Path of Freedom [Vimuttimagga]

Subjects of Meditation 111Q. Among the form and formless states, which are infinite?A. Only formless states are infinite, because there are no bounds to theformless, and because they cannot be held. And again, space is limitless.Therefore, it is called infinite. The word "infinite" (ananta) means infinite(ananta). Thus, the word "infinite" is used. So is the word consciousness."Abides in the sphere" means abides in the sphere of infinite consciousness.The mind and the mental properties are called the sphere of infinite consciousness.What is the "sphere of infinite consciousness" ? It is boundless consciousness.This is called "the sphere of infinite consciousness". As dwellingin heaven is called heaven, so (dwelling in) the concentration of infinite consciousnessis called the sphere of infinite consciousness. When this consciousnessis held in concentration, it is called "the sphere of infinite consciousness"."Enters into and abides in the sphere of infinite consciousness" means that hesurpasses the spatial object in that concentration of the sphere of infiniteconsciousness. He fulfils three factors, three kinds of goodness, ten characteristicsand is associated with twenty-two merits, and dwells peacefully in theenjoyment of the reward of concentration-practice. By reason of these goodqualities, he will be reborn in the sphere of infinite consciousness. This wasfully taught before.Thus is the merit of the practice (of the concentration) of the sphereof infinite consciousness. A man who practises the concentration of infiniteconsciousness will, after his death, be reborn in the sphere of infinite consciousness.His life-span will be four thousand aeons. 1(The exposition of) the sphere of infinite* consciousness has ended,THE SPHERE OF NOTHINGNESS/ consider the tribulations of the sphere of infinite consciousness.Now, that yogin, having acquired mastery in the practice of the concentrationof the sphere of infinite consciousness, wishes to cause the arisingof the concentration of the sphere of nothingness, and to transcend the sphereof infinite consciousness.Again, he considers thus: "The concentration of the sphere of infiniteconsciousness is coarse; the concentration of the sphere of nothingness isfine". And he sees the tribulations of the sphere of infinite consciousnessand the merits of the concentration of the sphere of nothingness. What arethe tribulations of the concentration of the sphere of infinite consciousness ?This concentration has space for near enemy. The consciousness objectis coarse. Here, the yogin, owing to attachment, is not able to partake of1. Again an error; should read'forty thousand'. Cp. Vbh. 425; A. I, 267: Vinndnancdyatanupagdnambhikkhave devdnarh cattdrisam kappasahassdni dyuppamdnarh.