Chapter Three

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.