3.
The Discourse on the Question about the Third Meditative Absorption
334.
"'The third meditative absorption, the third meditative absorption,' it is said.
What then is the third meditative absorption?"
This occurred to me, friend -
"Here a monk, with the fading away of rapture, dwells equanimous, mindful and fully aware, and experiences bliss with the body - that which the noble ones declare:
'He who is equanimous and mindful dwells in bliss' - he enters upon and dwells in the third meditative absorption.
This is called the third meditative absorption."
So I, friends, with the fading away of rapture, dwell equanimous, mindful and fully aware, and experience bliss with the body.
That which the noble ones declare -
'He who is equanimous and mindful dwells in bliss' - I enter and dwell in the third meditative absorption.
While I was dwelling with this abiding, friends, perceptions and attention accompanied by rapture occurred to me.
"Then, friends, the Blessed One, having approached me by supernormal power, said this: 'Moggallāna, Moggallāna! Do not be negligent, brahmin, regarding the third meditative absorption; steady your mind in the third meditative absorption, unify your mind in the third meditative absorption, concentrate your mind in the third meditative absorption.' So I, friends, at a later time, with the fading away of rapture, dwell equanimous, mindful and fully aware, and experience bliss with the body - that which the noble ones declare: 'He who is equanimous and mindful dwells in bliss' - I entered and dwelt in the third meditative absorption. If anyone, friends, speaking rightly would say: etc. 'A disciple helped by the Teacher has attained great direct knowledge.'" The third.