AN.4.138. Nikaṭṭhasutta ("Retreat")

Aṅguttara Nikāya ("Collections of Numbered Discourses")

“Mendicants, these four people are found in the world. What four? One is on retreat in body, but not mind; one is on retreat in mind, but not body; one is on retreat in neither body nor mind; and one is on retreat in both body and mind.

And how is a person on retreat in body, but not mind? It’s when a person frequents remote lodgings in the wilderness and the forest. But they think sensual, malicious, and cruel thoughts. That’s how a person is on retreat in body, but not mind.

And how is a person on retreat in mind, but not body? It’s when a person doesn’t frequent remote lodgings in the wilderness and the forest. But they think thoughts of renunciation, good will, and harmlessness. That’s how a person is on retreat in mind, but not body.

And how is a person on retreat in neither body nor mind? It’s when a person doesn’t frequent remote lodgings in the wilderness and the forest. And they think sensual, malicious, and cruel thoughts. That’s how a person is on retreat in neither body nor mind.

And how is a person on retreat in both body and mind? It’s when a person frequents remote lodgings in the wilderness and the forest. And they think thoughts of renunciation, good will, and harmlessness. That’s how a person is on retreat in both body and mind.

These are the four people found in the world.”



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