[756] Therein, what is loving-kindness (mettā)?
Here a bhikkhu, on the occasion when he develops the path (magga) for rebirth in the form sphere (rūpūpapatti) and, quite secluded from sensual pleasures, … enters and dwells in the first jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness — on that occasion there is contact (phassa) … there is non-distraction (avikkhepa): these phenomena (dhammā) are wholesome. Because that same wholesome kamma of the form sphere (rūpāvacara) has been done and accumulated — as its result (vipāka) — quite secluded from sensual pleasures, … he enters and dwells in the first jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness. Whatever loving-kindness (metti), act of loving-kindness (mettāyanā), state of loving-kindness (mettāyitatta), loving-kindness that is deliverance of mind (mettā-cetovimutti) there is on that occasion — this is called loving-kindness. The remaining phenomena are associated with loving-kindness.
Therein, what is loving-kindness?
Here a bhikkhu, on the occasion when he develops the path for rebirth in the form sphere and, with the stilling of applied thought (vitakka) and sustained thought (vicāra), … enters and dwells in the second jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness — on that occasion there is contact … there is non-distraction: these phenomena are wholesome. Because that same wholesome kamma of the form sphere has been done and accumulated — as its result — with the stilling of applied thought and sustained thought … the second jhāna … the third jhāna … the first jhāna … he enters and dwells in the fourth jhāna accompanied by loving-kindness. Whatever loving-kindness, act of loving-kindness, state of loving-kindness, loving-kindness that is deliverance of mind there is on that occasion — this is called loving-kindness. The remaining phenomena are associated with loving-kindness.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.