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9. 39-46 Shukladhyan
Though both involve analysis, there is a disparity in that the first involves multiplicity (distinction), whereas the second involves unity (non-distinction). Likewise, the first includes contemplation (cognitive activity), while the second does not. For this reason, these two types of meditation are respectively called "Pṛthaktvavitaraka-Savicāra" (meditation with thought of distinction) and "Ekatvavitaraka-Nirvicāra" (meditation devoid of thought of distinction).
Pṛthaktvavitaraka-Savicāra - When the meditator has prior knowledge, he contemplates based on previous teachings (śrut) about various transformations of a substance, such as emergence, persistence, destruction, materiality, and immateriality, associated with atoms or the conscious self. If he does not have prior knowledge, he bases his contemplation on the possible teachings within himself. The meditator considers the distinctions of the various aspects of a single substance through diverse perspectives, and, as far as possible, guided by the knowledge obtained from scripture, he transitions from one substance-related meaning to another, or from one type of meaning to another, or between different meanings of the same type, or from meanings to substance-related meanings. He also shifts his focus between meanings and words and may choose any one of the three types of practices (yoga), leaving others aside. Thus, this meditation is termed Pṛthaktvavitaraka-Savicāra because it employs analytical reasoning (scriptural knowledge) to contemplate the distinctions of aspects within a single substance from various viewpoints and transitions from one meaning to another, from one word to another, or from one practice to another.
Ekatvavitaraka-Nirvicāra - In contrast to the previous statement, when the meditator focuses on just one aspect of meaning based on the possible knowledge within himself, he contemplates unity (non-distinction) without changing between different practices or shifting between the word and meaning. Here, he remains steadfast in just one of the three practices while contemplating the word and meaning, and does not alter between different practices; thus, this meditation is termed Ekatvavitaraka-Nirvicāra, as it involves analytical reasoning yet primarily emphasizes unity (non-distinction) without any change in meanings, words, or practices.
Only after firmly establishing the practice of distinction can one attain the qualification for the practice of non-distinction. Just as the poison from a snake that spreads throughout the body can be contained and directed through an antidote to the site of the sting.