iti.23 Itivuttaka

Diligence

This was said by the Lord…

“There is one thing, bhikkhus, developed and continually practised, by which both kinds of welfare are acquired and maintained: welfare here and now, and that pertaining to the future. What is that one thing? It is diligence in wholesome states. This is that one thing…”

The wise praise diligence
In doing deeds of merit;
For one who is wise and diligent
Obtains a twofold benefit:

Welfare in the here and now
And welfare in a future life.
And because one has realized the good,
The wise person is called a sage.

- Translator: John D. Ireland

- Editor: Bhikkhu Sujato

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Both Kinds of Benefit

This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.
“This one thing, mendicants, when developed and cultivated, secures benefits for both
the present life and lives to come.
What one thing?
Diligence in skillful qualities.
This is the one thing that, when developed and cultivated, secures benefits for both
the present life and lives to come.”
The Buddha spoke this matter.
On this it is said:
“The astute praise diligence
in making merit.
Being diligent, an astute person
secures both benefits:
the benefit in this life,
and in lives to come.
A wise one, comprehending the meaning,
is said to be astute.”
This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.