2.9 Abandon Evil

AN 2:2.9 Abandon Evil

Translated from the Pali by Nyanaponika Thera and Bhikkhu Bodhi

Abandon evil, O monks! One can abandon evil, monks. If it were impossible to abandon evil, I would not ask you to do so. But as it can be done, therefore I say, “Abandon evil!”

If this abandoning of evil would bring harm and suffering, I would not ask you to abandon it. But as the abandoning of evil brings well-being and happiness, therefore I say, “Abandon evil!”

Cultivate the good, O monks! One can cultivate the good, monks. If it were impossible to cultivate the good, I would not ask you to do so. But as it can be done, therefore I say, “Cultivate the good!”

If this cultivation of the good would bring harm and suffering, I would not ask you to cultivate it. But as the cultivation of the good brings well-being and happiness, therefore I say, “Cultivate the good!”