The Buddha contrasts the immature and wise persons, shares on who misrepresents the Buddha, virtuous and unprincipled behavior, wrong and right view, why he dwells in forests and remote lodgings, and the importance of tranquility and insight.

Bāla vagga - The Chapter Beginning With The Immature

2.31

“Bhikkhus, there are two qualities that are conducive to wisdom. Which two? |Tranquility::serenity, stilling, calming, peace, mental unification [samatha]| and |insight::seeing clearly, penetrating internal vision [vipassanā]|.

Bhikkhus, when tranquility is developed, what purpose does it serve? The mind is developed. When the mind is developed, what purpose does it serve? |Passion::intense desire, strong emotion, infatuation, obsession, lust [rāga]| is abandoned.

Bhikkhus, when insight is developed, what purpose does it serve? Wisdom is cultivated. When wisdom is cultivated, what purpose does it serve? |Ignorance::fundamental unawareness or misunderstanding of the true nature of reality, not experientially understanding the four noble truths [avijjā]| is abandoned.

Bhikkhus, a mind defiled by lust is not liberated, and wisdom defiled by ignorance is not cultivated. Thus, bhikkhus, from the fading of lust comes |liberation of mind::emancipated by mind/heart, samādhi obtained from fruition [cetovimutti]|, and from the fading of ignorance comes |liberation by wisdom::emancipation by insight [paññāvimutti]|.”

View full text for: AN 2.21-31

Last updated on March 27, 2025

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