“Bhikkhus, there are these four right strivings. What four? Here, a bhikkhu generates desire for the non-arising of unarisen bad unwholesome states; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives.

He generates desire for the abandoning of arisen bad unwholesome states; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives.

He generates desire for the arising of unarisen wholesome states; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives.

He generates desire for the persistence of arisen wholesome states, for their non-decline, increase, expansion, and fulfillment by development; he makes an effort, arouses energy, applies his mind, and strives.

These are the four right strivings.”

Those who strive rightly
overcome the realm of Māra;
they are unattached,
gone beyond fear of birth and death.

They are contented and unstirred,
having conquered Māra and his mount;
those happy ones have overcome
all Namuci’s armies.

Source: https://suttacentral.net/an4.13 Padhāna Sutta AN 4.13  AN ii 15

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