One who is fond of conceit cannot be tamed, nor can one who is uncollected attain sagehood. Dwelling with negligence, such a one would not cross beyond the realm of death.

SN 1.9  Mānakāma sutta - Fond Of Conceit

Sāvatthinidānaṁ.

At Sāvatthi.

Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi:

Standing to one side, that deity recited this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:

“Na mānakāmassa damo idhatthi,
Na monamatthi asamāhitassa;
Eko araññe viharaṁ pamatto,
Na maccudheyyassa tareyya pāran”ti.

“There is no |taming::discipline, restraint, self-control [dama]| here for one |fond of conceit::who likes comparing oneself, who is attached to self-praise [mānakāma]|,
nor is there sagehood for the |distracted::with scattered attention, not collected, not well-composed [asamāhita]|;
for one living |negligently::inattentively, carelessly; lit. intoxicated [pamatta]| in the forest,
would not cross beyond the realm of death.

“Mānaṁ pahāya susamāhitatto,
Sucetaso sabbadhi vippamutto;
Eko araññe viharaṁ appamatto,
Sa maccudheyyassa tareyya pāran”ti.

[The Blessed One]: “Having given up conceit, |completely calm within::thoroughly settled within [susamāhitatta]|,
with a pure mind, released in all respects;
for one living |diligently::attentively, with care, with carefulness, heedfully [appamatta]| in the forest,
would cross beyond the realm of death.”

Topics & Qualities:

Conceit

Conceit

Self-view expressed as comparison—seeing oneself as superior, inferior, or equal; the persistent “I am” conceit (asmimāna) that underlies identification and fuels rebirth

Also known as: arrogance, egotism, pride, self-importance, tendency of self-comparison
Pāli: māna, atimāna, unnaḷa
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Diligence

Diligence

The protective quality of guarding the mind amidst sensory experience. By restraining the faculties, the mind remains unsoiled by attraction.

Also known as: alertness, carefulness, heedfulness, conscientiousness, vigilance
Pāli: appamāda, uṭṭhāna
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Distraction

Distraction

A scattered, unfocused state of mind where attention flits from object to object without settling. A distracted mind lacks the composure needed for clear seeing and is easily pulled by whatever arises.

Also known as: scattered attention, uncollected, not well-composed, with a wandering mind, with runaway thoughts
Pāli: asamāhita, asamādhi, amanasikāra
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Jhana

Jhana

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: absorption, concentration, collectedness, mental composure, stability of mind, undistracted awareness
Pāli: jhāna, samādhi, samāhita, susamāhita, sammāsamādhi
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Negligence

Negligence

Dwelling with unrestrained faculties, soiled by sensory attraction. Negligence is the failure to guard the mind and to arouse heedfulness, blocking the arising of wholesome states.

Also known as: carelessness, heedlessness, inattentiveness
Pāli: pamāda
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Non-identification

Non-identification

A quality of mind that does not construct or fabricate a sense of self in relation to experience. It is the absence of the 'I am this' identification—neither claiming ownership nor defining oneself through any state, object, or attainment.

Also known as: principle of non-identification, (comm) no craving, lit. not made of that state
Pāli: atammayatā
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Tame

Tame

The quality of a mind that has been trained and disciplined, no longer wild or controlled by passions. Like a tamed thoroughbred, it is pliable, responsive, and fit for work.

Also known as: trained, mastered, subdued
Pāli: danta, dama
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Last updated on June 3, 2026