A cessation experience is an event in meditation where one consciously ceases all activity. This includes all sense-objects, emotional states, and thoughts. It is an ineffable state in which there is stillness and a cessation of all phenomenal duality. Cessation experiences are said to occur when the practice of meditation has become stabilized and there is an ability to remain in this state for extended periods of time. This practice has been traditionally pursued in Buddhist traditions and is seen as a sign of spiritual growth or enlightenment.

See also: awareness, insight practice, dependent arising, stream entry, noble truth