So It Was Said 79

The Book of the Threes

Chapter Three

Decline

iti79:1 This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

iti79:2 “These three things lead to the decline of a mendicant trainee. What three? It’s when a mendicant relishes work, talk, and sleep. These three things lead to the decline of a mendicant trainee.

iti79:3 These three things don’t lead to the decline of a mendicant trainee. What three? It’s when a mendicant doesn’t relish work, talk, and sleep. These three things don’t lead to the decline of a mendicant trainee.” The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

iti79:4 “Restless, they relish work, talk, and sleep. Such a mendicant is incapable of experiencing the highest awakening.

iti79:5 That’s why one ought have few duties, being wakeful not restless. Such a mendicant is capable of experiencing the highest awakening.”

iti79:6 This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.