釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 10.44

10.44

First, explaining the names. As for these eight dharmas collectively being termed 'stations of mastery', there are two meanings: first, whether pure or impure five desires, when one attains this contemplation, one can overcome them at will, hence the name 'stations of mastery'; second, one skillfully tames the contemplating mind—just as riding a horse to strike bandits, one not only shatters the front ranks but can also skillfully control one's horse—hence the name 'stations of mastery'. This differs from the liberations. The sūtras also call them the eight spheres of vanquishing. If, based on the stations of mastery, the defilements are severed completely, then one knows that the deceptive aggregates and sense fields are all extinguished; at that time, the stations of mastery change their name to the eight spheres of vanquishing.