Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, Budha said to the bhikshus, “An aranyaka bhikshu (forest-dwelling) should cultivate two practices. What are these two? They are Samata and Vipasyana.
If an aranyaka bhikshu attains Samata, he will achieve mastery over the Shila, maintain proper conduct, avoid transgressions, and perform wholesome deeds.
If an aranyaka bhikshu attains Vipasyana, he will contemplate suffering as it truly is. He will contemplate the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path leading to the cessation of suffering, knowing them as they truly are. Having contemplated in this way, his mind will be liberated from the defilements of desire, existence, and ignorance. He will attain the knowledge of liberation: ‘Birth is exhausted, the noble life has been lived, what was to be done has been done, and there is no further becoming,’ knowing this as it truly is
In the past, all Tathaagatas, Arhats, and Samyak-Sambudhas achieved their realization through these two practices. Why is this?
Just as a Bodhisatva, seated under the tree of awakening, first contemplated these practices of Samata and Vipasyana, so too did they attain enlightenment.
If a Bodhisatva attains Samata, he will be able to subdue the forces of Maara. If a Bodhisattva attains Vipasyana, he will quickly attain the threefold knowledge and achieve Anutara Samyak Sambodhi. Therefore, bhikshus, an aranyaka bhikshu should diligently cultivate these two practices. Thus, bhikshus, you should train yourselves.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.