[T]he prince asked what conditions were necessary to enable an ascetic to attain his goal. Shakyamuni replied by relating what he had to say to the art of riding an elephant. Shakyamuni said that for success in elephant riding, the following things are needed: faith, good health, honesty, perseverance in striving to improve, and wisdom. In learning to ride an elephant and in learning Buddhism, absolute faith in and respect for the instructor are essential. The student cannot be frank and open unless he trusts his teacher. Health is needed because even a person with the greatest fervor is unable to carry out strenuous training if he is physically weak. Honesty is required: deceit and trickery may seem to produce good results at first, but they inevitably lead to failure. Constant striving is also important since perseverance and steadfastness are vital to any undertaking. Finally, the person must have deep and extensive experience and knowledge enabling him to view the total picture correctly.

When all of these conditions are present, a person does not require long periods to attain eminence or to become enlightened. If he is instructed in the truth in the morning, he will be able to reach his goal by the evening. (Page 146-147)