There are four kinds of practices, monks.

What are they?

(1) The unpleasant practice with slow realization;

(2) The unpleasant practice with quick realization;

(3) The pleasant practice with slow realization;

(4) The pleasant practice with quick realization.

(1) Monks, the unpleasant practice with slow realization

is considered as inferior in both ways.  [1]

Because it is unpleasant and because it is slow.

Therefore, it is considered as inferior in both ways.

(2) The unpleasant practice with quick realization

is considered as inferior on account of its unpleasantness.

(3) The pleasant practice with slow realization

is considered as inferior on account of its sluggishness.

(4) The pleasant practice with quick realization.

is considered as excellent

Because it is pleasant and because it is quick.

Therefore, it is excellent in both ways.

These are the four kinds of practices, monks.

[1] ayaṁ, bhikkhave, paṭipadā ubhayeneva hīnā akkhāyati.