4.
The Discourse on the Question about the Fourth Meditative Absorption
335.
"'The fourth meditative absorption, the fourth meditative absorption,' it is said.
What then is the fourth meditative absorption?
This occurred to me, friend -
'Here a monk, with the abandoning of bliss and pain, and with the prior disappearance of pleasure and displeasure, enters upon and dwells in the fourth meditative absorption, which has neither-pain-nor-bliss and purity of mindfulness due to equanimity.
This is called the fourth meditative absorption.'
So I, friends, with the abandoning of bliss and pain, and with the prior disappearance of pleasure and displeasure, enter and dwell in the fourth meditative absorption, which has neither-pain-nor-bliss and purity of mindfulness due to equanimity.
While I was dwelling with this abiding, friends, perceptions and attention accompanied by pleasure 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 fourth meditative absorption; steady your mind in the fourth meditative absorption, unify your mind in the fourth meditative absorption, concentrate your mind in the fourth meditative absorption.' So I, friends, at a later time, with the abandoning of bliss and pain, and with the prior disappearance of pleasure and displeasure, entered and dwelt in the fourth meditative absorption, which has neither-pain-nor-bliss and purity of mindfulness due to equanimity. If anyone, friends, speaking rightly would say: etc. 'A disciple helped by the Teacher has attained great direct knowledge.'" The fourth.