AN4.166 — Ubhaya Sutta

Disciples, there are these four paths of practice. What are the four? The painful path with slow realization, the painful path with quick realization, the pleasant path with slow realization, and the pleasant path with quick realization.

Among these the path that is painful with slow realization is considered inferior in both respects. It is considered inferior because it is painful, and it is considered inferior because it is slow. This path is inferior in both respects.

Then the path that is painful with quick realization is considered inferior because it is painful.

Then the path that is pleasant with slow realization is considered inferior because it is slow.

Then the path that is pleasant with quick realization is considered superior in both respects. It is considered superior because it is pleasant, and it is considered superior because it is quick. This path is superior in both respects.

These are the four paths of practice.

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