Path of Freedom [Vimuttimagga]

46 VimuttimaggaThe separation from (initial and sustained application of thought, joy,)bliss and the fulfilment of two factors are called 'the fifth meditation. (The twofactors are) equanimity and unification of mind.WHY FOUR AND FIVE MEDITATIONS ARE TAUGHTQ. Why are four and five meditations taught?A. Because the result depends on two sorts of men. In the secondmeditation there are two divisions: without initial and sustained applicationof thought, and without initial and only with sustained application of thought.Q. How does a yogin induce the second meditation from the first?A. He considers the coarseness of initial and sustained application ofthought, knows the disadvantages of initial and sustained application of thought,and induces the second meditation which is free from initial and sustainedapplication of thought. This is the way of progress in the four meditations.And again, there is another man. He is able to induce freely the secondmeditation out of the first meditation. He considers the coarseness of initialapplication of thought and knows the disadvantages of initial application ofthought. He discerns the state of being free from initial application of thought.Possessing restricted sustained application of thought, he induces the secondmeditation. This is the way of progress in the five meditations. Therefore,the five meditations are. taught.And again, there are five kinds in concentration, namely, complete fixedmeditation in the five factors: joyfulness, blissfulness, mindfulness, luminousnessand the perception of steadily moving thought. Here 'joyfulness' is in thefirst and the second meditations. 'Blissfulness' is in the third meditation.'Mindfulness' is in the knowledge of others* thoughts. 'Luminousness' is inthe knowledge of the divine eye. The knowledge of steadily moving thoughtis born of reflection 1 concentration. This is called 'the perception of steadilymoving thought'.And again there are five kinds in concentration, namely, Right Concentrationconnected with the fivefold knowledge. These are consequences ofpresent bliss and the bliss to be. These arise depending on the knowledgeof the body.(1) This concentration is practised by the Noble Ones and is passion-free.(2) This concentration is practised by wise men.(3) This is the excellent bliss of solitude and the attainment of tranquillity.Although this accomplishes the unique, yet it does not overcome birth anddeath.1. Lit. "That that knowledge".