Exploring the Path - Pāli Course

3.7.11 ‘Let my Efforts be Maintained until I have Attained what is Attainable!’¹

There are two facts, O’ Bhikkhus, that I have fully realized:

Not to be contented with the wholesome states so far developed and never to stop fighting one’s own resistance. Without shrinking back, I exert myself thus: “May my skin and sinews, my bones remain and the flesh and blood of my body dry up but let my energy be maintained until I have attained what is attainable by exertion, resolution, energy and all the exertion of a man.” In this way, Bhikkhus, did I through my uninterruptedness gain full enlightenment; through uninterruptedness did I obtain unsurpassed freedom from bondage.

“You, O’Bhikkhus, should yourselves strive without any obstruction: “May my skin and sinews, my bones remain and the flesh and blood of my body dry up but let my energy be maintained until I have attained what is attainable by exertion, resolution, energy and all the exertion of a man.” Then you, Bhikkhus will in not too long time attain that aim for which any clansman rightly leaves his home into homelessness. Having thus realized that unsurpassed goal of the holy life in this very life through self-realization you should abide therein.

Therefore, Bhikkhus you should train yourselves: “Shall we not shrink in our efforts. May my skin and sinews, my bones remain and the flesh and blood of my body dry up but let my efforts be maintained until I have attained what is attainable by exertion, resolution, energy and all the exertion of a man.” In this way, Bhikkhus, you should train yourselves.

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