釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 10.45

10.45

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].