AN 1.41 - AN 1.41
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-1_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=47
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AN I

Suttas 41-50

Paṇihita Accha Vagga “Pointed in the Right Direction”

41. “Bhikkhus, so long as a man does not carelessly step on nor incorrectly handle a rake used for breaking and sorting rice or barley, he will not inflict any harm upon himself, whether by cutting his skin or hurting himself, thus not causing blood to ooze out.

“And what is the reason for this?

“It is because the sharp claws of the rake are all pointed in the right direction.

“Conversely, Bhikkhus, so long as the Bhikkhu is careless about which direction his heart is pointed, having misplaced his attention, then, as a result, he will not penetrate through ignorance nor gain the higher understanding of Truth. Therefore, it is impossible for such a Bhikkhu to ever come close to the realization of Nibbāna.

“And what is the reason for this?

“It is because his heart is pointed in the wrong direction.”