俱舍論疏 5.49

5.49

[On] the treatise's: 'The former non-conception absorption ... the sphere of neither-perception-nor-non-perception': second, this explains the difference in supporting stage. The Vibhāṣā, fascicle 152, says: 'Question: Why is there no non-conception absorption in the lower stages? One explanation says: In the lower stages there are sensations of joy and sadness; their aspect is coarse and turbulent, difficult to eliminate. In the fourth dhyāna there is only equanimous sensation, whose aspect is subtle and easy to sever. Question: Why is there no such absorption in the formless realm? Answer: Only ordinary beings mistakenly practice this absorption, thinking it capable of realizing the nirvāṇa of non-conception. In the formless realm there is no vipāka of non-conception to be misconstrued; hence the non-conception absorption does not exist there either.' The Nyāyānusāra states: 'The former non-conception absorption is in the bordering stage of the form realm, while this absorption of cessation is in the bordering stage of the formless realm. Because it is in the sphere of neither-perception-nor-non-perception, the physical body one takes is propelled by the highest karma, and is thus called the pinnacle of existence (bhavāgra); or because it is the boundary limit of existence, it is called bhavāgra, just as the top of a tree is called the treetop. Only in this stage is there the absorption of cessation. For what reason is there no such absorption in the lower stages? It is because only when one is averse to all mind and when the boundary mind is severed can one attain this superior liberation. That is to say, this liberation is established due to two conditions: first, being averse to all mind; second, temporarily severing the boundary mind. If this absorption existed in the lower stages, one would not be averse to all kinds of mind, as one would not yet be averse to the minds of the higher stages; nor could it be called the severance of the boundary mind, since the minds of the higher stages would not yet be severed. It would have to be called being averse to a fraction of minds, and it would also have to be called the severance of an intermediate mind.'