Endurance
Thus I have heard: One time, the Budha was staying at
Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, the Bhagavaan spoke to the bhikshus:
“There are two kinds of strength.
What are these two?
They are the strength of endurance and the strength of contemplation.
If I did not possess these two strengths, I would never have attained Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi.
Without these two strengths, I would not have endured six years of austere practice in Uruvilvaa.
Nor would I have been able to subdue Maara, the enemy, and attain the unsurpassed, true path while seated at the seat of enlightenment.
Because I possess the strength of endurance and the strength of contemplation, I was able to overcome the host of Maara and achieve the Anuttara Samyak Sambodhi while seated at the seat of awakening.”
“Therefore, bhikshus, you should seek skilful means and cultivate these two strengths—the strength of endurance and the strength of contemplation.
By doing so, you will attain the path of Stream-entry (Sorta-Apana), the path of Once-returning (Sakrdagamin), the path of Non-returning (Anagami), and the path of Arahantship.
Thus, you will enter final Nirvaana in the realm of no remainder.
In this way, bhikshus, you should train yourselves.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.