The Buddha shares an analogy of the Licchavīs to illustrate the importance of diligence and continuous effort in the practice.
Kaliṅgara sutta - Wooden Pillows
Thus have I heard - At one time, the Blessed One was dwelling in Vesālī in the Great Wood, in the Hall with the Peaked roof. There the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus!"
"Venerable sir," the bhikkhus replied. The Blessed One said this:
"Bhikkhus, at present, the Licchavīs dwell using wooden pillows, diligent and with continuous effort in their training. Therefore, King Ajātasattu of Magadha, the son of Videhi, finds no opportunity or foothold. But in the future, bhikkhus, the Licchavīs will delicate, with soft and tender hands and feet. They will sleep until sunrise on soft beds with cotton pillows. At that time, King Ajātasattu of Magadha, the son of Videhi, will find an opportunity and a foothold.
Bhikkhus, at present, the bhikkhus dwell using wooden pillows, diligent and with continuous effort in their striving. Therefore, Māra the Evil One finds no opportunity or foothold. But in the future, there will be bhikkhus who are delicate, with soft and tender hands and feet. They will sleep until sunrise on soft beds with cotton pillows. At that time, Māra the Evil One will find an opportunity and a foothold.
Therefore, bhikkhus, you should train yourselves: 'We will dwell using wooden pillows, diligent and with continuous effort in our striving.' Thus, bhikkhus, you should train yourselves."