Chapter 2: On Earnestness

The author establishes the central thesis that earnestness (diligent spiritual effort) is the path to Nirvana, while thoughtlessness constitutes spiritual death.

Those who advance in earnestness and understand this teaching clearly will delight in earnestness and rejoice in the knowledge of the enlightened ones.

Wise people who are meditative, steady, and possess strong powers achieve Nirvana, the highest happiness.

The author lists specific behavioral conditions—rousing oneself, avoiding forgetfulness, maintaining pure deeds, acting with consideration, practicing restraint, and living lawfully—that result in increased glory.

The author uses the metaphor of creating an island that no flood can overwhelm to illustrate how earnestness, restraint, and control lead to stability.

The author contrasts fools who pursue vanity and evil wisdom with the wise who regard earnestness as their most precious possession.

The author advises against pursuing vanity and sensual enjoyments, claiming that earnestness and meditation bring abundant joy instead.

The author illustrates how the learned man who removes vanity through earnestness gains wisdom that allows him to observe others from a position of serene elevation.

The author employs a racing metaphor to show that the earnest wise man advances quickly, surpassing the negligent like a racer outpacing a hack horse.

The author cites the example of Maghavan (Indra) rising to lordship of the gods through earnestness, demonstrating that this virtue is universally praised.

The author describes the mendicant who delights in earnestness and fears thoughtlessness as moving like fire that burns away all fetters, both small and large.

The author concludes that a mendicant who delights in reflection and fears thoughtlessness cannot fall from perfection and is close to achieving Nirvana.