[205] And what, bhikkhus, is the gratification (assāda) of feelings (vedanā)? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu, quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome states, enters upon and dwells in the first jhāna, which is accompanied by thought (vitakka) and examination (vicāra), with rapture (pīti) and happiness born of seclusion. On whatever occasion, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu, quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome states, enters upon and dwells in the first jhāna, which is accompanied by thought and examination, with rapture and happiness born of seclusion — on that occasion he does not intend his own affliction, he does not intend the affliction of others, he does not intend the affliction of both; on that occasion he feels only a feeling that is free from affliction. Freedom from affliction, bhikkhus, is the utmost gratification of feelings, I say.
Again, bhikkhus, with the subsiding of thought and examination, a bhikkhu enters upon and dwells in the second jhāna, which has inner serenity and unification of mind (citta), is without thought and without examination, with rapture and happiness born of concentration (samādhi). On whatever occasion, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu, with the subsiding of thought and examination … dwells therein — on that occasion he does not intend his own affliction … he feels [only a feeling that is free from affliction]. Freedom from affliction, bhikkhus, is the utmost gratification of feelings, I say.
Again, bhikkhus, with the fading away of rapture, a bhikkhu dwells equanimous, and mindful and clearly comprehending, he experiences happiness with the body; he enters upon and dwells in the third jhāna, of which the noble ones declare: "Equanimous and mindful, he dwells in happiness." On whatever occasion, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu, with the fading away of rapture … dwells therein — on that occasion he does not … he feels [only a feeling that is free from affliction]. Freedom from affliction, bhikkhus, is the utmost gratification of feelings, I say.
Again, bhikkhus, with the abandoning of pleasure and the abandoning of pain, and with the previous disappearance of joy and grief, a bhikkhu enters upon and dwells in the fourth jhāna, which is neither-painful-nor-pleasant and has purity of mindfulness due to equanimity. On whatever occasion, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu, with the abandoning of pleasure … dwells therein — on that occasion he does not intend his own affliction, he does not intend the affliction of others, he does not intend the affliction of both; on that occasion he feels only a feeling that is free from affliction. Freedom from affliction, bhikkhus, is the utmost gratification of feelings, I say.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.