[309] "Here, Sandaka, a Tathāgata arises in the world — an Arahant, a Fully Awakened One, accomplished in true knowledge (vijjā) and conduct, a Fortunate One, knower of the world, unsurpassed trainer of persons to be tamed, teacher of gods and humans, awakened, blessed. …
"Having abandoned these five hindrances (nīvaraṇa) — corruptions of the mind (citta) that weaken wisdom — quite secluded from sensual pleasures, secluded from unwholesome states, he enters and dwells in the first jhāna, which is accompanied by thought and examination, with rapture (pīti) and pleasure born of seclusion. Now, Sandaka, when under a teacher a disciple attains a lofty distinction such as this, a wise person would by all means live the holy life under that teacher, and while living it would accomplish the true way, the wholesome Dhamma.
"Furthermore, Sandaka, with the stilling of thought and examination, a bhikkhu … enters and dwells in the second jhāna. Now, Sandaka, when under a teacher a disciple attains a lofty distinction such as this, a wise person would by all means live the holy life under that teacher, and while living it would accomplish the true way, the wholesome Dhamma.
"Furthermore, Sandaka, with the fading away of rapture … a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the third jhāna. Now, Sandaka, when under a teacher a disciple attains a lofty distinction such as this, a wise person would by all means live the holy life under that teacher, and while living it would accomplish the true way, the wholesome Dhamma.
"Furthermore, Sandaka, with the abandoning of pleasure and the abandoning of pain … a bhikkhu enters and dwells in the fourth jhāna. Now, Sandaka, when under a teacher a noble disciple attains a lofty distinction such as this, a wise person would by all means live the holy life under that teacher, and while living it would accomplish the true way, the wholesome Dhamma."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.