釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 7.34

7.34

Answer: Here we are clarifying the characteristics of the shallowness and depth of the functional power of dhyāna-concentration, not the time of responding to conditions to benefit beings. Why is this? The liberations and stations of mastery are all contemplations of gained understanding. Since the contemplative power can transform notions and transform the mind, it is strong in the sense of severing fetters. Now these sublime practices are solely real contemplations, capable of seeing the thirty-six components within the body; their functional power is inferior and weak, unable to quickly sever the fetters and binders, and their merits are shallow and slight. Therefore, they should be taught first.