The Buddha teaches on strength, presenting a sixfold teaching for disciples on the path.

AN 6.72 Strength

“Chahi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu abhabbo samādhismiṁ balataṁ pāpuṇituṁ. Katamehi chahi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu na samādhissa samāpattikusalo hoti, na samādhissa ṭhitikusalo hoti, na samādhissa vuṭṭhānakusalo hoti, asakkaccakārī ca hoti, asātaccakārī ca, asappāyakārī ca. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, chahi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu abhabbo samādhismiṁ balataṁ pāpuṇituṁ.

Chahi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu bhabbo samādhismiṁ balataṁ pāpuṇituṁ. Katamehi chahi? Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu samādhissa samāpattikusalo hoti, samādhissa ṭhitikusalo hoti, samādhissa vuṭṭhānakusalo hoti, sakkaccakārī ca hoti, sātaccakārī ca, sappāyakārī ca. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, chahi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu bhabbo samādhismiṁ balataṁ pāpuṇitun”ti.

Aṭṭhamaṁ.

Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).

“Chahi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu abhabbo samādhismiṁ balataṁ pāpuṇituṁ.

“Mendicants, a mendicant who has six qualities can’t attain strength in immersion.

Katamehi chahi?

What six?

Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu na samādhissa samāpattikusalo hoti, na samādhissa ṭhitikusalo hoti, na samādhissa vuṭṭhānakusalo hoti, asakkaccakārī ca hoti, asātaccakārī ca, asappāyakārī ca.

It’s when a mendicant is not skilled in entering immersion, skilled in remaining in immersion, or skilled in emerging from immersion. And they don’t practice carefully and persistently, and they don’t do what’s suitable.

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, chahi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu abhabbo samādhismiṁ balataṁ pāpuṇituṁ.

A mendicant who possesses these six qualities can’t attain strength in immersion.

Chahi, bhikkhave, dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu bhabbo samādhismiṁ balataṁ pāpuṇituṁ.

A mendicant who has six qualities can attain strength in immersion.

Katamehi chahi?

What six?

Idha, bhikkhave, bhikkhu samādhissa samāpattikusalo hoti, samādhissa ṭhitikusalo hoti, samādhissa vuṭṭhānakusalo hoti, sakkaccakārī ca hoti, sātaccakārī ca, sappāyakārī ca.

It’s when a mendicant is skilled in entering immersion, skilled in remaining in immersion, and skilled in emerging from immersion. And they practice carefully and persistently, and do what’s suitable.

Imehi kho, bhikkhave, chahi dhammehi samannāgato bhikkhu bhabbo samādhismiṁ balataṁ pāpuṇitun”ti.

A mendicant who possesses these six qualities can attain strength in immersion.”

Aṭṭhamaṁ.

Topics & Qualities:

Collectedness

Collectedness

A mental quality of composure where awareness is gathered, steady, rather than scattered or tense. In such collectedness, supported by mindfulness and right view, experience is clearly known and can be wisely contemplated.

Also known as: mental composure, stability of mind, stillness of mind, concentration, undistracted awareness
Pāli: samādhi, samāhita, susamāhita, sammāsamādhi
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Wisdom

Wisdom

Lived understanding and sound judgment that steers the mind away from suffering, distinct from mere accumulation of facts.

Also known as: (of a person) wise, astute, intelligent, learned, skilled, firm, stable, steadfast, an experiential understanding of the four noble truths
Pāli: paññā, medhā, dhīra, paṇḍita, asammūḷha
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Last updated on July 27, 2026