釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 10.95

10.95

Next, explaining the three samādhis: The three samādhis are: 1. samādhi with vitarka and vicāra; 2. samādhi without vitarka but with vicāra; 3. samādhi without vitarka and without vicāra. Why are the three samādhis explained next after the nine absorptions? Although these two kinds of dhyāna differ in name, their dharmic characteristics are identical. Why is this? Since the nine absorptions universally refine all dhyānas, they have no separate essence of their own. The three samādhis are also like this; this meaning will naturally be seen below. Explaining the three samādhis involves three points: first, explaining the name; second, distinguishing the characteristics; third, samādhis that are brought forth.