釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 6.15

6.15

第一、通明處者，四禪、中間定悉得修四無量心，如《釋論》中說：「是慈在色界、根本禪，亦在禪中間。」無色界無色，於緣眾生為不便，欲界、未到地定淺，不任修諸功德。

First, explaining the stations generally: the four dhyānas and the intermediate absorption can all cultivate the four immeasurables. As stated in the Treatise: "This loving-kindness is in the form realm, in fundamental dhyāna, and also in the intermediate dhyāna." The formless realm lacks form and is unsuitable for taking sentient beings as an object of focus; the desire realm and anāgamya are shallow in absorption and not fit for cultivating these merits.