“Suppose, mendicants, there was a lake that was transparent, clear, and unclouded. A person with clear eyes standing on the bank would see the clams and mussels, pebbles and gravel, and schools of fish swimming about or staying still. Why is that? Because the water is unclouded. In the same way, that a mendicant whose mind is not clouded would know what’s for their own good, the good of another, or the good of both; or that they would realize any superhuman distinction in knowledge and vision worthy of the noble ones: this is quite possible. Why is that? Because their mind is unclouded.” 47 “Just as, mendicants, the sandan is said to be the best kind of tree in terms of its pliability and workability, so too, I do not see a single thing that’s as pliable and workable as this mind that is developed and cultivated. A mind that is developed and cultivated is pliable and workable.” 48 “Mendicants, I do not see a single thing that’s as quick to change as this mind. So much so that it’s not easy to give a simile for how quickly the mind changes.” 49 “This mind, mendicants, is radiant. But it’s corrupted by visiting corruptions.” 50 “This mind, mendicants, is radiant. And it is freed from visiting corruptions.”

Numbered Discourses 1.51–60 The Chapter on a Finger-Snap

51