The Buddha explains the importance of rousing of energy and the consequences of having many desires, few desires, dissatisfaction, contentment, (careless) attention, wise attention, clear comprehension and lack of it, and bad friendship.

Vīriyārambhādi vagga - The Chapter Beginning with the Rousing of Energy

1.61

Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single quality causes unarisen wholesome qualities to arise, or arisen unwholesome qualities to decline as |rousing of energy::taking initiative, making a mental decision to act [vīriyārambha]|. For one who has aroused energy, bhikkhus, unarisen wholesome qualities arise, and arisen unwholesome qualities decline.

First.

1.62

“Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single quality that causes unarisen unwholesome qualities to arise, or arisen wholesome qualities to decline as |having many desires::longing and yearning for many things, greediness [mahicchatā]|. For one with many desires, bhikkhus, unarisen unwholesome qualities arise, and arisen wholesome qualities decline.”

Second.

1.63

“Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single quality that causes unarisen wholesome qualities to arise, or arisen unwholesome qualities to decline as |having few wishes::being content [appicchatā]|. For one with few wishes, bhikkhus, unarisen wholesome qualities arise, and arisen unwholesome qualities decline.”

Third.

1.64

“Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single quality that causes unarisen unwholesome qualities to arise, or arisen wholesome qualities to decline as |discontentment::dissatisfaction [asantuṭṭhitā]|. For one who is discontent, bhikkhus, unarisen unwholesome qualities arise, and arisen wholesome qualities decline.”

Fourth.

1.65

“Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single quality that causes unarisen wholesome qualities to arise, or arisen unwholesome qualities to decline as |being content::satisfaction, having few wishes [santuṭṭhitā]|. For one who is content, bhikkhus, unarisen wholesome qualities arise, and arisen unwholesome qualities decline.”

Fifth.

1.66

“Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single quality that causes unarisen unwholesome qualities to arise, or arisen wholesome qualities to decline as |unwise attention::improper attention, imprudent use of the mind [ayonisomanasikāra]|. For one who attends unwisely, bhikkhus, unarisen unwholesome qualities arise, and arisen wholesome qualities decline.”

Sixth.

1.67

“Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single quality that causes unarisen wholesome qualities to arise, or arisen unwholesome qualities to decline as |wise attention::proper attention, prudent use of the mind, wise reflection, attention to the source [yoniso + manasikāra]|. For one who attends wisely, bhikkhus, unarisen wholesome qualities arise, and arisen unwholesome qualities decline.”

Seventh.

1.68

“Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single quality that causes unarisen unwholesome qualities to arise, or arisen wholesome qualities to decline as |lack of full awareness::lack of attentiveness, lack of clear comprehension [asampajañña]|. For one who lacks full awareness, bhikkhus, unarisen unwholesome qualities arise, and arisen wholesome qualities decline.”

Eighth.

1.69

“Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single quality that causes unarisen wholesome qualities to arise, or arisen unwholesome qualities to decline, as much as having |full awareness::attentiveness, clear and full comprehension [sampajañña]|. For one having full awareness, bhikkhus, unarisen wholesome qualities arise, and arisen unwholesome qualities decline.”

Ninth.

1.70

“Bhikkhus, I do not see any other single quality that causes unarisen unwholesome qualities to arise, or arisen wholesome qualities to decline as |bad friendship::friendship with unwholesome persons [pāpamittatā]|. For one with bad friends, bhikkhus, unarisen unwholesome qualities arise, and arisen wholesome qualities decline.”

Tenth.

Last updated on April 29, 2025

CC0 License Button