[166] Bhikkhus, there are these four modes of practice (paṭipadā). What four? Practice that is painful with sluggish direct knowledge (dukkhā paṭipadā dandhābhiññā), practice that is painful with quick direct knowledge (dukkhā paṭipadā khippābhiññā), practice that is pleasant with sluggish direct knowledge (sukhā paṭipadā dandhābhiññā), and practice that is pleasant with quick direct knowledge (sukhā paṭipadā khippābhiññā).
Therein, bhikkhus, the practice that is painful with sluggish direct knowledge is declared inferior on both counts: in that this practice is painful, on this account it is declared inferior; and in that this practice is sluggish, on this account too it is declared inferior. This practice, bhikkhus, is declared inferior on both counts.
Therein, bhikkhus, the practice that is painful with quick direct knowledge is declared inferior because of its painfulness.
Therein, bhikkhus, the practice that is pleasant with sluggish direct knowledge is declared inferior because of its sluggishness.
Therein, bhikkhus, the practice that is pleasant with quick direct knowledge is declared superior on both counts: in that this practice is pleasant, on this account it is declared superior; and in that this practice is quick, on this account too it is declared superior. This practice, bhikkhus, is declared superior on both counts.
These, bhikkhus, are the four modes of practice.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.