Difficult is the life of one with moral shame, always seeking purity, detached, modest, of pure livelihood, with clear vision.

Hirīmatā ca dujjīvaṃ — difficult is the life of one with moral shame: hirīmant is one who has hirī (moral shame). The life of one with moral sensitivity is more difficult because there are more self-imposed constraints.

Niccaṃ sucigavessinā — always seeking purity: sucigavesin is one who continuously seeks purity. This constant search requires effort and vigilance.

Alīnenāppagabbhena suddhājīvena passatā — detached, modest, of pure livelihood, with clear vision: four qualities of the genuine practitioner. Each implies voluntary restriction and active effort.

The pair 244-245 presents a clear choice: easy life without ethics versus difficult life with ethics. The tradition does not hide that practice is difficult — but affirms that the results of the difficult life are infinitely superior to those of the easy life.