In Stage 1, the conventional sense of self, well-being pivots on the experiences of pleasure and pain.
In Stage 2 (Mindfulness) a new level of nonjudgmental objectivity develops where thoughts can be seen as passing mental events.
With practice, Stage 3 awakening events may occur, leading to an interruption of the sense of a continuous self.
Over time, these intermittent states may stabilise, leaving a default of the ongoing awakened state of Stage 4, an altruistic, peaceful resting state with no discernible sense of self, and increased functionality.
Finally, after a seemingly infinite amount of practice, the rare uninterrupted blissful state of perfected enlightenment, along with unlimited capacities, occurs (Stage 5).
If we can translate ancient methods and outcomes into psychological language to find common ground with western concepts of happiness and human potential, we may find antidotes to our mental health inquiry, that can raise the bar from coping to contentment.