This is exactly the kind of deeper, but still stable, subtle dullness that can arise in meditation and be intentionally cultivated if we don’t understand what’s happening. We can train ourselves to remain in this state for extended periods. As mentioned, such dullness can make us think we’ve achieved the exclusive focus and blissful states of the later Stages. When our practice is this enjoyable, there’s a strong temptation to see ourselves as adept meditators. Once again, pleasurable subtle dullness is a trap and a dead end.
