[224] 9. This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, so I have heard:
"Bhikkhus, dwell with the training (sikkhā) as your benefit, with wisdom (paññā) as supreme, with liberation (vimutti) as the essence, and with mindfulness (sati) as the governing principle (adhipateyya). Bhikkhus, for those who dwell with the training as their benefit, with wisdom as supreme, with liberation as the essence, and with mindfulness as the governing principle, one of two fruits is to be expected: final knowledge (aññā) in this very life, or, if there is a residue of clinging (upādisesa), the state of a non-returner (anāgāmitā)."
The Blessed One spoke this matter. In that connection this is said:
"One perfect in the training, of a nature not to fall away,
supreme in wisdom, seeing the end in the destruction of birth (jāti)—
that sage (muni) indeed, bearing his final body,
I call one who has abandoned Māra, gone beyond aging (jarā).
Therefore, ever delighting in meditation (jhāna), concentrated,
ardent (ātāpī), seeing the end in the destruction of birth,
having vanquished Māra together with his army, bhikkhus,
be those who have gone beyond birth and death (maraṇa)."
This matter too was spoken by the Blessed One; so I have heard.
The Ninth.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.