On the full moon day

At one time The Blessed One was abiding in the Pubba monastery, the palace of Migara's mother. The Blessed One was seated in that night of the full moon surrounded by the Community of bhikkhus. The Blessed One observing the silent Community of bhikkhus addressed them:

Bhikkhus, this Community of bhikkhus is not neglectful, free from prattle, established in the pure essence. Bhikkhus, a Community of this nature is rare to be seen in the world. Bhikkhus, a Community of bhikkhus of this nature are reverential, suitable for hospitality, gifts and for reverence with clasped hands, the incomparable field of merit for the world. A small gift given to such a Community of bhikkhus is of much value, and more valuable when a bigger gift is given. It is good to go a long distance with provisions for the journey to see such a Community of bhikkhus. Bhikkhus, this is such a Community of bhikkhus.

Bhikkhus, in this Community there are bhikkhus who partake, heavenly bliss, the bliss of the brahma worlds, the bliss of imperturbability and the bliss of nobility.

Bhikkhus, how does the bhikkhu partake heavenly bliss?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu secluded from sensual desires ... re ... abides in the first higher state of mind ... re ... in the second higher state of mind ... re ... in the third higher state of mind, ... re ... in the fourth higher state of mind. Bhikkhus, thus the bhikkhu abides in heavenly bliss.

Bhikkhus, how does the bhikkhu partake the bliss of the brahma world?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu pervades one direction with loving kindness ... re ... with compassion, ... re ... with intrinsic joy, ... re ... with equanimity, also the second, the third, the fourth, above, below and across in every respect, under all circumstances, entirely, he pervades with equanimity grown great and immeasurable. Thus the bhikkhu partakes the bliss of the brahma world.

Bhikkhus, how does the bhikkhu partake the bliss of imperturbability?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu overcoming all perceptions of matter, aversion and varied perceptions, with space is boundless abides in the sphere of space. Overcoming the sphere of space and with consciousness is boundless abides in the sphere of consciousness. Overcoming all the sphere of consciousness, with there is nothing abides in the sphere of no-thingness. Overcoming the sphere of no-thingness abides in the sphere of neither perception nor non-perception. Bhikkhus, thus the bhikkhu abides in imperturbability.

Bhikkhus, how does the bhikkhu abide in nobility?

Here, bhikkhus, the bhikkhu knows as it really is, this is unpleasant ... re ... knows as it really is, this is the path leading to the cessation of unpleasantness. Thus the bhikkhu abides in nobility.