10.
The Discourse on Gradual Cessation
61.
"'Gradual cessation, gradual cessation', friend, is said.
In what way, friend, has gradual cessation been spoken of by the Blessed One?"
"Here, friends, a monk, quite secluded from sensual pleasures... etc. he enters and dwells in the first meditative absorption. To this extent too, friends, gradual cessation has been spoken of by the Blessed One by method... etc.
"Furthermore, friends, a monk, having completely transcended the plane of neither-perception-nor-non-perception, enters and dwells in the cessation of perception and feeling, and having seen with wisdom, his mental corruptions are utterly eliminated. To this extent too, friends, gradual cessation has been spoken of by the Blessed One without qualification." The tenth.