Hard to Do

Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
Provenance, terms and conditons

[1][pts][olds] On one occasion Ven. Sāriputta was staying in Magadha near Nāla Village.

Then Jambukhādaka the wanderer went to Ven. Sāriputta and, on arrival, exchanged courteous greetings with him.

After an exchange of friendly greetings and courtesies, he sat to one side.

As he was sitting there he said to Ven. Sāriputta:

"Friend Sāriputta, what is hard to do in this Dhamma and Discipline?"

"Going forth, my friend, is hard to do in this Dhamma and Discipline."

"And what is hard to do for one who has gone forth?"

"Delight is hard to do for one who has gone forth."

"And what is hard to do for one who delights?"

"Practicing the Dhamma in accordance with the Dhamma is hard to do for one who delights."

"And for one who practices the Dhamma in accordance with the Dhamma, does arahantship take long?"

"Not long, my friend."

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