Pādaka-jjhāna: ‘foundation-forming absorption’, is an absorption used as a foundation, or starting point, for the higher spiritual powers abhiññā, or for insight vipassanā, leading to the supra-mundane paths see: ariya-puggala The foundation for the former is the 4th absorption; for insight, however, any absorption is suitable. For details, see: samatha - vipassanā - App..