俱舍論頌疏論本 28.8

28.8

Regarding "concentration is a wholesome one-pointedness, / accompanied by an essence of five aggregates": the nature of dhyāna as concentration is exclusively wholesome one-pointedness of mind. Strictly speaking, its intrinsic nature is wholesome samādhi; if accompanied by attendants, its essence is the five aggregates (the presence of the aggregate of matter refers to the discipline arising with concentration). Question: "What is called one-pointedness of mind?" Answer: "It means causing the mind to focus exclusively on a single object." Question: "What is meant by dhyāna?" Answer: "Because concentration is tranquil and capable of careful reflection. The essence of reflection is wisdom; concentration possesses the function of tranquility and gives rise to the reflection of wisdom; hence it is called dhyāna (meditative reflection)." Question: "The formless concentrations are also capable of tranquil reflection; they should also be called dhyāna." Answer: "Formless concentrations are not called dhyāna because the name dhyāna is established in terms of excellence. The concentrations of the form realm are superior, so they alone are called dhyāna; just as in the worldly realm it is said that what emits light is called the sun, and although fireflies and candles have light, they cannot be called the sun." Question: "Why are the concentrations of the form realm alone called superior?" Answer: "First, among the concentrations, they encompass eighteen factors; second, calming (śamatha) and insight (vipaśyanā) operate in balance, being most capable of reflection; third, they are called dwelling in happiness in the present life; fourth, they are called the path of easy progress. Therefore, the concentrations of the form realm alone are called dhyāna." Question: "How do defiled concentrations of the form realm obtain this name?" Answer: "Because they are also capable of wrong reflection, the World-Honoured One also spoke of evil dhyānas." Question: "One-pointedness of mind is the essence of dhyāna; based on what characteristics are the first, second, third, and fourth established?" Answer: "The verse says: 'The first is endowed with examination, joy, and bliss; / the later ones gradually abandon the preceding factors.' That is, within the first concentration, being endowed with examination, joy, and bliss, it is called the first dhyāna. The latter three concentrations gradually abandon the preceding factors: abandoning only examination, having the factors of joy and bliss, establishes the second dhyāna. If one abandons examination and joy, having only the factor of bliss, it establishes the third dhyāna. Fully abandoning all three establishes the fourth dhyāna. Therefore, one-pointedness is divided into four kinds."