[10] Furthermore, bhikkhus, I said to those Nigaṇṭhas: "What do you think, friends Nigaṇṭhas — is it possible that a deed (kamma) which is to be experienced here and now could, through exertion or through striving, become one to be experienced in a future life?"
"No indeed, friend."
"And is it possible that a deed which is to be experienced in a future life could, through exertion or through striving, become one to be experienced here and now?"
"No indeed, friend."
"What do you think, friends Nigaṇṭhas — is it possible that a deed which is to be experienced as pleasure could, through exertion or through striving, become one to be experienced as pain?"
"No indeed, friend."
"And is it possible that a deed which is to be experienced as pain could, through exertion or through striving, become one to be experienced as pleasure?"
"No indeed, friend."
"What do you think, friends Nigaṇṭhas — is it possible that a deed which is to be experienced when ripened could, through exertion or through striving, become one to be experienced when unripened?"
"No indeed, friend."
"And is it possible that a deed which is to be experienced when unripened could, through exertion or through striving, become one to be experienced when ripened?"
"No indeed, friend."
"What do you think, friends Nigaṇṭhas — is it possible that a deed which is to be experienced greatly could, through exertion or through striving, become one to be experienced slightly?"
"No indeed, friend."
"And is it possible that a deed which is to be experienced slightly could, through exertion or through striving, become one to be experienced greatly?"
"No indeed, friend."
"What do you think, friends Nigaṇṭhas — is it possible that a deed which is to be experienced could, through exertion or through striving, become one not to be experienced?"
"No indeed, friend."
"And is it possible that a deed which is not to be experienced could, through exertion or through striving, become one to be experienced?"
"No indeed, friend."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.