body, Mindfulness of Breathing, 4 Divine Abodes and 4 Formless Jhanas.

Comparison of Sign, Stages of and Concentration