5.
The Discourse on What is Known
5.
"I have come to understand two qualities, monks -
non-contentment in regard to wholesome mental states, and unremittingness in striving.
Unremitting indeed, monks, I strived -
'Let only skin and sinews and bones remain, let the flesh and blood in the body dry up, but what is to be attained by manly strength, by manly energy, by manly effort - without attaining that, there will be no cessation of energy.'
For me, monks, highest enlightenment was attained through diligence, unsurpassed freedom from bondage was attained through diligence.
If you too, monks, were to strive unremittingly -
'Let only skin and sinews and bones remain, let the flesh and blood in the body dry up, but what is to be attained by manly strength, by manly energy, by manly effort - without attaining that, there will be no cessation of energy' - you too, monks, will soon
realise for yourselves, with direct knowledge, in this very life, that unsurpassed consummation of the holy life
for the sake of which sons of good family rightly go forth from home into homelessness; and, having entered upon it, you will dwell in it.
Therefore, monks, you should train thus -
'We will strive unremittingly.
Let only skin and sinews and bones remain, let the flesh and blood in the body dry up, but what is to be attained by manly strength, by manly energy, by manly effort - without attaining that, there will be no cessation of energy.'
Thus indeed, monks, should you train."
The fifth.