釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 7.34

7.34

答：今明禪定力用淺深之相，非是對緣利物之時。所以者何？背捨、勝處悉是得解之觀，觀力既能轉想轉心，於斷結義強。今此特勝唯是實觀，能見身內三十六物，力用劣弱，不能疾斷結使，功德淺薄，故應前說。

Answer: Here we are clarifying the characteristics of the shallowness and depth of the functional power of dhyāna-concentration, not the time of responding to conditions to benefit beings. Why is this? The liberations and stations of mastery are all contemplations of gained understanding. Since the contemplative power can transform notions and transform the mind, it is strong in the sense of severing fetters. Now these sublime practices are solely real contemplations, capable of seeing the thirty-six components within the body; their functional power is inferior and weak, unable to quickly sever the fetters and binders, and their merits are shallow and slight. Therefore, they should be taught first.