5.
The Discourse on a Hundred Spears
1105.
"Just as, monks, a man with a lifespan of a hundred years, living for a hundred years.
They might say to him thus -
'Come, good man, in the earlier period of the day they will strike you with a hundred spears, at the noon period of the day they will strike you with a hundred spears, in the afternoon period of the day they will strike you with a hundred spears.
And you, good man, being struck day by day with three hundred spears each, with a lifespan of a hundred years, living for a hundred years, by the elapse of a hundred years, you will fully realise the four noble truths that have not been fully realised.'"
"For a son of good family who is intent on the good, it would be fitting to accept. What is the reason for this? This wandering in the round of rebirths, monks, is without discernible beginning. A first point is not discerned of blows from spears, blows from swords, blows from arrows, blows from axes. Even if this were so, monks. But I do not say, monks, that the full realisation of the four noble truths is together with suffering, together with displeasure; but I say, monks, that the full realisation of the four noble truths is together with happiness, together with pleasure. Which four? The noble truth of suffering, etc. the noble truth of the practice leading to the cessation of suffering.
"Therefore, monks, exertion is to be done regarding 'This is suffering', etc. exertion is to be done regarding 'This is the practice leading to the cessation of suffering.'" The fifth.