Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

any other religion). The Buddha only taught on the "true
self" just before his parinirvana (in the Sanskrit version
of the sutra of that name), as a skillful means to
enlighten his followers. We also should not mistake the
Buddhist and Hindu doctrines as the same. (See App. I,
Part Two, A, 2.)
F. What Realization Can these Four Meditations
Bring?
1. Main Realizations
a. The first is called "warmth" because as sticks rubbed
together become warm, so these four meditations come
near realization of the Four Noble Truths.
b. "Top" is second. Here the meditations arrive at the
"top"; samapanna is touched at this time, but the mind is
still liable to movement away from its objects.
Sometimes the samapatti is settled, but at other times
the mind wanders.
c. "Patience." The mind should always conform to the
topmost attainment without moving. If it does not, then
one's samatha is not yet strong enough to hold the
samapatti without distraction arising, so at this time
patience is needed. When attainment is confirmed, then,
patience is well developed.
d. "The first in the world." When one attains this stage it
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