9.
The Discourse on Comparing Elements
78.
This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Worthy One, thus have I heard:
"According to element, monks, beings flow together and meet with beings. Beings of inferior disposition flow together and meet with beings of inferior disposition; beings of good disposition flow together and meet with beings of good disposition.
"In the past too, monks, according to element beings flowed together and met with beings. Beings of inferior disposition flowed together and met with beings of inferior disposition; beings of good disposition flowed together and met with beings of good disposition.
"In the future too, monks, according to element beings will flow together and meet with beings. Beings of inferior disposition will flow together and meet with beings of inferior disposition; beings of good disposition will flow together and meet with beings of good disposition.
"At present too, monks, in this present time, according to element beings flow together and meet with beings. Beings of inferior disposition flow together and meet with beings of inferior disposition; beings of good disposition flow together and meet with beings of good disposition." The Blessed One said this meaning. Therein this is said:
Just as one might sink in the great ocean, having climbed onto a small piece of wood.
Therefore one should avoid him, the lazy one of inferior energy.
With those constantly putting forth strenuous energy, with the wise ones, one should live together."
This meaning too was spoken by the Blessed One, thus have I heard. The ninth.