Parihāna sutta: 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.