釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 6.20

6.20

第二、別明修處者，如初禪以覺觀為主，深識欲界眾生苦惱之相，此處修悲則易。二禪內有大喜，此處修喜無量則易。三禪內有遍身之樂，此處修慈則易。四禪妙捨莊嚴，此處修捨為易。此則隨地各有其便。

Second, specifically explaining the stations of cultivation: the first dhyāna takes vitarka and vicāra as primary and deeply understands the marks of suffering and affliction of sentient beings in the desire realm, so here it is easy to cultivate compassion. In the second dhyāna there is internally great joy, so here it is easy to cultivate the immeasurable mind of sympathetic joy. In the third dhyāna there is internally whole-body bliss, so here it is easy to cultivate loving-kindness. In the fourth dhyāna one is adorned with subtle equanimity, so here it is easy to cultivate equanimity. Thus, each ground has its own suitability.