13. Analysis of the Illimitables

1. Analysis According to the Discourses

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

And 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 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, 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”.

“One direction” means: Easterly direction or westerly direction or northerly direction or southerly direction or above or below or around or intermediate direction.

“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.

“Dwells” means: Assumes the four postures, exists, protects, keeps going, maintains, turns about, dwells. Therefore this is called “dwells”.

“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.

“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)”.

“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, | associated with this loving-kindness. Therefore this is called “with mind accompanied by loving-kindness”.

* See paragraph 184.

“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.

“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.

“Dwells” means:* Therefore this is called “dwells”.

* See paragraph 646.

2. Compassion

And 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? 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.

“One direction” means: Easterly direction or westerly direction or northerly direction or southerly direction or above or below or around or intermediate direction.

“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.

“Dwells” means: Assumes the four postures, exists, protects, keeps going, maintains, turns about, dwells. Therefore this is called “dwells”.

“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.

“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)”.

“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.

“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.

“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.

“Dwells” means:* Therefore this is called “dwells”.

* See paragraph 656.

3. Sympathetic Joy

And 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.

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.

“One direction” means: Easterly direction or westerly direction or northerly direction or southerly direction or above or below or around or intermediate direction.

“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.

“Dwells” means:* Therefore this is called “dwells”.

* See paragraph 656.

“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.

“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)”.

“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.

“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.

“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.

“Dwells” means* Therefore this is called “dwells”.

* See paragraph 656.

4. Equanimity

And 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? 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.

“One direction” means: Easterly direction or westerly direction or northerly direction or southerly direction or above or below or around or intermediate direction.

“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.

“Dwells” means:* Therefore this is called “dwells”.

* See paragraph 656.

“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.

“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)”.

“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.

“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.

“Suffusing” means: Suffusing, releasing fully.

“Dwells” means:* Therefore this is called “dwells”.

* See paragraph 656.

(Here Ends) Analysis According to the Discourses

2. Analysis According to Abhidhamma

The four illimitables are: Loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity.

Therein what is loving-kindness? 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 | 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.

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 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 | 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)

* 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, 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, | 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.

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. 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 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 | compassion. (As also are) The remaining states associated with compassion. (4) (7)

* 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, 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.

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. This is called sympathetic joy. (As also are) The remaining states associated with sympathetic joy. (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 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.

Therein 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.

The four illimitables are: Loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity.

Therein what is loving-kindness? 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; 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 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.

Therein 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 | 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.

* See paragraph 205.
*² See Dhammasaṅgaṇī paragraph 1.
*³ Complete each in general form of first jhāna, paragraph 693, but with appropriate modifications.

Therein 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 | 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.

Therein 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.

The four illimitables are: Loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity.

Therein 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; 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 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.

Therein 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

The 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, | 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.

Of 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?

* Remaining appropriate triplets and couplets.

1. The Triplets

(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 | 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

Loving-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 | the defilements but are not defilements. Should not be said to be, 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