法界次第初門 1.281

1.281

The reason the sixteen superior stages are distinguished after the six marvelous gates is that although the general purport of these two kinds of dhyāna-concentration is the same, at first glance the six marvelous gates are vertically shallow and horizontally broad, while the sixteen superior stages are vertically long and horizontally narrow. Being long, their stages are distant and difficult to exhaust; thus they are clarified next. As for why all are called 'superior stages', there are specific conditions and matters fully explained (and so forth). But this dhyāna, beginning from harmonizing the mind and ending at neither-perception-nor-non-perception, at each and every stage possesses contemplation and illumination capable of giving rise to the untainted, yet lacks the fault of revulsion and self-harm; hence it receives the name 'superior stages'. Most masters match these sixteen to contemplation of the four bases of mindfulness. If this interpretation is adopted, then in advancing and retreating according to stages, they only equal the six marvelous gates. When distinguishing the two kinds, matching them to the aspects of the superior stages, the vertical and horizontal are different; this is briefly distinguished below, to be applied according to intention.