an.2.31 Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numbered Discourses)

2.21–31

2.31. A Share in Clear Knowing

“These two qualities have a share in clear knowing. Which two? Tranquillity (samatha) & insight (vipassana).

“When tranquillity is developed, what purpose does it serve? The mind is developed. And when the mind is developed, what purpose does it serve? Passion is abandoned.

“When insight is developed, what purpose does it serve? Discernment is developed. And when discernment is developed, what purpose does it serve? Ignorance is abandoned.

“Defiled by passion, the mind is not released. Defiled by ignorance, discernment does not develop. Thus from the fading of passion is there awareness-release. From the fading of ignorance is there discernment-release.”

- Translator: Thanissaro Bhikkhu

- Editor: Gabriel Laera

---

31
“These two things play a part in realization.
What two?
Serenity and discernment.
What is the benefit of developing serenity?
The mind is developed.
What is the benefit of developing the mind?
Greed is given up.
What is the benefit of developing discernment?
Wisdom is developed.
What is the benefit of developing wisdom?
Ignorance is given up.
The mind contaminated by greed is not free; and wisdom contaminated by ignorance does not grow.
In this way, freedom of heart comes from the fading away of greed, while freedom by wisdom comes from the fading away of ignorance.”