Bhikkhu_Bodhi-Comprehensive_Manual_of_Abhidhamma

See p. 57: FIGURE OUT HOW TO REMOVE PASSWORD TO COPY

Zest (piti): Piti, derived from the verb pinayati meaning “to refresh”, may be explained as delight or pleasurable interest in the object. The term is often translated as rapture, a rendering which fits its role as a jhana factor but may not be wide enough to cover all its nuances. The commentators distinguished five grades of piti that arise when developing concentration: minor zest, momentary zest, showering zest, uplifting zest, and pervading zest. Minor zest is able to raise the hairs on the body. Momentary zest is like flashes of lightening. Showering zest beaks over the body again and again like waves on the sea shore. Uplifting zest can cause the body to levitate. And pervading zest pervades the whole body as an inundation fills a cavern. The latter is identified as the piti present in jhana. As a factor of jhana, piti inhibits the hindrance of ill will (vyapada)