What is the relation between Concentration (Samadhi) attainments, karma, and rebirth?

It is well established throughout all Buddhist schools that attainments of Wisdom (Prajñā) are non-karmic in nature and are in fact permanent (which almost begs the question of how that reconciles with Anicca, but I digress). For example, once certain fetters are broken (such as attachment to rites and rituals), the Pali Canon claims they will never afflict the Stream Entrant again.

However, the status of Samadhi attainments seems less clear.

The Buddha was famously able to reach the first Jhana at a very young age, spontaneously, and with no prior training. Upon joining the communities of Alara Kalama and then Uddaka Ramaputta, he made extremely rapid progress and very quickly attained the 3rd and 4th formless Jhanas.

This clearly suggests that he was born with an innately strong Samadhi, which most reasonably can be attributed to past attainments.

However, some Theravada teachers (such as Jospeph Goldstein, so this view can probably be attributed to Mahasi Sayadaw lineage) speak of Samadhi attainments as purely karmic. In that interpretation, Samadhi attainments create a particular type of karma, that results in rebirth at various heavens.

This is supported by the Pali Canon, where specific Jhanas lead to rebirth in specific planes of existence. Even attaining a minor degree of the first Jhana appears to be sufficient grounds for rebirth in the Retinue of Brahma (brahma-parisajja deva) - see AN 4.123.

Causes for rebirth in particular realms are generally karmic in nature. However, taken together with the ease with which the Buddha has reached the first Jhana in his childhood, it seems unlikely for an individual to ever be reborn in the lower realms after attaining strong Samadhi.

What do you think?

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