[280] Setting at Sāvatthī.
Bhikkhus, suppose a spike of hill-rice (sāli) or a spike of barley (yava) were rightly directed (sammāpaṇihita), and it were trodden upon by a hand or a foot: that it will pierce the hand or the foot, or that it will draw blood — this is possible. For what reason? Because, bhikkhus, the spike is rightly directed.
In just the same way, bhikkhus, that a bhikkhu, by a rightly directed view (diṭṭhi), by a rightly directed development of the path (magga), will pierce ignorance (avijjā), will arouse true knowledge (vijjā), and will realize Nibbāna — this is possible. For what reason? Because, bhikkhus, his view is rightly directed.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.