釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 6.92

6.92

First, the general explanation: the previous four dhyānas and four immeasurable absorptions all exist in reliance upon form dharmas; now, these four absorptions all rely on formless dharmas, taking their name from the objective realm, hence they are called formless absorptions. Therefore the sūtra states: 'The four formless [absorptions] are the path that eliminates form, where mind and mind rely on each other; they are also called the four formless absorptions.' Being formless and immaterial is equivalent in meaning to empty space, hence they are called the four absorptions of space, and also called the stations of the four absorptions of space. These four kinds of absorption minds are also called absorption stations. These four kinds of absorption minds take the contemplated objective realm as their station; just as the stations of mindfulness, stations of mastery, and totality spheres all derive their names from the contemplated stations. The characteristics of the sequence of the four absorptions of space will be explained below. As for not calling them dhyāna: the preceding ones have already received that name, so it should not be established again; now a superior name should be established instead. Furthermore, these four formless [absorptions] themselves are deficient in the factors and branches, and cannot be called dhyānas.