6.
The Chapter on Strenuous Deeds
1.
The Discourse on the Powers
149. At Sāvatthī. "Just as, monks, whatever activities requiring strength are done, all of them are done in dependence on earth, established upon earth, thus these activities requiring strength are done; just so, monks, a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, develops the noble eightfold path, cultivates the noble eightfold path. And how, monks, does a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, develop the noble eightfold path, cultivate the noble eightfold path? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. Thus, monks, a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, develops the noble eightfold path, cultivates the noble eightfold path."
"Just as, monks, whatever activities requiring strength are done, all of them are done in dependence on earth, established upon earth, thus these activities requiring strength are done; just so, monks, a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, develops the noble eightfold path, cultivates the noble eightfold path. And how, monks, does a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, develop the noble eightfold path, cultivate the noble eightfold path? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, with the removal of lust as its final goal, with the removal of hate as its final goal, with the removal of delusion as its final goal, etc. he develops right concentration, with the removal of lust as its final goal, with the removal of hate as its final goal, with the removal of delusion as its final goal. Thus, monks, a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, develops the noble eightfold path, cultivates the noble eightfold path."
"Just as, monks, whatever activities requiring strength are done, all of them are done in dependence on earth, established upon earth, thus these activities requiring strength are done; just so, monks, a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, develops the noble eightfold path, cultivates the noble eightfold path. And how, monks, does a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, develop the noble eightfold path, cultivate the noble eightfold path? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, grounded upon the Deathless, heading for the Deathless, with the Deathless as its final goal, etc. he develops right concentration, grounded upon the Deathless, heading for the Deathless, with the Deathless as its final goal. Thus, monks, a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, develops the noble eightfold path, cultivates the noble eightfold path."
"Just as, monks, whatever activities requiring strength are done, all of them are done in dependence on earth, established upon earth, thus these activities requiring strength are done; just so, monks, a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, develops the noble eightfold path, cultivates the noble eightfold path. And how, monks, does a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, develop the noble eightfold path, cultivate the noble eightfold path? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, slanting towards Nibbāna, sloping towards Nibbāna, inclining towards Nibbāna, etc. he develops right concentration, slanting towards Nibbāna, sloping towards Nibbāna, inclining towards Nibbāna. Thus, monks, a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, develops the noble eightfold path, cultivates the noble eightfold path." The first.
2.
The Discourse on the Seed
150. "Just as, monks, whatever seed-plants and growing plants attain growth, increase, and expansion, all of them do so in dependence on earth, established upon earth, thus these seed-plants and growing plants attain growth, increase, and expansion; just so, monks, a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, attains growth, increase, and expansion in mental states. And how, monks, does a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, attain growth, increase, and expansion in mental states? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, based upon seclusion, etc. he develops right concentration, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. Thus, monks, a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, attains growth, increase, and expansion in mental states." The second.
3.
The Discourse on the Elephant
151. "Just as, monks, serpents, in dependence on the Himalaya, the king of mountains, increase their bodies and gain power; they, having increased their bodies there and gained power, descend into small pools; having descended into small pools, they descend into large pools; having descended into large pools, they descend into rivulets; having descended into rivulets, they descend into great rivers; having descended into great rivers, they descend into the great ocean; there they attain greatness and expansion in body; just so, monks, a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, attains greatness and expansion in mental states. And how, monks, does a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, attain greatness and expansion in mental states? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. he develops right concentration, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. Thus, monks, a monk, in dependence on morality, established upon morality, developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, attains greatness and expansion in mental states." The third.
4.
The Discourse on the Tree
152. "Just as, monks, a tree slanting towards the east, sloping towards the east, inclining towards the east. If it were cut at the root, in which direction would it fall?" "In whichever direction, venerable sir, it slants, in whichever direction it slopes, in whichever direction it inclines." "Just so, monks, a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, slants towards Nibbāna, slopes towards Nibbāna, inclines towards Nibbāna. And how, monks, does a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, slant towards Nibbāna, slope towards Nibbāna, incline towards Nibbāna? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. he develops right concentration, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. Thus, monks, a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, slants towards Nibbāna, slopes towards Nibbāna, inclines towards Nibbāna." The fourth.
5.
The Discourse on the Water-Pot
153. "Just as, monks, an overturned water-pot discharges water and does not take it back in; just so, monks, a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, discharges evil unwholesome mental states and does not take them back in. And how, monks, does a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, discharge evil unwholesome mental states and not take them back in? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. he develops right concentration, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. Thus, monks, a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, discharges evil unwholesome mental states and does not take them back in." The fifth.
6.
The Discourse on the Barley Awn
154. "Just as, monks, a rice-awn or a barley-awn rightly directed, when stepped upon by hand or foot, will pierce the hand or foot, or will draw blood - this is possible. What is the reason for this? Because of the rightly directed awn, monks. Just so, monks, that indeed a monk with rightly directed view, with rightly directed path development, will break through ignorance, will arouse true knowledge, will realize Nibbāna - this is possible. What is the reason for this? Because of the rightly directed view, monks. And how, monks, does a monk with rightly directed view, with rightly directed path development, break through ignorance, arouse true knowledge, realize Nibbāna? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, based upon seclusion, etc. he develops right concentration, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. Thus, monks, a monk with rightly directed view, with rightly directed path development, breaks through ignorance, arouses true knowledge, realizes Nibbāna." The sixth.
7.
The Discourse on Space
155. "Just as, monks, in space various winds blow - eastern winds blow, western winds blow, northern winds blow, southern winds blow, dusty winds blow, dust-free winds blow, cold winds blow, hot winds blow, slight winds blow, exceeding winds blow; just so, monks, for a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, the four establishments of mindfulness also go to fulfilment through development, the four right strivings also go to fulfilment through development, the four bases for spiritual power also go to fulfilment through development, the five faculties also go to fulfilment through development, the five powers also go to fulfilment through development, the seven factors of enlightenment also go to fulfilment through development. And how, monks, for a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, do the four establishments of mindfulness also go to fulfilment through development, the four right strivings also go to fulfilment through development, the four bases for spiritual power also go to fulfilment through development, the five faculties also go to fulfilment through development, the five powers also go to fulfilment through development, the seven factors of enlightenment also go to fulfilment through development? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, etc. he develops right concentration, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. Thus, monks, for a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, the four establishments of mindfulness also go to fulfilment through development, the four right strivings also go to fulfilment through development, the four bases for spiritual power also go to fulfilment through development, the five faculties also go to fulfilment through development, the five powers also go to fulfilment through development, the seven factors of enlightenment also go to fulfilment through development." The seventh.
8.
The First Discourse on the Cloud
156. "Just as, monks, in the last month of summer, the dust and dirt that has been raised up, a great untimely rain cloud causes to disappear with reason and cause, and appeases it; just so, monks, a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, causes to disappear with reason and cause whatever evil unwholesome mental states have arisen, and appeases them. And how, monks, does a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, cause to disappear with reason and cause whatever evil unwholesome mental states have arisen, and appease them? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, etc. he develops right concentration, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. Thus, monks, a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, causes to disappear with reason and cause whatever evil unwholesome mental states have arisen, and appeases them." The eighth.
9.
The Second Discourse on the Cloud
157. "Just as, monks, when a shower has arisen, a great wind causes it to disappear right there and appeases it; just so, monks, a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, causes to disappear right there whatever evil unwholesome mental states have arisen, and appeases them. And how, monks, does a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, cause to disappear right there whatever evil unwholesome mental states have arisen, and appease them? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, etc. he develops right concentration, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. Thus, monks, a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, causes to disappear right there whatever evil unwholesome mental states have arisen, and appeases them." The ninth.
10.
The Discourse on the Boat
158. "Just as, monks, an ocean-going ship bound with cane bindings, having spent six months in the water, when hauled onto dry land in winter, its bindings affected by wind and sun, when rained upon by a rain cloud, easily become loose and rotten; just so, monks, for a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, the mental fetters easily become loose and rotten. And how, monks, for a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, do the mental fetters easily become loose and rotten? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, etc. he develops right concentration, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. Thus, monks, for a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, the mental fetters easily become loose and rotten." The tenth.
11.
The Discourse on the Visitor
159. "Just as, monks, a guest house. There, having come from the eastern direction, they take up residence; having come from the western direction, they take up residence; having come from the northern direction, they take up residence; having come from the southern direction, they take up residence; those of the warrior caste, having come, take up residence; brahmins, having come, take up residence; those of the merchant caste, having come, take up residence; those of the worker caste, having come, take up residence; just so, monks, a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, through direct knowledge, fully understands those mental states that are to be fully understood through direct knowledge; through direct knowledge, abandons those mental states that are to be abandoned through direct knowledge; through direct knowledge, realizes those mental states that are to be realized through direct knowledge; through direct knowledge, develops those mental states that are to be developed through direct knowledge.
And what, monks, are the mental states to be fully understood through direct knowledge? It should be said: the five aggregates of clinging. Which five? That is: the aggregate of clinging to matter, etc. the aggregate of clinging to consciousness. These, monks, are the mental states to be fully understood through direct knowledge. And what, monks, are the mental states to be abandoned through direct knowledge? Ignorance and craving for existence - these, monks, are the mental states to be abandoned through direct knowledge. And what, monks, are the mental states to be realized through direct knowledge? True knowledge and liberation - these, monks, are the mental states to be realized through direct knowledge. And what, monks, are the mental states to be developed through direct knowledge? Serenity and insight - these, monks, are the mental states to be developed through direct knowledge. And how, monks, does a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, through direct knowledge, fully understand those mental states that are to be fully understood through direct knowledge, etc. through direct knowledge, develop those mental states that are to be developed through direct knowledge? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, etc. he develops right concentration, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. Thus, monks, a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, through direct knowledge, fully understands those mental states that are to be fully understood through direct knowledge; through direct knowledge, abandons those mental states that are to be abandoned through direct knowledge; through direct knowledge, realizes those mental states that are to be realized through direct knowledge; through direct knowledge, develops those mental states that are to be developed through direct knowledge." The eleventh.
12.
The Discourse on the River
160. "Just as, monks, the river Ganges slants towards the east, slopes towards the east, inclines towards the east. Then a great multitude of people might come, having taken spades and baskets - 'We shall make this river Ganges slant towards the west, slope towards the west, incline towards the west.' What do you think, monks, would that great multitude of people make the river Ganges slant towards the west, slope towards the west, incline towards the west?" "No, Venerable Sir." "What is the reason for this?" "The river Ganges, Venerable Sir, slants towards the east, slopes towards the east, inclines towards the east. It is not easy to make it slant towards the west, slope towards the west, incline towards the west. That great multitude of people would only become partakers of weariness and vexation." "Just so, monks, a monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path - kings or royal ministers or friends or colleagues or relatives or blood-relations might invite him, bringing wealth - 'Come, good man, why do these orange robes burn you, why do you wander about shaven-headed with a bowl! Come, having returned to the lower life, enjoy wealth and make merit.' That indeed, monks, that monk developing the noble eightfold path, cultivating the noble eightfold path, having rejected the training, will return to the lower life - this is impossible. What is the reason for this? For that mind, monks, which for a long time has slanted towards seclusion, sloped towards seclusion, inclined towards seclusion, that it will return to the lower life - this is impossible. And how, monks, does a monk develop the noble eightfold path, cultivate the noble eightfold path? Here, monks, a monk develops right view, based upon seclusion, etc. he develops right concentration, based upon seclusion, based upon dispassion, based upon cessation, maturing in release, etc. Thus, monks, a monk develops the noble eightfold path, cultivates the noble eightfold path." The twelfth.
The Deeds Requiring Strength Chapter is the sixth.
Its summary:
With space and two clouds, boat, visitor, and river.