Once the mind is made one pointed and more supple, using different meditative objects, the bodhisattva attains to what are called formless meditations. One becomes filled with a feeling of equanimity, discursive thought and reasoning: this is called a state of approach. Once we become detached from sensual craving and filled with enthusiasm and inner tranquility, that is considered the first state.
Next one becomes detached from craving for the level of the first state, free of discursive thought and reasoning, yet still filled with enthusiasm and inner tranquility: this is called the second state. Once there is detachment from craving for this attainment, filled with pleasure and equanimity, mindful and aware, one enters the third state.
Detachment from craving for the level of the third level, without pleasure and without pain, filled with equanimity and mindfulness becomes the fourth state.
- Kamalasila
(8th century Buddhist)
