[522] "'The base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception, the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception (nevasaññānāsaññāyatana),' it is said. What now is the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception? Then, friends, it occurred to me: 'Here a bhikkhu, having completely transcended the base of nothingness (ākiñcaññāyatana), enters and dwells in the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception. This is called the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception.' Then, friends, having completely transcended the base of nothingness, I entered and dwelt in the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception. As I dwelt in that dwelling, perceptions and attentions accompanied by the base of nothingness assailed me. Then, friends, the Blessed One, having approached me by means of psychic power (iddhi), said this: 'Moggallāna, Moggallāna! Do not be negligent, brahmin, regarding the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception. Steady the mind (citta) in the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception; unify the mind in the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception; concentrate the mind in the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception.' Then, friends, at a later time, having completely transcended the base of nothingness, I entered and dwelt in the base of neither-perception-nor-non-perception. Indeed, friends, if one speaking rightly should speak of anyone … 'has attained to greatness of direct knowledge (mahābhiññatā).'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.