瑜伽論記 4.254

4.254

"The absorptions of the formless realm are not present" explains the meaning of "contemplating external forms": because the formless realm cannot contemplate forms, one relies on the form-realm concentration to directly contemplate external forms, so the formless absorptions are not present. The above statement that not yet having attained the formless absorptions and not yet having abandoned form-realm desire while contemplating external forms is called the first liberation, while having already attained the formless absorptions and having already abandoned form-realm desire while contemplating external forms is called the second liberation, is stated based on beginners, because one who is liberated in both ways definitely attains the first liberation. If one has not previously entered the formless absorptions and has not suppressed the seer's notion of form, contemplating forms with the notion of light is the first liberation; if one has previously entered the formless absorptions and has already suppressed the seer's notion of form, not reflecting on the notion of light but merely contemplating pleasing, unpleasing, etc. among external forms is the second liberation. Therefore, it is said here: "Moreover, he does not reflect on the mark of light of that notion"—because the contemplation gradually matures, he merely produces resolute conviction regarding external forms, and through this, one who is liberated in both ways also accomplishes the first liberation.