AN 2.11 - AN 2.11
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-2_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=33
License: Candana — free distribution, unaltered contents
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Candana source labels: 11. Site text ID: AN 2.11.

AN II

Suttas 11-20

Adhikaraṇa Vagga “Section on Disciplinary Issues”

11.

“Bhikkhus, there are these two powers. Which two?

“There is the power of wisely reflecting, and the power of developing.

“Now, Bhikkhus, what is the power of wisely reflecting?

“Here, Bhikkhus, someone carefully scrutinizes while reflecting:

‘Whether in the present life or in future lifetimes still to come, all evil behavior committed through physical actions will produce and deliver its painful fruits. Similarly, whether in the present life or in future lifetimes still to come, all evil behavior committed through exchange of words or verbal actions will produce and deliver its painful fruits. Similarly, whether in the present life or in future lifetimes still to come, all evil behavior committed through mental actions will produce and deliver its painful fruits.’

“And by wisely reflecting in this manner, that person gives up engaging in evil actions, and instead starts by choosing to engage in good and appropriate physical actions. Similarly, he chooses to engage in good and appropriate exchange of words or verbal actions. And similarly, he chooses to engage in good and appropriate mental actions while thinking and considering. In this manner, he purifies himself continuously, while trying to maintain pure conduct throughout life. This, therefore, is called the power of wisely reflecting.

“And what, Bhikkhus, is the power of developing?

“This one, Bhikkhus, refers specifically to the power possessed by the Noble Disciple in Training, who by relying on this unique power he possesses, uses it to willfully renounce passions, hatred, and delusion. And once having given them up, he does not engage in any unwholesome or evil actions ever again, to the extent possible within his respective ability, and

thus he does not add any harmful fruits or consequences for him to deal with either here or in a future life. This, therefore, is called the power of developing.

“These two, Bhikkhus, are thus called the two powers.”