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ud.4.6 Udana

The Discourse about Piṇḍola

Thus I heard: At one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Sāvatthī, in Jeta’s Wood, at Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then at that time venerable Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja was sitting not far from the Gracious One, after folding his legs crosswise, and setting his body straight, a forest-dweller, an alms gatherer, a rag-rober, one with only three-robes, with few longings, satisfied, completely secluded, unattached, with energy aroused, being one who spoke about the ascetic practices, who was applying himself to the higher mind.

The Gracious One saw venerable Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja, who was sitting not far away, after folding his legs crosswise, and setting his body straight, a forest-dweller, an alms gatherer, a rag-rober, one with only three-robes, with few longings, satisfied, completely secluded, unattached, with energy aroused, being one who spoke about the ascetic practices, who was applying himself to the higher mind.

Then the Gracious One, having understood the significance of it, on that occasion uttered this exalted utterance:

“Not finding fault, not hurting, and restraint in regard to the Pātimokkha,
Knowing the correct measure in food, and living in a remote dwelling place,
Being devoted to the higher mind—
this is the teaching of the Buddhas.”

- Translator: Bhikkhu Ānandajoti

- Editor: Bhikkhu Sujato


The Alms-gatherer

So I have heard.
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Now at that time Venerable Bhāradvāja the Alms-gatherer was sitting not far from the Buddha, cross-legged, with his body straight. He was one who lived in the wilderness, ate only almsfood, wore rag robes, and owned just three robes. He was of few wishes, content, secluded, aloof, and energetic, an advocate of austerities, dedicated to the higher mind.
The Buddha saw him meditating there.
Then, understanding this matter, on that occasion the Buddha expressed this heartfelt sentiment:
“Not speaking ill nor doing harm;
restraint in the monastic code;
moderation in eating;
staying in remote lodgings;
commitment to the higher mind—
this is the instruction of the Buddhas.”