釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 3.5

3.5

Second, explaining the internal expedient means for cultivating dhyāna-pāramitā, divided into five tiers: first, explaining the gate of cessation; second, explaining the examination of wholesome and unwholesome roots of capacity; third, explaining methods for pacifying the mind; fourth, explaining the curing of illnesses; fifth, explaining the awareness of demonic occurrences. That these five are collectively called internal expedient means is entirely based on the skillful application within a tranquil and subtle mind at the time concentration first arises, taking up and letting go without losing suitability, whereby one will certainly realize deep dhyāna-concentration; hence they are called expedient means. Now, among the internal expedient means, taking cessation as the primary gate is because all the merits of dhyāna-concentration arise from subduing the mind and putting an end to distraction; thus a sūtra says: "Restrain it in one place, and there is nothing that cannot be accomplished." Cessation being the primary gate has its meaning right here.