[571] "Bhikkhus, when the mind (citta) is restless, that is not the time for developing the investigation-of-dhammas (dhammavicaya) factor of awakening (bojjhaṅga), not the time for developing the energy (vīriya) factor of awakening, not the time for developing the rapture (pīti) factor of awakening. For what reason? A restless mind, bhikkhus, is difficult to calm by means of these dhammas.
"Suppose, bhikkhus, a man wishing to extinguish a great mass of fire were to throw dry grass upon it, throw dry cow dung upon it, throw dry sticks upon it, blow upon it with his mouth, and not scatter dust over it — would that man be able to extinguish that great mass of fire?"
"Surely not, venerable sir."
"Even so, bhikkhus, when the mind is restless, that is not the time for developing the investigation-of-dhammas factor of awakening, not the time for developing the energy factor of awakening, not the time for developing the rapture factor of awakening. For what reason? A restless mind, bhikkhus, is difficult to calm by means of these dhammas."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.