The Third Dhyana
“Ananda, there are gods who have perfected light into a wondrous medium of communication, who then go on to explore its wonder until they arrive at the bliss of stillness. These are the beings in the Heaven of New Purity.
“And further up there are gods who have perfected the state of emptiness into a boundless state of being, where they have total lightness and tranquility in their bodies and minds, which eventually lead them to the bliss of stillness. These are the gods in the Heaven of Infinite Purity.
“And then there are gods whose bodies, minds, and surrounding worlds have all become perfectly pure, and this perfect purity is a superior abode where they can return to and take rest in the bliss of stillness. Such are the gods in the Heaven of All-Pervasive Purity.
“Ananda, in these three superior heavens, all beings abide in perfect harmony and infinite bliss, with their bodies at ease and minds in peace. Although they have not yet cultivated Proper Samadhi, their minds are so stable and secure that they experience complete bliss. Such a state is called the Third Dhyana.”
阿難如是天人。圓光成音披音露妙。發成精行通寂滅樂。如是一類名少淨天。淨空現前引發無際。身心輕安成寂滅樂。如是一類名無量淨天。世界身心一切圓淨。淨德成就勝託現前歸寂滅樂。如是一類名遍淨天。阿難此三勝流具大隨順。身心安隱得無量樂。雖非正得真三摩地。安隱心中歡喜畢具名為三禪。
Buddha Mind 