Persevering and Suitable

1. I heard thus. At one time the Blessed One was living in the monastery offered by Anāthapiṇḍika in Jeta's grove in Sāvatthi.

2. The Blessed One addressed the monks from there:

3. “Monks, these four develop concentration. What four?

4. “Monks, a certain one developing concentration, perseveres in the not suitable.

5. “Monks, a certain one developing concentration suitably brings the mind to one point, does not persevere.

6. “Monks, a certain one developing concentration neither persevere nor brings the mind to one point suitably.

7. “Monks, a certain one developing concentration perseveres and suitably brings the mind to one point.

8. “Monks, of these four developing concentration the one who perseveres and suitably brings the mind to one point and is the foremost, the chief, the released, the noble, and the excellent.

9. “Just as the cow gives milk, from milk is curd, from curd butter, from butter ghee, and from ghee the cream of ghee, in the same manner, a person who perseveres and suitably brings the mind to one point is the foremost, the chief, the released, the noble, and the excellent.”



Notes

1. Gocara, (pasture) also means, “suitable place.”