Firewns said:
“Phenomena and things in this world cannot be maintained to our satisfaction in the long run. This understanding is what truly matters to us. It also incorporates the above meanings of impermanence and inconstancy, yet it goes deeper than that to what truly exposes us to suffering”.
Yes, i agree. The sutta’s also make clear this is also true for certain produced states, such as jhana and also the Brahma Vihara’s. They are produced, and anything produced will cease. The sutta’s also make clear that anybody who is firm in this, will reach the ending of asava (MN52 en AN11.16).
So we can produce states but in the end these produced states can also not be a refuge.
However, sutta’s are also very clear that developing and cultivating such states as jhana and the Brahma Vihara’s is very advantageous, merotious. Though, in the end, anything conditionally produced cannot be a safe refuge.
Seeing this, what is wise? Not being intent on producing any state? Be firm in that? Or, still, from time to time, being intent on producing states? We do not have to be afraid of merit the Buddha also says.
siebe