[103] Cunda, it is possible that some bhikkhu here, with the complete transcending of perceptions of form, with the disappearance of perceptions of sensory impingement, with non-attention to perceptions of diversity, [aware that] "space is infinite," might enter upon and dwell in the base of the infinity of space (ākāsānañcāyatana). The thought might occur to him: "I am dwelling in effacement (sallekha)." But, Cunda, in the discipline of the Noble One these are not called "effacement"; in the discipline of the Noble One these are called "peaceful abidings."
Again, Cunda, it is possible that some bhikkhu here, with the complete transcending of the base of the infinity of space, [aware that] "consciousness is infinite," might enter upon and dwell in the base of the infinity of consciousness (viññāṇañcāyatana). The thought might occur to him: "I am dwelling in effacement." But, Cunda, in the discipline of the Noble One these are not called "effacement"; in the discipline of the Noble One these are called "peaceful abidings."
Again, Cunda, it is possible that some bhikkhu here, with the complete transcending of the base of the infinity of consciousness, [aware that] "there is nothing," might enter upon and dwell in the base of nothingness (ākiñcaññāyatana). The thought might occur to him: "I am dwelling in effacement." But, Cunda, in the discipline of the Noble One these are not called "effacement"; in the discipline of the Noble One these are called "peaceful abidings."
Again, Cunda, it is possible that some bhikkhu here, with the complete transcending of the base of nothingness, might enter upon and dwell in the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception (nevasaññānāsaññāyatana). The thought might occur to him: "I am dwelling in effacement." But, Cunda, in the discipline of the Noble One these are not called "effacement"; in the discipline of the Noble One these are called "peaceful abidings."
On Effacement
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.