Vb 13Analysis of the Illimitables
Pāli / Sanskrit:Appamaññāvibhaṅga
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
– The Book of Analysis
13. Analysis of the Illimitables
1. Analysis According to the Discourses
PTS cs 642BA 357 PTS vp 272 The four illimitables—Herein a bhikkhu dwells with mind accompanied by loving-kindness, suffusing one direction. Also a second direction. Also a third direction.
Also a fourth direction. Thus, above, below, around, everywhere, identifying himself with all, he dwells suffusing the world of all (beings) with mind accompanied by loving-kindness, extensive, sublime, unlimited, without enmity, without illwill. He dwells with mind accompanied by compassion, suffusing one direction.
Also a second direction. Also a third direction. Also a fourth direction.
Thus, above, below, around, everywhere, identifying himself with all, he dwells suffusing the world of all (beings) with mind accompanied by compassion, extensive, sublime, unlimited, without enmity, without illwill. He dwells with mind accompanied by sympathetic joy, suffusing one direction. Also a second direction.
Also a third direction. Also a fourth direction. Thus, above, below, around, everywhere, identifying himself with all, he dwells suffusing the world of all (beings) with mind accompanied by sympathetic joy, extensive, sublime, unlimited, without enmity, without illwill.
He dwells with mind accompanied by equanimity, suffusing one direction. Also a second direction. Also a third direction.
Also a fourth direction. Thus, above, below, around, everywhere, identifying himself with all, he dwells suffusing the world of all (beings) with mind accompanied by equanimity, extensive, sublime, unlimited, without enmity, without illwill.
1. Loving-Kindness
PTS cs 643And how does a bhikkhu dwell with mind accompanied by loving-kindness, suffusing one direction? Just as (he), seeing, may love a lovely, pleasant person; in the same way he suffuses all beings with loving-kindness.
Therein BA 358 what is loving-kindness ? That which in beings is loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom (from illwill). This is called loving-kindness.
Therein what is consciousness ? That which is consciousness, mind, ideation, heart, lucence, mind, mind base, controlling faculty of mind, consciousness, the aggregate of consciousness, PTS vp 273 and, depending on the aforesaid, mind-consciousness-element. This is called consciousness. This consciousness is accompanied by, co-nascent with, conjoined with, associated with this loving-kindness. Therefore this is called “with mind accompanied by loving-kindness”.
PTS cs 644“One direction” means: Easterly direction or westerly direction or northerly direction or southerly direction or above or below or around or intermediate direction.
PTS cs 645“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.
PTS cs 646“Dwells” means: Assumes the four postures, exists, protects, keeps going, maintains, turns about, dwells. Therefore this is called “dwells”.
PTS cs 647“Also a second direction” means: As one direction so also a second direction; so also a third direction; so also a fourth direction; so also above; so also below; so also around; so also an intermediate direction.
PTS cs 648“Everywhere, identifying himself with all, the world of all (beings)” means: Exclusively, completely, without remainder, entirely; this is an all-embracing expression “everywhere, identifying himself with all, the world of all (beings)”.
PTS cs 649“With mind accompanied by loving-kindness” means: Therein what is loving-kindness ? That which in beings is loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom. This is called loving-kindness.
Therein what is consciousness ? That which is consciousness, mind, ideation,* and, depending on the aforesaid, mind-consciousness-element. This is called consciousness. This consciousness is accompanied by, co-nascent with, conjoined with, BA 359 | associated with this loving-kindness. Therefore this is called “with mind accompanied by loving-kindness”.
– See paragraph 184 .
PTS cs 650“Extensive” means: That which is extensive is sublime; that which is sublime is unlimited; that which is unlimited is without enmity; that which is without enmity is without illwill.
PTS cs 651“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.
PTS cs 652“Dwells” means:* Therefore this is called “dwells”.
– See paragraph 646 .
2. Compassion
PTS cs 653And how does a bhikkhu dwell with mind accompanied by compassion, suffusing one direction? Just as (he), seeing, may have compassion for a miserable, wicked person; in the same way he suffuses all beings with compassion.
Therein what is compassion ? That which in beings is compassion, being compassionate, state of being compassionate, compassion that is mental freedom (from cruelty). This is called compassion.
Therein what is consciousness ? PTS vp 274 That which is consciousness, mind, ideation,* and, depending on the aforesaid, mind consciousness element. This is called consciousness. This consciousness is accompanied by, conascent with, conjoined with, associated with this compassion. Therefore this is called “with mind accompanied by compassion”.
– See paragraph 184 .
PTS cs 654“One direction” means: Easterly direction or westerly direction or northerly direction or southerly direction or above or below or around or intermediate direction.
PTS cs 655“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.
PTS cs 656“Dwells” means: Assumes the four postures, exists, protects, keeps going, maintains, turns about, dwells. Therefore this is called “dwells”.
PTS cs 657BA 360 “Also a second direction” means: As one direction so also a second direction; so also a third direction; so also a fourth direction; so also above; so also below; so also around; so also in an intermediate direction.
PTS cs 658“Everywhere, identifying himself with all, the world of all (beings)” means: Exclusively, completely, without remainder, entirely; this is an all-embracing expression “everywhere, identifying himself with all, the world of all (beings)”.
PTS cs 659“With mind accompanied by compassion” means: Therein what is compassion ? That which in beings is compassion, being compassionate, state of being compassionate, compassion that is mental freedom. This is called compassion.
Therein what is consciousness ? That which is consciousness, mind, ideation,* and, depending on the aforesaid, mind-consciousness-element. This is called consciousness. This consciousness is accompanied by, co-nascent with, conjoined with, associated with this compassion. Therefore this is called “with mind accompanied by compassion”.
– See paragraph 184 .
PTS cs 660“Extensive” means: That which is extensive is sublime; that which is sublime is unlimited; that which is unlimited is without enmity; that which is without enmity is without illwill.
PTS cs 661“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.
PTS cs 662“Dwells” means:* Therefore this is called “dwells”.
– See paragraph 656 .
3. Sympathetic Joy
PTS cs 663And how does a bhikkhu dwell with mind accompanied by sympathetic joy, suffusing one direction? Just as (he), seeing, may have sympathetic joy for a lovely, pleasant person; in the same way he suffuses all beings with sympathetic joy.
Therein what is sympathetic joy ? That which in beings is sympathetic joy, act of sympathetic joy, state of sympathetic joy, sympathetic joy that is mental freedom (from jealousy). This is called sympathetic joy. PTS vp 275
Therein BA 361 what is consciousness ? That which is consciousness, mind, ideation,* and, depending on the aforesaid, mind-consciousness-element. This is called consciousness. This consciousness is accompanied by, co-nascent with, conjoined with, associated with this sympathetic joy. Therefore this is called “with mind accompanied by sympathetic joy”.
– See paragraph 184 .
PTS cs 664“One direction” means: Easterly direction or westerly direction or northerly direction or southerly direction or above or below or around or intermediate direction.
PTS cs 665“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.
PTS cs 666“Dwells” means:* Therefore this is called “dwells”.
– See paragraph 656 .
PTS cs 667“Also a second direction” means: As one direction so also a second direction; so also a third direction; so also a fourth direction; so also above; so also below; so also around; so also an intermediate direction.
PTS cs 668“Everywhere, identifying himself with all, the world of all (beings)” means: Exclusively, completely, without remainder, entirely; this is an all-embracing expression “everywhere, identifying himself with all, the world of all (beings)”.
PTS cs 669“With mind accompanied by sympathetic joy” means: Therein what is sympathetic joy ? That which in beings is sympathetic joy, act of sympathetic joy, state of sympathetic joy, sympathetic joy that is mental freedom. This is called sympathetic joy.
Therein what is consciousness ? That which is consciousness, mind, ideation,* and, depending on the aforesaid, mind-consciousness-element. This is called consciousness. This consciousness is accompanied by, co-nascent with, conjoined with, associated with this sympathetic joy. Therefore this is called “with mind accompanied by sympathetic joy”.
– See paragraph 184 .
PTS cs 670BA 362 “Extensive” means: That which is extensive is sublime; that which is sublime is unlimited; that which is unlimited is without enmity; that which is without enmity is without illwill.
PTS cs 671“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.
PTS cs 672“Dwells” means* Therefore this is called “dwells”.
– See paragraph 656 .
4. Equanimity
PTS cs 673And how does a bhikkhu dwell with mind accompanied by equanimity, suffusing one direction? Just as (he) seeing, may have equanimity for a person who is neither pleasant nor unpleasant; in the same way he suffuses all beings with equanimity.
Therein what is equanimity ? PTS vp 276 That which in beings is equanimity, act of equanimity, state of equanimity, equanimity that is mental freedom (from distraction). This is called equanimity.
Therein what is consciousness ? That which is consciousness, mind, ideation,* and, depending on the aforesaid, mind-consciousness-element. This is called consciousness. This consciousness is accompanied by, co-nascent with, conjoined with, associated with this equanimity. Therefore this is called “with mind accompanied by equanimity”.
– See paragraph 184 .
PTS cs 674“One direction” means: Easterly direction or westerly direction or northerly direction or southerly direction or above or below or around or intermediate direction.
PTS cs 675“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.
PTS cs 676“Dwells” means:* Therefore this is called “dwells”.
– See paragraph 656 .
PTS cs 677“Also a second direction” means: As one direction so also a second direction; so also a third direction; so also a fourth direction; so also above; so also below; so also around; so also an intermediate direction.
PTS cs 678BA 363 “Everywhere, identifying himself with all, the world of all (beings)” means: Exclusively, completely, without remainder, entirely; this is an all-embracing expression “everywhere, identifying himself with all, the world of all (beings)”.
PTS cs 679“With mind accompanied by equanimity” means: Therein what is equanimity ? That which in beings is equanimity, act of equanimity, state of equanimity, equanimity that is mental freedom. This is called equanimity.
Therein what is consciousness ? That which is consciousness, mind, ideation,* and, depending on the aforesaid, mind-consciousness-element. This is called consciousness. This consciousness is accompanied by, co-nascent with, conjoined with, associated with this equanimity. Therefore this is called “with mind accompanied by equanimity”.
– See paragraph 184 .
PTS cs 680“Extensive” means: That which is extensive is sublime; that which is sublime is unlimited; that which is unlimited is without enmity; that which is without enmity is without illwill.
PTS cs 681“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.
PTS cs 682“Dwells” means:* Therefore this is called “dwells”.
– See paragraph 656 .
(Here Ends) Analysis According to the Discourses
2. Analysis According to Abhidhamma
PTS cs 683The four illimitables are: Loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity.
PTS cs 684Therein what is loving-kindness ? PTS vp 277 Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures,* attains and dwells in the first jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness; that which at that time is BA 364 | loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom (from illwill). This is called loving-kindness. (As also are) The remaining states associated with loving-kindness. (1)
– See paragraph 205 .
Therein what is loving-kindness ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application,* attains and dwells in the second jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness; that which at that time is loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom. This is called loving-kindness. (As also are) The remaining states associated with loving-kindness. (2)
– See paragraph 205 .
Therein what is loving-kindness ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, desireless of zest,* attains and dwells in the third jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness; that which at that time is loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom. This is called loving-kindness. (As also are) The remaining states associated with loving-kindness. (3)
– See paragraph 205 .
PTS cs 685Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures,* attains and dwells in the first jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness; that which at that time is loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom. This is called loving-kindness. (As also are) The remaining states associated with loving-kindness. (1) (4)
– See paragraph 205 .
Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures, aloof from bad states, attains and dwells in the second jhāna without initial application, sustained application only, with zest and pleasure born of detachment, accompanied by loving-kindness; that which at that time is loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom. This is called BA 365 | loving-kindness. (As also are) The remaining states associated with loving-kindness. (2) (5)
Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application,* attains and dwells in the third jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness; that which at that time is loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom. This is called loving-kindness. (As also are) The remaining states associated with loving-kindness. (3) (6)
– See paragraph 205 .
Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, desireless of zest,* attains and dwells in the fourth jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness; that which at that time is loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom. This is called loving-kindness. (As also are) The remaining states associated with loving-kindness. (4) (7) PTS vp 278
– See paragraph 205 .
PTS cs 686Therein what is compassion ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures,* attains and dwells in the first jhāna accompanied by compassion; that which at that time is compassion, being compassionate, state of being compassionate, compassion that is mental freedom (from cruelty). This is called compassion. (As also are) The remaining states associated with compassion. (1)
– See paragraph 205 .
Therein what is compassion ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application,* attains and dwells in the second jhāna accompanied by compassion; that which at that time is compassion, being compassionate, state of being compassionate, compassion that is mental freedom. This is called compassion. (As also are) The remaining states associated with compassion. (2)
– See paragraph 205 .
Therein what is compassion ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, BA 366 | desireless of zest,* attains and dwells in the third jhāna accompanied by compassion; that which at that time is compassion, being compassionate, state of being compassionate, compassion that is mental freedom. This is called compassion. (As also are) The remaining states associated with compassion. (3)
– See paragraph 205 .
PTS cs 687Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures,* attains and dwells in the first jhāna accompanied by compassion; that which at that time is compassion, being compassionate, state of being compassionate, compassion that is mental freedom. This is called compassion. (As also are) The remaining states associated with compassion. (1) (4)
– See paragraph 205 .
Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures, aloof from bad states, attains and dwells in the second jhāna without initial application, sustained application only, with zest and pleasure born of detachment, accompanied by compassion; that which at that time is compassion, being compassionate, state of being compassionate, compassion that is mental freedom. This is called compassion. (As also are) The remaining states associated with compassion. (2) (5)
Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application,* attains and dwells in the third jhāna accompanied by compassion; that which at that time is PTS vp 279 compassion, being compassionate, state of being compassionate, compassion that is mental freedom. This is called compassion. (As also are) The remaining states associated with compassion. (3) (6)
– See paragraph 205 .
Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, desireless of zest,* attains and dwells in the fourth jhāna accompanied by compassion; that which at that time is compassion, being compassionate, state of being compassionate, compassion that is mental freedom. This is called BA 367 | compassion. (As also are) The remaining states associated with compassion. (4) (7)
– See paragraph 205 .
PTS cs 688Therein what is sympathetic joy ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures,* attains and dwells in the first jhāna accompanied by sympathetic joy; that which at that time is sympathetic joy, act of sympathetic joy, state of sympathetic joy, sympathetic joy that is mental freedom (from jealousy). This is called sympathetic joy. (As also are) The remaining states associated with sympathetic joy. (1)
– See paragraph 205 .
Therein what is sympathetic joy ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application,* attains and dwells in the second jhāna accompanied by sympathetic joy; that which at that time is sympathetic joy, act of sympathetic joy, state of sympathetic joy, sympathetic joy that is mental freedom. This is called sympathetic joy. (As also are) The remaining states associated with sympathetic joy. (2)
– See paragraph 205 .
Therein what is sympathetic joy ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, desireless of zest,* attains and dwells in the third jhāna accompanied by sympathetic joy; that which at that time is sympathetic joy, act of sympathetic joy, state of sympathetic joy, sympathetic joy that is mental freedom. This is called sympathetic joy. (As also are) The remaining states associated with sympathetic joy. (3)
– See paragraph 205 .
PTS cs 689Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures,* attains and dwells in the first jhāna accompanied by sympathetic joy; that which at that time is sympathetic joy, act of sympathetic joy, state of sympathetic joy, sympathetic joy that is mental freedom. This is called sympathetic joy. (As also are) The remaining states associated with sympathetic joy. (1) (4)
– See paragraph 205 .
Herein BA 368 at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures, aloof from bad states, attains and dwells in the second jhāna without initial application, sustained application only, with zest and pleasure born of detachment, accompanied by sympathetic joy; that which at that time is sympathetic joy, act of sympathetic joy, state of sympathetic joy, sympathetic joy that is mental freedom. This is called sympathetic joy. (As also are) The remaining states associated with sympathetic joy. (2) (5)
Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application,* attains and dwells in the third jhāna accompanied by sympathetic joy; that which at that time is sympathetic joy, act of sympathetic joy, state of sympathetic joy, sympathetic joy that is mental freedom. This is called sympathetic joy. (As also are) The remaining states associated with sympathetic joy. (3) (6)
– See paragraph 205 .
Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, desireless of zest,* attains and dwells in the fourth jhāna accompanied by sympathetic joy; that which at that time is sympathetic joy, act of sympathetic joy, state of sympathetic joy, sympathetic joy that is mental freedom. This is called sympathetic joy. (As also are) The remaining states associated with sympathetic joy. (4) (7)
– See paragraph 205 .
PTS cs 690Therein what is equanimity ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, by the abandoning of pleasure,* attains and dwells in the fourth jhāna accompanied by equanimity; that which at that time is equanimity, act of equanimity, state of equanimity, equanimity that is mental freedom (from distraction). This is called equanimity. (As also are) The remaining states associated with equanimity.
– See paragraph 205 .
PTS cs 691The four illimitables are: Loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity.
PTS cs 692Therein what is loving-kindness ? Herein at the time when a BA 369 | bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures, attains and dwells in the first jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness; at that time there is contact, 2 there is non-wavering. These states are good. Having done, having accumulated that same good action characteristic of the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures,* attains and dwells in resultant first jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness; that which at that time is loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom (from illwill). This is called loving-kindness. (As also are) The remaining states associated with loving-kindness.
– See paragraph 205 .
– 2 See Dhammasaṅgaṇī paragraph 1 .
Therein what is loving-kindness ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application, attains and dwells in the second PTS vp 280 jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness; at that time there is contact, 2 there is non-wavering. These states are good.
Having done, having accumulated that same good action characteristic of the plane of form, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application, resultant second jhāna. 3 Third jhāna. 3 First jhāna. 3 Second jhāna. 3 Third jhāna. 3 Attains and dwells in the fourth jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness; that which at that time is loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom.
This is called loving-kindness. (As also are) The remaining states associated with loving-kindness.
– See paragraph 205 .
– 2 See Dhammasaṅgaṇī paragraph 1 .
– 3 Complete each in general form of first jhāna, paragraph 692 , but with appropriate modifications.
PTS cs 693Therein what is compassion ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures, attains and dwells in the first jhāna accompanied by compassion; at that time there is contact, 2 there is non-wavering. These states are good. Having done, having accumulated that same good action characteristic of the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures,* attains and dwells in resultant first jhāna accompanied by compassion; that which at that time is compassion, being compassionate, state of BA 370 | being compassionate, compassion that is mental freedom (from cruelty). This is called compassion. (As also are) The remaining states associated with compassion.
– See paragraph 205 .
– 2 See Dhammasaṅgaṇī paragraph 1 .
Therein what is compassion ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application, attains and dwells in the second jhāna accompanied by compassion; at that time there is contact, 2 there is non-wavering. These states are good.
Having done, having accumulated that same good action characteristic of the plane of form, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application, resultant second jhāna. 3 Third jhāna. 3 First jhāna. 3 Second jhāna. 3 Third jhāna. 3 Attains and dwells in the fourth jhāna accompanied by compassion; that which at that time is compassion, being compassionate, state of being compassionate, compassion that is mental freedom.
This is called compassion. (As also are) The remaining states associated with compassion. PTS vp 281
– See paragraph 205 .
– 2 See Dhammasaṅgaṇī paragraph 1 .
– 3 Complete each in general form of first jhāna, paragraph 693 , but with appropriate modifications.
PTS cs 694Therein what is sympathetic joy ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures, attains and dwells in the first jhāna accompanied by sympathetic joy; at that time there is contact, 2 there is non-wavering. These states are good. Having done, having accumulated that same good action characteristic of the plane of form, he, aloof from sense pleasures,* attains and dwells in resultant first jhāna accompanied by sympathetic joy; that which at that time is sympathetic joy, act of sympathetic joy, state of sympathetic joy, sympathetic joy that is mental freedom (from jealousy). This is called sympathetic joy. (As also are) The remaining states associated with sympathetic joy.
– See paragraph 205 .
– 2 See Dhammasaṅgaṇī paragraph 1 .
Therein what is sympathetic joy ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application, attains and dwells in the second jhāna accompanied by sympathetic joy; at that time there is contact, 2 there is non-wavering. These BA 371 | states are good.
Having done, having accumulated that same good action characteristic of the plane of form, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application, resultant second jhāna. 3 Third jhāna. 3 First jhāna. 3 Second jhāna. 3 Third jhāna. 3 Attains and dwells in the fourth jhāna accompanied by sympathetic joy; that which at that time is sympathetic joy, act of sympathetic joy, state of sympathetic joy, sympathetic joy that is mental freedom.
This is called sympathetic joy. (As also are) The remaining states associated with sympathetic joy.
– See paragraph 205 .
– 2 See Dhammasaṅgaṇī paragraph 1 .
– 3 Complete each in general form of first jhāna, paragraph 694 , but with appropriate modifications.
PTS cs 695Therein what is equanimity ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops the path for rebirth in the plane of form, he, by the abandoning of pleasure, attains and dwells in the fourth jhāna accompanied by equanimity; at that time there is contact, 2 there is non-wavering. These states are good. Having done, having accumulated that same good action characteristic of the plane of form, he, by the abandoning of pleasure, by the abandoning of pain,* attains and dwells in resultant fourth jhāna accompanied by equanimity; that which at that time is equanimity, act of equanimity, state of equanimity, equanimity that is mental freedom. This is called equanimity. (As also are) The remaining states associated with equanimity.
– See paragraph 205 .
– 2 See Dhammasaṅgaṇī paragraph 1 .
PTS cs 696The four illimitables are: Loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity.
PTS cs 697Therein what is loving-kindness ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops jhāna characteristic of the plane of form, that is inoperative, neither good nor bad nor the resultant of action, (is the cause of) pleasant living in the present existence, he, aloof from sense pleasures,* attains and dwells in the first jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness; PTS vp 282 that which at that time is loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom (from illwill). This is called loving-kindness. (As also are) The remaining states associated with loving-kindness.
– See paragraph 205 .
Therein BA 372 what is loving-kindness ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops jhāna characteristic of the plane of form, that is inoperative, neither good nor bad nor the resultant of action, (is the cause of) pleasant living in the present existence, he, inhibiting initial application and sustained application, second jhāna. 2 Third jhāna. 2 First jhāna. 2 Second jhāna. 2 Third jhāna. 2 Attains and dwells in the fourth jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness; that which at that time is loving, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is mental freedom. This is called loving-kindness. (As also are) The remaining states associated with loving-kindness.
– See paragraph 205 .
– 2 Complete each in general form of first jhāna, paragraph 697 , but with appropriate modifications.
PTS cs 698Therein what is compassion ? Therein what is sympathetic joy ? Therein what is equanimity ? Herein at the time when a bhikkhu develops jhāna characteristic of the plane of form, that is inoperative, neither good nor bad nor the resultant of action, (is the cause of) pleasant living in the present existence, he, by the abandoning of pleasure, by the abandoning of pain,* 2 attains and dwells in the fourth jhāna accompanied by equanimity; that which at that time is equanimity, act of equanimity, state of equanimity, equanimity that is mental freedom. This is called equanimity. (As also are) The remaining states associated with equanimity.
– As paragraph 697 with appropriate modifications.
– 2 See paragraph 205 .
(Here Ends) Analysis According to Abhidhamma
3. Interrogation
PTS cs 699The four illimitables are: Herein a bhikkhu dwells with mind accompanied by loving-kindness, suffusing one direction. Also a second direction. Also a third direction.
Also a fourth direction. Thus, above, below, around, everywhere, identifying himself with all, he dwells suffusing the world of all (beings) with mind accompanied by loving-kindness, extensive, sublime, unlimited, BA 373 | free from enmity, free from illwill. He dwells with mind accompanied by compassion, suffusing one direction.
Also a second direction. Also a third direction. Also a fourth direction.
Thus, above, below, around, everywhere, identifying himself with all, he dwells suffusing the world of all (beings) with mind accompanied by compassion, extensive, sublime, unlimited, free from enmity, free from illwill. He dwells with mind accompanied by sympathetic joy, suffusing one direction. Also a second direction.
Also a third direction. Also a fourth direction. Thus, above, below, around, everywhere, identifying himself with all, he dwells suffusing the world of all (beings) with mind accompanied by sympathetic joy, extensive, sublime, unlimited, free from enmity, free from illwill.
He dwells with mind accompanied by equanimity, suffusing one direction. Also a second direction. Also a third direction.
Also a fourth direction. Thus, above, below, around, everywhere, identifying himself with all, he dwells suffusing the world of all (beings) with mind accompanied by equanimity, extensive, sublime, unlimited, free from enmity, free from illwill.
PTS cs 700Of the four illimitables how many are good; how many bad; how many neither-good-nor-bad.* How many with cause of bewailing; how many without cause of bewailing? PTS vp 283
– Remaining appropriate triplets and couplets.
1. The Triplets
PTS cs 701(The four illimitables) Sometimes are good; sometimes are neither-good-nor-bad. Three illimitables are associated with pleasant feeling. Equanimity is associated with neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling. (The four illimitables) Sometimes are resultants; sometimes are productive of resultants; sometimes are neither resultants nor productive of resultants.
Sometimes are grasped (by craving and false view), are objects of the attachments; sometimes are not grasped, are objects of the attachments. Are not corrupt, are objects of the corruptions. Three illimitables sometimes are accompanied by initial application, accompanied by sustained application; sometimes are without initial application, sustained application only; sometimes are without initial application, without sustained application.
Equanimity is without initial application, without sustained application. Three illimitables sometimes are BA 374 | accompanied by zest; sometimes are accompanied by pleasure; are not accompanied by equanimity; sometimes should not be said to be, accompanied by zest. Equanimity is accompanied by equanimity. (The four illimitables) Are not to be abandoned either by the first path or by the subsequent paths.
Have no roots to be abandoned either by the first path or by the subsequent paths. Sometimes are cumulative (of continuing rebirth and death); sometimes are neither cumulative nor dispersive. Are neither of the seven supramundane stages nor of the final supramundane stage.
Are sublime. Should not be said to have either, low objects; sublime objects, or immeasurable object. Are intermediate.
Are of no fixed (resultant time). Should not be said to have either, path as their object; path as their cause or path as their dominating factor. Sometimes are risen; sometimes are not risen; sometimes are bound to arise.
Sometimes are past; sometimes are future; sometimes are present. Should not be said to have either, past objects; future objects or present objects. Sometimes are internal; sometimes are external; sometimes are both internal and external.
Have external objects. Are not visible, are not impingent.
2. The Couplets
PTS cs 702Loving-kindness is root. Three illimitables are not roots. (The four illimitables) Are accompanied by roots. Are associated with roots. Loving-kindness is root also accompanied by roots. Three illimitables should not be said to be, roots also accompanied by roots; (they) are accompanied by roots but are not roots. Loving-kindness is root also associated with roots. Three illimitables should not be said to be, roots also associated with roots; (they) are associated with roots but are not roots. Three illimitables are not roots, are accompanied by roots. Loving-kindness should not be said to be, not root, is accompanied by roots or not root, is not accompanied by roots.
(The four illimitables) Are with cause. Are conditioned. Are not visible. Are not impingent. Are not material. Are mundane. Are cognizable by one way; are not cognizable by another way. Are not defilements. Are objects of the defilements. Are not associated with the defilements. Should not be said to be, defilements also objects of the defilements; (they) are objects of BA 375 | the defilements but are not defilements. Should not be said to be, PTS vp 284 defilements also associated with the defilements or associated with the defilements but are not defilements. Are not associated with the defilements, are objects of the defilements.
(The four illimitables) Are not fetters. Are not ties. Are not floods. Are not bonds. Are not hindrances. Are not perversions. Have objects. Are not consciousness. Are mental concomitants. Are associated with consciousness. Are conjoined with consciousness. Are generated by consciousness. Are co-existent with consciousness. Accompany consciousness. Are conjoined with, generated by consciousness. Are conjoined with, generated by, co-existent with consciousness. Are conjoined with, generated by, accompany consciousness. Are external. Are not derived. Sometimes are grasped; sometimes are not grasped.
– Complete as for defilements in previous paragraph
(The four illimitables) Are not attachments. Are not corruptions. Are not to be abandoned by the first path. Are not to be abandoned by the subsequent paths. Have no roots to be abandoned by the first path.
Have no roots to be abandoned by the subsequent paths. Three illimitables sometimes are accompanied by initial application; sometimes are without initial application. Equanimity is without initial application.
Three illimitables sometimes are accompanied by sustained application; sometimes are without sustained application. Equanimity is without sustained application. Three illimitables sometimes are with zest; sometimes are without zest.
Equanimity is without zest. Three illimitables sometimes are accompanied by zest; sometimes are not accompanied by zest. Equanimity is not accompanied by zest.
Three illimitables are accompanied by pleasure. Equanimity is not accompanied by pleasure. Equanimity is accompanied by equanimity.
Three illimitables are not accompanied by equanimity. (The four illimitables) Are not characteristic of the plane of desire. Are characteristic of the plane of form. Are not characteristic of the formless plane.
Are included (i.e. are mundane). Do not tend to release. Are of no fixed (resultant time).
Are surpassable. Are without cause of bewailing.
– Complete as for defilements in earlier paragraph
(Here Ends) Interrogation
Analysis of the Illimitables is Ended
The Book of Analysis , an English translation of the Pali Abhidhamma Vibhaṅga. Translated by Paṭhamkyaw Ashin Thiṭṭila (Seiṭṭhila) . Published by Pali Text Society, 1969 .
This SuttaCentral edition was prepared by Manfred Wierich and Ven. Vimala and proofread by Ariya Baumann . Some changes were introduced:
– Internal and external links were added, so that readers can easily click the numerous references.
– Some abbreviations were expanded.
– Obvious oversights and errors were corrected, all of them minor.
The pagination of the original PTS edition can be found on the margins. Unless the page break begins a new paragraph, a vertical bar indicates the beginning of the new page.
This electronic version is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 3.0 licence (CC BY-NC 3.0) as found here: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/
All copyright is owned by the Pali Text Society. See also the statement under http://www.palitext.com/ → Publications → Copyright Announcement. For non-commercial use only.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.