Only with the Attainment of the First Dhyāna Can Afflictions Be Eliminated

Because the physical and mental experiences within the first dhyāna are quite wondrous, one loses interest in the craving of the desire realm, and thus can eliminate craving for the desire realm; because there is joy within the mind in the first dhyāna concentration, hatred can be eliminated. Therefore, without the merits and benefits of the first dhyāna, craving and aversion cannot be eliminated. However, there is a prerequisite: one must first possess the wisdom of eliminating self-view (ātma-dṛṣṭi). Without this prerequisite, even if one attains the first dhyāna concentration, one still cannot eliminate craving and aversion; one can only suppress the afflictions, not eliminate them. Once the power of concentration fades, the afflictions will reappear. Therefore, eliminating afflictions occurs after attaining the first dhyāna concentration, and before that, the three fetters must first be eliminated. The realization of any dharma is the union of meditative concentration and wisdom—neither can be lacking—and the prerequisite is also the possession of merit.