[520] "'The base of infinite consciousness (viññāṇañcāyatana), the base of infinite consciousness,' it is said. What now is the base of infinite consciousness? Then, friends, it occurred to me: 'Here a bhikkhu, by completely transcending the base of infinite space (ākāsānañcāyatana), [aware that] "consciousness is infinite," enters and dwells in the base of infinite consciousness. This is called the base of infinite consciousness.'
Then, friends, by completely transcending the base of infinite space, [aware that] 'consciousness is infinite,' I entered and dwelt in the base of infinite consciousness. While I dwelt in that dwelling, perceptions and attentions accompanied by the base of infinite space beset me. Then, friends, the Blessed One approached me by spiritual power (iddhi) and said this: 'Moggallāna, Moggallāna! Do not be negligent, brahmin, regarding the base of infinite consciousness. Steady the mind (citta) in the base of infinite consciousness; unify the mind in the base of infinite consciousness; concentrate the mind in the base of infinite consciousness.' Then, friends, at a later time, by completely transcending the base of infinite space, [aware that] 'consciousness is infinite,' I entered and dwelt in the base of infinite consciousness.
Indeed, friends, if one speaking rightly should say … 'has attained to great direct knowledge.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.