釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 10.45

10.45

第二、明次位者，今但依《摩訶衍》中說，初二勝處，位在初禪；次第三、第四勝處，位在二禪；後四勝處，位在四禪。所以三禪不立勝處者，以樂多心鈍故。前二禪離欲界近，欲界煩惱難破，雖位居二禪，猶觀不淨，破下地結。四禪既是色中之極，故色勝位極於此。四空既無色故，亦以破地煩惱薄故，故不立勝處。

Second, elucidating the sequential stages: now relying solely on what is taught in the Mahāyāna [treatise], the initial two stations of mastery have their stage in the first dhyāna; the subsequent third and fourth stations of mastery have their stage in the second dhyāna; the latter four stations of mastery have their stage in the fourth dhyāna. The reason why no stations of mastery are established in the third dhyāna is that its bliss is abundant and its mind is dull. The previous two dhyānas are close to the desire realm, and the defilements of the desire realm are difficult to destroy; thus, although situated in the second dhyāna, one still contemplates impurity to destroy the fetters of the lower stage. Since the fourth dhyāna is the culmination among forms, the mastery over form culminates here. Since the four formless [absorptions] lack form, and also because the defilements of their stages to be destroyed are slight, no stations of mastery are established [there].