[1743] "Bhikkhus, suppose a man were to throw a yoke with a single hole into the great ocean, and there in it were a blind turtle, which would come to the surface once at the passing of each hundred years. What do you think, bhikkhus: would that blind turtle, coming to the surface once at the passing of each hundred years, insert its neck into that yoke with a single hole?"
"If it ever would, venerable sir, it would be only at some time or other, after the passing of a long stretch of time."
"Sooner, bhikkhus, would that blind turtle, coming to the surface once at the passing of each hundred years, insert its neck into that yoke with a single hole than, I say, would the fool who has gone once to the nether world (vinipāta) regain the human state. For what reason? Because there, bhikkhus, there is no conduct in accordance with the Dhamma, no righteous conduct, no doing of what is wholesome, no making of merit; mutual devouring prevails there, bhikkhus — the devouring of the weak. For what reason? Because, bhikkhus, the four noble truths (ariyasacca) have not been seen. Which four? The noble truth of suffering (dukkha) … the noble truth of the way of practice leading to the cessation (nirodha) of suffering. Therefore, bhikkhus, an effort should be made [to understand]: 'This is suffering' … an effort should be made [to understand]: 'This is the way of practice leading to the cessation of suffering.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.