[20] "Here, householder, a bhikkhu (bhikkhu), secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome states, enters upon and dwells in the first jhāna (paṭhamaṃ jhānaṃ), which is accompanied by thought (vitakka) and examination (vicāra), with rapture and happiness born of seclusion. He reflects thus: 'This first jhāna too is conditioned (abhisaṅkhata) and intentionally produced (abhisañcetayita); and whatever is conditioned and intentionally produced is impermanent, subject to cessation'—thus he understands. Established therein, he attains the destruction of the taints (āsava). If he does not attain the destruction of the taints, then through that very passion for the Dhamma, that very delight in the Dhamma, with the utter destruction of the five lower fetters he becomes one of spontaneous rebirth (opapātika), attaining final Nibbāna there, not subject to returning from that world.
"This too, householder, is one thing declared by that Blessed One who knows and sees, the Arahant, the Fully Self-Awakened One, wherein, as a bhikkhu dwells diligent, ardent, and resolute, his unliberated mind (citta) becomes liberated, his undestroyed taints come to destruction, and he attains the as-yet-unattained supreme security from bondage (yogakkhema).
"Furthermore, householder, with the subsiding of thought and examination, a bhikkhu … enters upon and dwells in the second jhāna. He reflects thus: 'This second jhāna too is conditioned and intentionally produced …' … he attains the supreme security from bondage.
"Furthermore, householder, with the fading away of rapture … a bhikkhu enters upon and dwells in the third jhāna. He reflects thus: 'This third jhāna too is conditioned and intentionally produced …' … he attains the supreme security from bondage.
"Furthermore, householder, with the abandoning of happiness … a bhikkhu enters upon and dwells in the fourth jhāna. He reflects thus: 'This fourth jhāna too is conditioned and intentionally produced …' … he attains the supreme security from bondage."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.