So It Was Said 79

The Book of the Threes

Chapter Three

Decline

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

“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.

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:
“Restless, they relish
work, talk, and sleep.
Such a mendicant is incapable
of experiencing the highest awakening.
That’s why one ought have few duties,
being wakeful not restless.
Such a mendicant is capable
of experiencing the highest awakening.”

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