23 (1)–34 (12) Strenuous, Etc.

“Bhikkhus, just as whatever strenuous deeds are done, are all done based upon the earth, established upon the earth, so too, based upon virtue, established upon virtue, a Bhikkhu develops and cultivates the four right strivings.

“And how, Bhikkhus, does a Bhikkhu, based upon virtue, established upon virtue, develop and cultivate the four right strivings? Here, Bhikkhus, a Bhikkhu generates desire for the nonarising of unarisen evil unwholesome states; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives. He generates desire for the abandoning of arisen evil unwholesome states…. He generates desire for the arising of unarisen wholesome states…. He generates desire for the maintenance of arisen wholesome states, for their nondecay, increase, expansion, and fulfilment by development; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives. These are the four right strivings.

“It is in this way, Bhikkhus, that a Bhikkhu, based upon virtue, established upon virtue, develops and cultivates the four right strivings.”

(To be elaborated parallel to 45:149–60.)

Strenuous, seeds, and nāgas,
The tree, the pot, the spike,
The sky, and two on clouds,
The ship, guest house, and river.