an.1.45 Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numbered Discourses)
1.45–46
1.45. A Pool of Water
“Suppose there were a pool of water—sullied, turbid, and muddy. A man with good eyesight standing there on the bank would not see shells, gravel, and pebbles, or shoals of fish swimming about and resting. Why is that? Because of the sullied nature of the water. In the same way, that a monk with a sullied mind would know his own benefit, the benefit of others, the benefit of both; that he would realize a superior human state, a truly noble distinction of knowledge & vision: Such a thing is impossible. Why is that? Because of the sullied nature of his mind.”
- Translator: Thanissaro Bhikkhu
- Editor: Gabriel Laera
45
“Suppose, mendicants, there was a lake that was cloudy, murky, and muddy. A person with good eyesight standing on the bank would not see the clams and mussels, and pebbles and gravel, and schools of fish swimming about or staying still.
Why is that?
Because the water is clouded.
In the same way, that a mendicant whose mind is clouded would know what’s for their own good, the good of another, or the good of both; or that they would realize any superhuman distinction in knowledge and vision worthy of the noble ones: this is not possible.
Why is that?
Because their mind is clouded.”
