釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 7.68

7.68

Eighth, experiencing mental formations: this corresponds to countering and destroying the fundamental factor of ekāgratā. Now it is clarified that because it can penetrate all dharmas, it is called mental formations. There are two kinds of mental formations: first, active formations; second, inactive formations. Some explain: from the first dhyāna up to the third dhyāna, they are still active formations; from the fourth dhyāna onward, they are called inactive formations. Now, briefly stating the inactive formations: the four factors such as vitarka are active formations, and the subsequent factor of ekāgratā is an inactive formation. It is also called mental formations because it is the inactive formation of the factor of ekāgratā. When entering ekāgratā in the fundamental dhyāna, the mind gives rise to defiled attachment; this ekāgratā should not be experienced. Now clarifying experiencing mental formations: knowing that this ekāgratā is deceptive and unreal, and that ekāgratā is non-mind, one does not grasp or attach; having no faults, it is the correct attainment of samādhi; therefore it is called experiencing mental formations.