Infinite Space
Those who dwell in the thought of renunciation and who succeed in renunciation and rejection realize that their bodies are an obstacle. If they thereby obliterate the obstacle and enter empty space, they are among those in the realm of (infinite) space. (SS VII 230-231)

Infinite Consciousness
At this stage one abandons empty space as an object and also abandons the feelings, cognitions, formations, and consciousness that are associated with it. The only attachment that remains is to a consciousness that is immense and infinite.

Nothing Whatsoever
One contemplates nothing whatever in order to break one’s attachment to and to abandon the state of infinite consciousness.

Neither Cognition Nor Non-Cognition
When the nature of consciousness does not move, within cessation they exhaustively investigate. Within the endless they discern the end of the nature. It is as if it were there and yet not there, as if it were ended and yet not ended. They are among those in the realm of neither cognition nor non-cognition. (SS VII 233-234)

This is the highest state or heaven within the conditioned world. At this stage, although there is still very subtle cognition, it does not function.

Infinite Space
“These gods accomplish renunciation of bliss and rejection of suffering. They know that physical bodies are an obstruction.… They don’t want to be hindered by anything, and so they contemplate their bodies as being just like empty space.…” (SS VII 231)

…[H]aving surpassed all notion of materiality, neglecting all cognition of resistance, one penetrates the realm of endless space. (Dhyāna-sūtra, quoted in DZDL (Lamotte, tr.) II 1032)

Infinite Consciousness
“For those who have eradicated all obstacles, there is neither obstruction nor extinction. Then there remains only the ālaya consciousness (i.e., eighth consciousness) and half of the subtle functions of the manas (i.e., seventh consciousness) (eight consciousnesses). These beings are among those in the realm of infinite consciousness.” (SS VII 231)

“The manas is functioning at only half its capacity, and so the defilement that remains is extremely subtle.” (SS VII 232)

Nothing Whatsoever
Those who have already done away with empty space and form eradicate the conscious mind as well. In the extensive tranquility of the ten directions there is nowhere to go at all. These beings are among those in the realm of nothing whatsoever. (SS VII 232)

“All the worlds of the ten directions throughout the entire Dharma Realm have disappeared. A stillness pervades. There is nowhere to go. Nor is there anywhere to come to.…Although there is nothing whatsoever, nonetheless, the nature of these beings still remains. Their nature is the same as empty space.” (SS VII 233)

Neither Cognition Nor Non-Cognition
“Consciousness is practically nonexistent, and so it is said that there is no thought. However, a very fine trace of thought still exists and so it is called neither cognition nor non-cognition.” (SPV 60)

Because this cognition is subtle and difficult to be aware of, it is called non-cognition. But because it is cognition, it is called not non-cognition. (cf. DZDL (Lamotte, tr.) II 1034)

四無色界