1.5 Unremitting Effort

AN 2:1.5 Unremitting Effort

Translated from the Pali by Nyanaponika Thera and Bhikkhu Bodhi

Two things, O monks, I came to know well: not to be content with good states of mind so far achieved, and to be unremitting in the struggle for the goal. Unremittingly, indeed, did I struggle, and I resolved: “Let only my skin, sinews and bones remain; let the flesh and blood in my body dry up; yet there shall be no ceasing of energy till I have attained whatever can be won by manly strength, manly energy, manly effort!”

Through diligence have I won enlightenment, through diligence have I won the unsurpassed security from bondage.

If you too, O monks, will struggle unremittingly and resolve: “Let only my skin, sinews and bones remain; let the flesh and blood in my body dry up; yet there shall be no ceasing of energy till I have attained whatever can be won by manly strength, manly energy, manly effort!”—then you too will soon realise through your own direct knowledge, in this very life, that unsurpassed goal of the holy life for which sons of good family rightly go forth from home into homelessness, and entering into it you will dwell in it.

Therefore, O monks, you should train yourselves thus: “Unremittingly shall I struggle and resolve: ’Let only my skin, sinews and bones remain; let the flesh and blood in my body dry up; yet there shall be no ceasing of energy till I have attained whatever can be won by manly strength, manly energy, manly effort!’” Thus should you train yourselves.