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, “If someone is lazy and engages in unwholesome actions, it brings harm to themselves. But if one is diligent and energetic, this is most excellent, as it leads to the growth of wholesome qualities. For example, Maitreya Bodhisattva was to become a Tathaagata, the Samyak-Sambudha, after thirty eons, but through my diligence and fierce determination, I surpassed him.
In the past, countless Tathaagatas, Arhats, and Samyak-Sambudhas – all attained Budhahood through their vigour and determination. Therefore, understand that laziness brings suffering and leads to harmful actions, while diligence and strong determination bring growth in wholesome qualities and merits. Thus, bhikshus, you should always strive to be diligent and avoid laziness. In this way, bhikshus, you should train yourselves.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.