Path of Freedom [Vimuttimagga]

86 VimuttimaggaAnd again, separation from lust is taught as the abandoning of discursivesensuous thought, and the separation from demeritorious states is taught asthe abandoning of discursive thoughts of hate and harm.And again, separation from lust is taught as eschewing of sense-pleasures,and separation from demeritorious states is taught as the eschewing ofnegligence thiough indulgence of the body.And again, separation from lust is taught as the abandoning of the sixfoldpleasures of sense and of delight therein. Separation from demeritoriousstates is taught as the abandoning of discursive thoughts of hate and harm,anxiety and suffering. Also it is taught as (1) the mowing down of pleasure,(2) as indifference.And again, separation from lust is present bliss of relief from sensepleasures,and separation from demeritorious states is present bliss of relieffrom non-subjection to tribulation.And again, separation from lust is to get beyond the sense-flood entirely.Sepaiation from demeritorious states is the surpassing of all other defilementswhich cause rebirth in the sense and form (planes).INITIAL AND SUSTAINED APPLICATION OF THOUGHTAccompanied by initial application and sustained application of thought:What is initial application of thought? To perceive, to think, to be composed,to excogitate and to aspire rightly, though without understanding, constituteinitial application of thought. Such are the qualities of initial application ofthought. Owing to the fulfilment of initial application of thought there isinitial application of thought in the first meditation, jhdna. And again, onedwells on the earth kasina and considers the earth sign without end. Theseconstitute initial application of thought. It is comparable to the reciting ofdiscourses by heart.Q. What are the salient characteristic, function, manifestation andnear cause cf initial application of thought?A. 1What is sustained application of thought? When one practises sustainedapplication of thought, the mind dwells in non-indifference following thatwhich sustained application of thought investigates. This state is calledsustained application of thought. In association with this one accomplishesthe first meditation, jhdna. The first meditation, jhdna, is (conjoined) withsustained application of thought. And again, the meditator who dwells onthe earth kasina considers many aspects which his mind discerns when workingon the earth sign. This is sustained application of thought.1. This passage is unintelligible.