Keen (ITI34)

So It Was Said 34

The Book of the Twos

Chapter One

Keen

This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

“Mendicants, without being keen and prudent a mendicant can’t achieve awakening, extinguishment, and the supreme sanctuary from the yoke.

But if a mendicant is keen and prudent they can achieve awakening, extinguishment, and the supreme sanctuary from the yoke.”

The Buddha spoke this matter.

On this it is said:

“Neither keen nor prudent,

lazy, lacking energy,

full of dullness and drowsiness,

unconscientious, lacking regard for others,

such a mendicant is incapable

of experiencing the highest awakening.

One who is mindful, alert, meditative,

keen, prudent, and diligent,

having cut the fetter of birth and old age,

would experience supreme awakening in this very life.”

This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.