AN 1.62

English translation by Bhikkhu Candana.

Translation

Text

62. “Bhikkhus, I do not know of a single thing that is more insidious than possessing the longing for many things, which causes the arising of evil and damaging (akusala) states that were absent, while at the same time, abolishing the good qualities of the heart that had already arisen and were present, by pushing them all away, into oblivion.

“Therefore, Bhikkhus, as you live while longing for many things, your harmful and evil qualities will increase, while your beneficial ones will dwindle and disappear.”