Exertions

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

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[2][pts][olds] "Monks, there are these two exertions that are hard to maintain in the world.

Which two?

The exertion of laypeople living at home for the sake of producing cloth, almsfood, lodging, and medicinal requisites for curing the sick.

And the exertion of those who have gone forth from home for the sake of relinquishing all acquisitions.

"These are the two exertions that are hard to maintain in the world.

"Of these two exertions, this is the foremost: the exertion for the sake of relinquishing all acquisitions.

"Therefore, monks, you should train yourselves:

'We will exert ourselves in the exertion for the sake of relinquishing all acquisitions.'

That's how you should train yourselves."

Of Related Interest:

AN 3:40;
AN 5:75–76;
AN 6:55;
Dhp 302;
Iti 82;
Iti 107