Third Dhyana Level

The third dhyana level is that of the Hinayana, also called the dhyana of liberation. This dhyana is guided by the teachings of karma and emptiness, but it still requires the practice of the four dhyanas2 and the eight samadhis.3 In this dhyana one practices according to the four fruition levels of the arhat. So one can apply the gradual practice of the four dhyanas and the eight samadhis of the realms of form and no-form. After attaining the level of the eight samadhis in the realm of no form, one will be able to enter the ninth samadhi, which is the dhyana of cessation (of sensation and thought), and thus attain arhatship and liberation.

Entering the dhyana of cessation requires the practice of the four dhyana heavens, which I will not explain, but I will explain how to practice in accordance with the four dhyana heavens, using the seven expedient means.

The Seven Expedient Means

The first expedient means are the basic practices of the Five Methods of Stilling the Mind. The second expedient means are the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. The third are the four mindfulnesses practiced together, as described below The fourth through sixth expedient means are warmth, summit, and forbearance. I will not discuss these but go straight to the seventh, supreme in the world.