[519] "'The base of the infinity of space (ākāsānañcāyatana), the base of the infinity of space,' it is said. What now is the base of the infinity of space? Then, friend, it occurred to me: 'Here a bhikkhu, with the complete transcending of perceptions of form, with the passing away of perceptions of sensory impingement, with non-attention to perceptions of diversity, [aware that] "space is infinite," enters and dwells in the base of the infinity of space. This is called the base of the infinity of space.'
"Then, friend, with the complete transcending of perceptions of form, with the passing away of perceptions of sensory impingement, with non-attention to perceptions of diversity, [aware that] 'space is infinite,' I entered and dwelt in the base of the infinity of space. While I was dwelling in that dwelling, perceptions and attentions accompanied by form assailed me.
"Then, friend, the Blessed One approached me by means of psychic power (iddhi) and said this: 'Moggallāna, Moggallāna! Do not be negligent, brahmin, regarding the base of the infinity of space. Steady your mind (citta) in the base of the infinity of space; unify your mind in the base of the infinity of space; concentrate your mind in the base of the infinity of space.'
"Then, friend, on a later occasion, with the complete transcending of perceptions of form, with the passing away of perceptions of sensory impingement, with non-attention to perceptions of diversity, [aware that] 'space is infinite,' I entered and dwelt in the base of the infinity of space.
"If, friend, one speaking rightly could say of anyone … 'has attained to greatness of direct knowledge,' …"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.