[163] "But what, worthy Gotama, is that conduct (caraṇa), and what is that true knowledge (vijjā)?"
"Here, Ambaṭṭha, a Tathāgata arises in the world, an Arahant, a Perfectly Awakened One … (to be expanded as in the Sāmaññaphala) … It is thus, Ambaṭṭha, that a bhikkhu is accomplished in virtue … he enters and dwells in the first absorption (jhāna). This too pertains to his conduct. … With the stilling of thought and examination, he enters and dwells in the second absorption … the third absorption … the fourth absorption. This too pertains to his conduct. This, Ambaṭṭha, is that conduct.
"… He directs and inclines his mind (citta) to knowledge and vision (ñāṇadassana) … This too pertains to his true knowledge. … He understands: 'There is nothing further for this state of being.' This too pertains to his true knowledge. This, Ambaṭṭha, is that true knowledge.
"This one, Ambaṭṭha, is called a bhikkhu 'accomplished in true knowledge,' and also 'accomplished in conduct,' and also 'accomplished in true knowledge and conduct.' And, Ambaṭṭha, there is no other accomplishment in true knowledge and accomplishment in conduct higher or more excellent than this accomplishment in true knowledge and accomplishment in conduct.
"For this unsurpassed accomplishment in true knowledge and conduct, Ambaṭṭha, there are four causes of loss (apāyamukha). Which four? Here, Ambaṭṭha, some ascetic or brahmin, not managing to attain this very unsurpassed accomplishment in true knowledge and conduct, takes up his load on a carrying-pole and plunges into a forest wilderness, thinking: 'I shall live on fallen fruit.' In fact, he turns out to be nothing but an attendant of one who is accomplished in true knowledge and conduct. For this unsurpassed accomplishment in true knowledge and conduct, Ambaṭṭha, this is the first cause of loss."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.