END OF THE SUBLIME EIGHTFOLD WAY
The retreat Level II begins and ends with the development of the Harmonious Exercise. Level III begins at the development of Harmonious Attention. In order to move on to the Level-III Retreat, how- ever, one has to experience at least the First Ecstasy (pathamaŋ jhāna).
“Develop mental equilibrium (samadhi), Oh! Bhikkhus. One, whose mind is in equilibrium, is aware of how things come to be (samāhite citte yathā bhutaŋ pajānāti)”
(SN. Vol. V - 414)
There is no ecstasy (jhāna) without insight (pañña)
There is no insight (pañña) without ecstasy (jhāna)
One with both ecstasy (jhāna) and insight (pañña),
Is very close to Nibbāna.
(Dhammapada verse #372)
This is clear evidence that, according to the Buddha, there cannot be insight without mental equilibrium (samādhi).