[Pznrrmaf]

My attempt was to emphasis that it is not a case of mental projection or creative thinking, nor are these states a case of concentration ... it seems to me that the Buddha defined the Eighth fold of the Noble Eightfold Path in terms of meditative absorption

Spot on Andy. I would agree with this.

Teresa of Avila - It pleased the Lord that I should sometimes see the following vision. I would see beside me, on my left hand, an angel in bodily form - a type of vision which I am not in the habit of seeing except very rarely . . . He was not tall but short, and very beautiful, his face so aflame that he appeared to be one of the highest types of angels who seem to be all afire ... In his hand I saw a long golden spear and at the end of the iron tip I seemed to see a point of fire. With this he seemed to pierce my heart ... he left me completely afire with a great love for God. The pain was so sharp that it made me utter several moans http://www.womenpriests.org/theology/ward.asp
I think Teresa of Avila's experience was the bliss of inner fire (kundalini) rather than Jhana, but that's just my opinion. Can't know for sure of course.

The bliss of Jhana is comparable but perhaps not as intense. Second Jhana equates to the state known by the Devas of Streaming Radiance. It is a very blissful abiding and an interesting step on the path.

Is a very rich sutta this one.

Namaste