9.
The Discourse on the Question about the Signless
340.
"'Signless concentration of mind, signless concentration of mind,' it is said.
What indeed is the signless concentration of mind?"
This occurred to me, friend -
"Here, through inattention to all signs, a monk enters and dwells in the signless concentration of mind.
This is called the signless concentration of mind."
So I, friends, through inattention to all signs, enter and dwell in the signless concentration of mind.
While I was dwelling with this abiding, friends, my consciousness follows after signs.
"Then, friends, the Blessed One, having approached me by supernormal power, said this: 'Moggallāna, Moggallāna! Do not be negligent, brahmin, regarding the signless concentration of mind; steady your mind in the signless concentration of mind, unify your mind in the signless concentration of mind, concentrate your mind in the signless concentration of mind.' So I, friends, at a later time, through inattention to all signs, entered and dwelt in the signless concentration of mind. If anyone, friends, speaking rightly would say: 'A disciple helped by the Teacher has attained great direct knowledge,' it is of me that one speaking rightly would say: 'A disciple helped by the Teacher has attained great direct knowledge.'" The ninth.