an6.62:10.1 When he said this, Venerable Ānanda said to the Buddha,
an6.62:10.2 “Sir, can you describe three other individuals who share a portion of these three?”
an6.62:10.3 “I can, Ānanda,” said the Buddha.
an6.62:10.4 “Ānanda, when I’ve comprehended the mind of an individual, I understand:
an6.62:10.5 ‘Both skillful and unskillful qualities are found in this individual.’
an6.62:10.6 After some time I encompass their mind and understand:
an6.62:10.7 ‘The skillful qualities of this individual have vanished, but the unskillful qualities are still present.
an6.62:10.8 Nevertheless, their skillful root is unbroken, but it’s about to be totally destroyed.
an6.62:10.9 So this individual is still liable to decline in the future.’
an6.62:10.10 Suppose there were some burning coals, blazing and glowing, placed on a broad rock.
an6.62:10.11 Wouldn’t you know that those coals would not grow, increase, and spread?”
an6.62:10.12 “Yes, sir.”
an6.62:10.13 “Or suppose it’s the late afternoon and the sun was going down. Wouldn’t you know that the light was about to vanish and darkness appear?”
an6.62:10.14 “Yes, sir.”
an6.62:10.15 “Or suppose that it’s nearly time for the midnight meal. Wouldn’t you know that the light had vanished and the darkness appeared?”
an6.62:10.16 “Yes, sir.”
an6.62:10.17 “In the same way, when I’ve comprehended the mind of an individual, I understand …
an6.62:10.22 This individual is still liable to decline in the future …

