Points of Controversy
22.3. Of Imperturbable (Fourth Jhāna) Consciousness
Controverted Point: That the Arahant completes existence in imperturbable absorption (aneñja).
Theravādin: But does he not complete existence with ordinary (or normal) consciousness? You agree. How, then do you reconcile this with your proposition?
You are implying that he passes away with an ethically inoperative consciousness. Is it not rather with a consciousness that is pure “result”? Whereas according to you he passes away with a consciousness that is unmoral and purely inoperative, I suggest that it is with a consciousness that is unmoral and purely resultant.
And did not the Exalted One emerge from Fourth jhāna before he passed utterly away immediately after?