The Buddha recounted that he once engaged in severe asceticism. However, hunger and deprivation did not rid his mind of defilements. The Buddha attained liberation by following the noble path of the extinction of passions. There are various false notions about liberation from suffering. Some believe that the wheel of reincarnation itself leads to liberation, others believe that being born as a Brahmin, king, or god grants liberation, and still others believe that rituals bring liberation. There are those who do not believe in liberation at all, believing that the mind fades with old age. All of these views are false. There is no world of incarnation or knowledge that the Buddha did not cognize by recalling his past lives. The Blessed One saw that only in the pure abodes is it possible to be freed from suffering, and the pure abodes are accessible only to beings who follow the noble path of the extinction of passions. One of the highest knowledges of an enlightened mind is to distinguish between paths leading to suffering and those leading to good. Knowing a person's actions and intentions, the awakened see which world they are heading for: hell, animal rebirth, birth as an asura, a human, or a god.
One who accumulates qualities leading to the hells is like a dehydrated, suffering person walking straight into a pit of burning coals of their past evil deeds, without smoke or flame.
Falling into this pit, they experience only piercing sensations of pain.
One who accumulates animal qualities is like a tired person suffering from heat, thirst, and hunger, seeking relief from their torment in a cesspool. Once there, they experience numerous sensations filled with suffering.
One who accumulates qualities leading to birth as an Asura is like a person suffering from heat who goes to a tree with sparse, dissected foliage, in whose shade he will experience many restless sensations.
One who accumulates qualities leading to birth as a human is like a weary wanderer suffering from heat who goes to a tree with dense, wide, thick foliage. In its shade, he can find peace.
One who accumulates qualities leading to birth as a god is like a weary person going to a beautiful house where he will be provided with food, drink, and all the comforts for rest.
One who accumulates qualities leading to Nibbana is like an exhausted person suffering from heat who comes to a clear, beautiful pond with cool, clear water. After taking a dip and freeing himself from fatigue, he rests in a place that provides him with everything necessary for joy and peace without any obstacles.
May there be good.
