It comes down to this above passages from DN-22, which is rather vague: "In this way one abides focused internally upon mental qualities, or externally... not clinging to anything in the world. This is how an aspirant remains focused upon mental qualities with respect to... [any of the 5 dhammas]."
I take this line as being mindfully self-aware.
Do the insights into the dhammas automatically arise from deep absorption, or do you reflect upon them afterwards outside of meditation? You must know what to look for, what to investigate, which is the 2nd factor of the 7 factors of enlightenment, right?
It was my experience, once I began to spend more time in the altered states of consciousness of deep meditation, various superior fruit began to arise, such as intuitive, revelatory insight into a lifestyle, and philosophy that would deepen further my meditation experiences. By meditating ever deeper, I found more superior fruit (maha-phala). It is that simple.
I concur completely. This has also been my experience.
It's a bit like riding a bike for the first time. You have one good run, and begin to realize how to ride it better. Plus you realize the bike is a form of transportation, freedom, etc.
Not the best simile, but it helps
