Only by Attaining the First Dhyāna Can Defilements Be Eradicated

In the first dhyana, the physical and mental sensations are exceedingly blissful, causing one to lose interest in desire for the sensual realm, thereby enabling the elimination of such desire. Since the mind experiences joy within the first dhyana, hatred will be eradicated. Therefore, without the merits and experiential benefits of the first dhyana, it is impossible to eliminate greed and hatred. However, there is a prerequisite: one must first possess the wisdom of severing the view of self. Without this foundation, even if one attains the first dhyana, they cannot eliminate greed and hatred; they can only suppress the afflictions, not sever them. Once the power of concentration fades, the afflictions will reappear. Hence, the elimination of afflictions must be preceded by severing the three fetters before attaining the first dhyana. The realization of any dharma is achieved through the combination of meditative concentration and wisdom; both are indispensable, and the prerequisite is also the accumulation of merit.