“Blessed Lord, what is the perfection of meditative concentration of bodhisattva great beings?”
“Subhūti,” replied the Blessed One, “here bodhisattva great beings, with their mind set on and directed toward all-aspect omniscience, are skillfully absorbed in the meditative concentrations but will not be subject to rebirth on account of them. They also induce others to become absorbed in the meditative concentrations, and they do so without apprehending anything. This is the perfection of meditative concentration of bodhisattva great beings.”
“Blessed Lord, what is the perfection of wisdom of bodhisattva great beings?”
“Subhūti,” replied the Blessed One,” here bodhisattva great beings, with their mind set on and directed toward all-aspect omniscience, themselves are without fixation with respect to all phenomena, and by way of not apprehending anything discern the nature of all phenomena. They also induce other beings to adopt nonfixation with respect to all phenomena and to discern the nature of all phenomena, they secure and establish them in that, and they do so by way of not apprehending anything. This is the perfection of wisdom of bodhisattva great beings.
“This, Subhūti, is the Great Vehicle of bodhisattva great beings.
“Moreover, Subhūti, the Great Vehicle of bodhisattva great beings is this: the emptiness of internal phenomena, the emptiness of external phenomena, the emptiness of external and internal phenomena, the emptiness of emptiness, the emptiness of great extent, the emptiness of ultimate reality, the emptiness of conditioned phenomena, the emptiness of unconditioned phenomena, the emptiness of the unlimited, the emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end, the emptiness of nonexclusion, the emptiness of inherent nature, the emptiness of all phenomena, the emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics, the emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended, the emptiness of nonentities, the emptiness of essential nature, and the emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of internal phenomena, the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mental faculty are called internal phenomena. Among these, the eyes are empty of the eyes because they do not endure and they do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature.451 The ears are empty of the ears because they do not endure and they do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. The nose is empty of the nose because it does not endure and it does not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is its nature. The tongue is empty of the tongue because it does not endure and it does not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is its nature. The body is empty of the body because it does not endure and it does not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is its nature. And the mental faculty is empty of the mental faculty because it does not endure and it does not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is its nature. This is called the emptiness of internal phenomena.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of external phenomena, sights, sounds, odors, tastes, tangibles, and mental phenomena are called external phenomena. Among these, sights are empty of sights because they do not endure and they do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. Sounds are empty of sounds because they do not endure and they do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. Odors are empty of odors because they do not endure and they do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. Tastes are empty of tastes because they do not endure and they do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. Tangibles are empty of tangibles because they do not endure and they do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. And mental phenomena are empty of mental phenomena because they do not endure and they do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. This is called the emptiness of external phenomena.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of external and internal phenomena, the six inner sense fields and the six outer sense fields are called external and internal phenomena. Among these, inner phenomena are empty of outer phenomena because they do not endure and they do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their very nature. Outer phenomena are also empty of inner phenomena because they do not endure and they do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. This is called the emptiness of external and internal phenomena.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of emptiness, the emptiness of that emptiness that is the emptiness of phenomena is an emptiness.452 If you ask why, it is because that is its nature. This is called the emptiness of emptiness.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of great extent, the eastern direction is empty of the eastern direction, the southern direction is empty of the southern direction, the western direction is empty of the western direction, the northern direction is empty of the northern direction, the direction of the nadir is empty of the direction of the nadir, the direction of the zenith is empty of the direction of the zenith, and similarly the intermediate directions are empty of the intermediate directions because they do not endure and do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. This is called the emptiness of great extent.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of ultimate reality, the ultimate reality is nirvāṇa. That nirvāṇa is also empty of nirvāṇa because it does not endure and does not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is its nature. This is called the emptiness of ultimate reality.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of conditioned phenomena, the realm of desire, the realm of form, and the realm of formlessness are called conditioned phenomena. Among these, the realm of desire is empty of the realm of desire, the realm of form is empty of the realm of form, and the realm of formlessness is empty of the realm of formlessness because they do not endure and do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. This is called the emptiness of conditioned phenomena.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of unconditioned phenomena, anything that does not arise, that does not cease, and that does not change into something else is called an unconditioned phenomenon. In this regard, unconditioned phenomena are empty of unconditioned phenomena because they do not endure and do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. This is called the emptiness of unconditioned phenomena.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of the unlimited, that of which a limit cannot be apprehended is unlimited. The unlimited is empty of the unlimited because it does not endure and does not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is its nature. This is called the emptiness of the unlimited.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end, a ‘going’ cannot be apprehended and a ‘coming’ cannot be apprehended in that of which a beginning cannot be apprehended and an end cannot be apprehended. That which has neither beginning nor end is empty of that which has neither beginning nor end because it does not endure and does not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is its nature. This is called the emptiness of that which has neither beginning nor end.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of nonexclusion, it is that in which there is no repudiating at all. Nonexclusion is empty of nonexclusion because it does not endure and does not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is its nature. This is called the emptiness of nonexclusion.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of inherent nature, that which is the inherent nature of all phenomena, whether conditioned or unconditioned, is not created by the śrāvakas, not created by the pratyekabuddhas, not created by the bodhisattva great beings, and not created by the tathāgatas, arhats, perfectly complete buddhas. Inherent nature is empty of inherent nature because it does not endure and does not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is its nature. This is called the emptiness of inherent nature.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of all phenomena, physical forms, feelings, perceptions, formative predispositions, and consciousness; the eyes, the ears, the nose, the tongue, the body, and the mental faculty; sights, sounds, odors, tastes, tangibles, and mental phenomena; visual consciousness, auditory consciousness, olfactory consciousness, gustatory consciousness, tactile consciousness, and mental consciousness; visually compounded sensory contact, aurally compounded sensory contact, nasally compounded sensory contact, lingually compounded sensory contact, corporally compounded sensory contact, and mentally compounded sensory contact; feelings conditioned by visually compounded sensory contact, feelings conditioned by aurally compounded sensory contact, feelings conditioned by nasally compounded sensory contact, feelings conditioned by lingually compounded sensory contact, feelings conditioned by corporally compounded sensory contact, and feelings conditioned by mentally compounded sensory contact; phenomena that have form and are formless; conditioned phenomena; and unconditioned phenomena—those are called all phenomena. In that regard, all phenomena are empty of all phenomena because they do not endure and do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. This is called the emptiness of all phenomena.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics, the intrinsic defining characteristic of a physical form is disintegration,453 the intrinsic defining characteristic of a feeling is emotional experience, the intrinsic defining characteristic of a perception is apprehending something, the intrinsic defining characteristic of a formative predisposition is being the condition for something, and the intrinsic defining characteristic of consciousness is making something known; the intrinsic defining characteristic of the aggregates is suffering, the intrinsic defining characteristic of the sensory elements is being poisonous,454 and the intrinsic defining characteristic of the sense fields is being a gateway to arising;455 the intrinsic defining characteristic of the perfection of generosity is giving away, the intrinsic defining characteristic of the perfection of ethical discipline is relieving pain, the intrinsic defining characteristic of the perfection of tolerance is not getting angry, the intrinsic defining characteristic of the perfection of perseverance is invincibility, the intrinsic defining characteristic of the perfection of meditative concentration is becoming completely collected,456 and the intrinsic defining characteristic of the perfection of wisdom is nonattachment; the intrinsic defining characteristic of the meditative concentrations, immeasurable attitudes, and formless absorptions is nondisturbance; the intrinsic defining characteristic of the thirty-seven factors conducive to enlightenment is emancipation;457 the intrinsic defining characteristic of the emptiness gateway to liberation is voidness, the intrinsic defining characteristic of the signlessness gateway to liberation is quiescence, and the intrinsic defining characteristic of the wishlessness gateway is alleviating suffering; the intrinsic defining characteristic of the liberations is release;458 the intrinsic defining characteristic of the powers is being well realized;459 the intrinsic defining characteristic of the fearlessnesses is absolute stability; the intrinsic defining characteristic of the kinds of exact knowledge is nonseverance; the intrinsic defining characteristic of great loving kindness is being beneficial; the intrinsic defining characteristic of great compassion is being protective; the intrinsic defining characteristic of great emphathetic joy is delight; the intrinsic defining characteristic of great equanimity is being unadulterated; the intrinsic defining characteristic of the eighteen distinct qualities of the buddhas is noncaptivation; and the intrinsic defining characteristic of all-aspect omniscience is direct perception.460 All those phenomena are empty of their respective intrinsic defining characteristics—the intrinsic defining characteristic of conditioned phenomena and the intrinsic defining characteristic of unconditioned phenomena—because they do not endure and do not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is their nature. This is called the emptiness of intrinsic defining characteristics.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended, that which cannot be apprehended—that in which the past cannot be apprehended, the future cannot be apprehended, and the constancy of the present cannot be apprehended—is empty of that which cannot be apprehended because it does not endure and does not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is its nature. This is called the emptiness of that which cannot be apprehended.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities, the essential nature of a union461 does not exist, because all phenomena are dependently arisen. A union is empty of a union because it does not endure and does not disintegrate. If you ask why, it is because that is its nature. This is called the emptiness of an essential nature of nonentities.
“If, among them, you ask what the entity is that is called entity, it is the five aggregates. Those aggregates are empty of aggregates, and, in that way, entity is empty of entity.
“If, among them, you ask what is the emptiness of entity from something else, whether the tathāgatas appear or whether the tathāgatas do not appear, the abiding nature of phenomena, the reality of phenomena, the realm of phenomena, the maturity of phenomena, the real nature, the unmistaken real nature, the one and only real nature, and the very limit of reality remain as they are. Thus, those phenomena are empty of something else. This is called the emptiness of entity from something else.
“This, Subhūti, is the Great Vehicle of bodhisattva great beings.”
“Moreover, Subhūti, the Great Vehicle of bodhisattva great beings is the meditative stability named heroic valor, the meditative stability named precious seal, the meditative stability named lion’s play, the meditative stability named beautiful moon, the meditative stability named crest of the moon’s victory banner, the meditative stability named surpassing all phenomena, the meditative stability named seal of all phenomena, the meditative stability named surveying the crown pinnacle, the meditative stability named certainty in the realm of phenomena, the meditative stability named crest of certainty’s victory banner, the meditative stability named vajra, the meditative stability named seal of entry into all phenomena, the meditative stability named well established as the king of meditative stabilities, the meditative stability named excellently well established, the meditative stability named well-engaging king of meditative stabilities, the meditative stability named without mistakes, the meditative stability named because of the diffusion of light rays not making mistakes, the meditative stability named power of effort, the meditative stability named exalted, the meditative stability named engaging with certainty in lexical explanations, the meditative stability named entry into designations, the meditative stability named observation of spatial directions, the meditative stability named sealed with the seal, the meditative stability named unimpaired, the meditative stability named oceanic seal gathering all phenomena, the meditative stability named seal of the king, the meditative stability named permeation of space, the meditative stability named vajra maṇḍala, the meditative stability named purified of the three spheres, the meditative stability named shoulder ornament of the victory banner’s crest, the meditative stability named Indra’s crest, the meditative stability named pursued the stream, the meditative stability named yawning lion, the meditative stability named stretching lion, the meditative stability named stretching-out lion, the meditative stability named beyond sequence, the meditative stability named without attachment or impediment, the meditative stability named repudiation of afflicted mental states, the meditative stability named illumination, the meditative stability named unseeking, the meditative stability named no fixed abode, the meditative stability named free from mentation, the meditative stability named taming the four māras, the meditative stability named stainless lamplight, the meditative stability named boundless light, the meditative stability named illuminator, the meditative stability named total illumination, the meditative stability named pure supremacy, the meditative stability named stainless light, the meditative stability named bringer of joy, the meditative stability named lightning lamp, the meditative stability named inexhaustible, the meditative stability named unvanquished, the meditative stability named majestic, the meditative stability named free from extinction, the meditative stability named unmoving, the meditative stability named calmed, the meditative stability named imperishable, abiding in the meditative stability named lamp of the sun, the meditative stability named immaculate moon, the meditative stability named clear-eyed, the meditative stability named lamp of wisdom, the meditative stability named clear appearance, the meditative stability named moon lamp, the meditative stability named illuminating, the meditative stability named does what needs to be done, the meditative stability named glory of transcendental knowledge, the meditative stability named vajra-like, the meditative stability named stability of mind, the meditative stability named total illumination, the meditative stability named well situated, the meditative stability named jewel cusp, the meditative stability named seal of the supreme phenomenon, the meditative stability named sameness of all phenomena, the meditative stability named renunciation of delight, the meditative stability named elevated by phenomena, the meditative stability named expanded on account of being elevated by phenomena, the meditative stability named jewel state, the meditative stability named forsaking fights, the meditative stability named dispersal, the meditative stability named distinguishing the terms associated with all phenomena, the meditative stability named determination, the meditative stability named stainless performance, the meditative stability named arranging the sameness of letters, the meditative stability named devoid of letters, the meditative stability named cutting off the objective support, the meditative stability named unmodified, the meditative stability named aspectless, the meditative stability named entering into names and signs, the meditative stability named free from activity, the meditative stability named entering into the ascertainment of names, the meditative stability named a practitioner without a dwelling, the meditative stability named devoid of darkness, the meditative stability named endowed with practice, the meditative stability named unwavering, the meditative stability named transcendence of the range, the meditative stability named accumulation of all attributes, the meditative stability named abiding without mentation, the meditative stability named abiding with certainty, the meditative stability named blossoming and vibrance of the flowers of virtue, the meditative stability named endowed with the branches of enlightenment, the meditative stability named boundless eloquence, the meditative stability named boundless lamplight, the meditative stability named equal to the unequaled, the meditative stability named transcending all phenomena, the meditative stability named delineator, the meditative stability named dispelling doubt, the meditative stability named without settled focus, the meditative stability named single array, the meditative stability named manifest attainment of aspects, the meditative stability named single aspect, the meditative stability named nonexclusion of the aspect, the meditative stability named supreme performance, the meditative stability named comprehension of all bases of existence through realization, the meditative stability named entrance to symbols and sounds, the meditative stability named jewel heart, the meditative stability named unattached to any phenomena, the meditative stability named array of flashes of lightning, the meditative stability named forsaking, the meditative stability named lamp of doctrine, the meditative stability named lamp of transcendental knowledge, the meditative stability named manifest attainment of the miraculous ability to not return, the meditative stability named devoid of vocalic syllables, the meditative stability named burning lamp, the meditative stability named purification of defining characteristics, the meditative stability named nondistinguished, the meditative stability named endowed with a distinct forbearance, the meditative stability named endowed with all finest aspects, the meditative stability named endowed with dhāraṇīs, the meditative stability named absence of joy with respect to all happiness and suffering, the meditative stability named inexhaustible cornucopia, the meditative stability named dhāraṇī intelligence, the meditative stability named perfect elimination of right and wrong, the meditative stability named perfect calming of all contradictions and refutations, the meditative stability named no harmony or disharmony, the meditative stability named taintless light, the meditative stability named endowed with the essence, the meditative stability named taintless light of the full moon, the meditative stability named lightning light, the meditative stability named great ornament, the meditative stability named illuminator in all respects, the meditative stability named protector of all worlds, the meditative stability named sameness of meditative stability, the meditative stability named with a dustless and dust-free principle, the meditative stability named convergence in nonaffliction, the meditative stability named convergence of all afflicted mental states in nonaffliction, the meditative stability named intent on a dwelling that has not been apprehended, the meditative stability named abiding in the real nature without mentation, the meditative stability named self-originated from the vessel, the meditative stability named incinerating all afflicted mental states, the meditative stability named lamp of great transcendental knowledge, the meditative stability named origin of the ten powers, the meditative stability named opener of the gateways, the meditative stability named dispelling the defects of corporeality, the meditative stability named obliterating defects of speech, transforming them as if into space, the meditative stability named dispelling the defects of the mind, the meditative stability named thorough investigation, the meditative stability named space-like, and the meditative stability named space-like and without attachment, hence free and without blemish.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named heroic valor, this meditative stability ranges over464 the perceptual range of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named heroic valor.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named precious seal, through this meditative stability all meditative stabilities are sealed. This is the meditative stability named precious seal.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named lion’s play, abiding in that meditative stability they play with all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named lion’s play.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named beautiful moon, abiding in that meditative stability they illuminate all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named beautiful moon.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named crest of the moon’s victory banner, this meditative stability upholds the victory banner of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named crest of the moon’s victory banner.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named surpassing all phenomena, abiding in that meditative stability they become exalted on account of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named surpassing all phenomena.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named seal of all phenomena, abiding in that meditative stability they hold the seal of all meditative stabilities.465 This is the meditative stability named seal of all phenomena.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named surveying the crown pinnacle, abiding in that meditative stability they survey the pinnacle of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named surveying the crown pinnacle.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named certainty in the realm of phenomena, abiding in that meditative stability they move toward understanding concerning the realm of phenomena. This is the meditative stability named certainty in the realm of phenomena.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named crest of certainty’s victory banner, abiding in that meditative stability one holds the victory banner indicative of certainty with respect to all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named crest of certainty’s victory banner.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named vajra, abiding in that meditative stability all meditative stabilities will not perish.466 This is the meditative stability named vajra.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named seal of entry into all phenomena, abiding in that meditative stability one enters into the seal of all phenomena. This is the meditative stability named seal of entry into all phenomena.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named well established as the king of meditative stabilities, abiding in that meditative stability they are well established in all meditative stabilities, like a king.467 This is the meditative stability named well established as the king of meditative stabilities.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named excellently well established, abiding in that meditative stability they take hold of and do not squander all the accumulations of merit. This is the meditative stability named excellently well established.468
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named the well-founded king of meditative stabilities,469 abiding in that meditative stability, all the kings of meditative stabilities are well placed and founded. This is the meditative stability named the well-founded king of meditative stabilities.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named diffusion of light rays, abiding in that meditative stability they diffuse the light rays of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named diffusion of light rays.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named without mistakes, abiding in that meditative stability they cause the recollection and nondegeneration of all the perceptual ranges and practices of all absorptions. This is the meditative stability named without mistakes.470
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named because of the diffusion of light rays not making mistakes, abiding in that meditative stability they illuminate all the world systems of beings with the light rays of the meditative stabilities and cause the recollection of earlier practices. This is the meditative stability named because of the diffusion of light rays not making mistakes.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named power of effort, abiding in that meditative stability they cause the generation of the force of the effort of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named power of effort.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named array of power, abiding in that meditative stability they array the power of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named array of power.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named exalted, abiding in that meditative stability all meditative stabilities become exalted. This is the meditative stability named exalted.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named engaging with certainty in lexical explanations, abiding in that meditative stability they engage in the exposition of the etymologies of all the meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named engaging with certainty in lexical explanations.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named entry into designations, abiding in that meditative stability they enter into the designations of all the meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named entry into designations.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named observation of spatial directions, abiding in that meditative stability they observe the spatial directions of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named observation of spatial directions.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named sealed with the seal, abiding in that meditative stability they are sealed with the seal471 of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named sealed with the seal.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named unimpaired, abiding in that meditative stability none of the meditative stabilities becomes impaired. This is the meditative stability named unimpaired.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named oceanic seal gathering all phenomena, abiding in that meditative stability all meditative stabilities gather and go into being included in it. This is the meditative stability named oceanic seal gathering all phenomena.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named seal of the king,472 abiding in that meditative stability they definitely achieve all their purposes, just as the establishment of all one wants is caused by the seal of the king. This is the meditative stability named seal of the king.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named permeation of space, abiding in that meditative stability space is permeated extensively with all the meditative stabilities.473 This is the meditative stability named permeation of space.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named vajra maṇḍala, abiding in that meditative stability they apprehend the maṇḍalas of all meditative stabilities.474 This is the meditative stability named vajra maṇḍala.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named purified of the three spheres, abiding in that meditative stability they do not grasp all the meditative stabilities, those in meditative stabilities, or the perceptual ranges of the meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named purified of the three spheres.475
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named shoulder ornament of the victory banner’s crest, abiding in that meditative stability they rise above all meditative concentrations, like the supreme victory banner. This is the meditative stability named shoulder ornament of the victory banner’s crest.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named Indra’s crest, abiding in that meditative stability they obtain with certainty the supreme Indra of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named Indra’s crest.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named pursuit of the stream, abiding in that meditative stability one sets out without error in pursuit of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named pursuit of the stream.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named yawning lion, abiding in that meditative stability, having become powerful with elimination of all dust and stains, on account of acquiring the supreme power, like the king of lions, they yawn, as it were. This is the meditative stability named yawning lion.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named stretching lion, abiding in that meditative stability, on account of the acquisition of power over the supreme miraculous displays, they are without fear or trepidation, and slip into and destroy476 the forces of all the māras. This is the meditative stability named stretching lion.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named stretching-out lion, abiding in that meditative stability, endowed with supreme confidence, they feel no trepidation in the midst of many retinues and vanquish all the wrong views of the non-Buddhists. This is the meditative stability named stretching-out lion.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named beyond sequence, abiding in that meditative stability they interrupt the continuity of the phenomena of saṃsāra. This is the meditative stability named beyond sequence.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named without attachment or impediment, abiding in that meditative stability, in regard to all phenomena, there is no grasping or obstruction. This is the meditative stability named without attachment or impediment.477
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named repudiation of afflicted mental states, abiding in that meditative stability they dispel the stains of all afflicted mental states. This is the meditative stability named repudiation of afflicted mental states.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named illumination, abiding in that meditative stability they illuminate, irradiate, and light up478 all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named illumination.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named unseeking, abiding in that meditative stability nothing at all is sought. This is the meditative stability named unseeking.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named no fixed abode, abiding in that meditative stability they do not observe anything at all as an abode that is a basis. This is the meditative stability named no fixed abode.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named free from mentation, for those abiding in that meditative stability mind does not arise, nor do mental factors occur.479 This is the meditative stability named free from mentation.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named taming the four māras, abiding in that meditative stability they subdue all four māras that are the enemies. This is the meditative stability named taming the four māras.480
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named stainless lamplight, abiding in that meditative stability they act as the stainless lamplight of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named stainless lamplight.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named boundless light, abiding in that meditative stability they generate boundless light. This is the meditative stability named boundless light.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named illuminator, immediately after this meditative stability has been attained they illuminate all meditative concentrations. This is the meditative stability named illuminator.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named total illumination, immediately after that meditative stability has been attained they illuminate the gateways of all meditative concentrations. This is the meditative stability named total illumination.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named pure supremacy, abiding in that meditative stability they acquire the purity that is the same for all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named pure supremacy.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named stainless light, abiding in that meditative stability they dispel the stains of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named stainless light.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named bringer of joy, abiding in that meditative stability they experience the joy of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named bringer of joy.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named lightning lamp, abiding in that meditative stability they serve as a lamp for all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named lightning lamp.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named inexhaustible, abiding in that meditative stability they do not observe whether any meditative stabilities are exhaustible or inexhaustible. This is the meditative stability named inexhaustible.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named unvanquished, abiding in that meditative stability they acquire power over all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named unvanquished.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named majestic, abiding in that meditative stability they blaze with the majesty and splendor and of all meditative stabilities. This is the meditative stability named majestic.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named free from extinction, abiding in that meditative stability they observe that all meditative stabilities are inexhaustible and observe them such that they do not observe even the slightest atom. This is the meditative stability named free from extinction.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named unmoving, abiding in that meditative stability they neither waver, nor vacillate, nor engage with or give rise to conceit about any meditative stability. This is the meditative stability named unmoving.
“If, among them, you ask what is the meditative stability named calmed, abiding in that meditative stability absorptions become calmed. This is the meditative stability named calmed.