Nālakasuttaṃ [Snp 3.11, PTS 132–139]

Having taken cloth, praising excessively, the sage Asita saw in his day residence.

"Why is the assembly of gods so excessively beautiful, having taken cloth, dependent on what do you rejoice?

Even then there was no such terror; having seen what marvel are the gods delighted?"

I ask you, dwellers on the summit of Meru, dispel my doubt quickly, sirs."

In the village of the Sakyans, in the province of Lumbinī, because of that we are satisfied, excessively beautiful.

He will turn the wheel in the forest called after the sages, like a powerful lion roaring, the conqueror of beasts."

Having sat down there, he said this to the Sakyan: "Where is the boy? I too wish to see him."

Gleaming with splendour, of superior beauty, the Sakyans showed their son to the one named Asita.

Like the shining sun freed from clouds in autumn, filled with joy he attained abundant rapture.

Chowries with golden handles flew up and down, but the bearers of chowries and umbrellas were not seen.

And a white umbrella being held over his head, elated in mind, glad at heart, he received him.

With a gladdened mind he uttered these words: "This unsurpassed one is the highest among two-footed beings."

Having seen the sage weeping, the Sakyans said to him,

"Surely there will be no obstacle for the boy."

Nor will there be any obstacle for him; do not be of inferior mind.

This one, compassionate for the welfare of many people, will keep it going, and the holy life will become widespread.

I shall not hear the Teaching of the matchless one, therefore I am afflicted, gone to disaster, in misery."

He, having compassion for his nephew himself, encouraged him in the Teaching of the matchless one.

Having gone there, inquiring about the right time, live the holy life in the presence of that Blessed One."

He, Nālaka, with accumulated store of merit, awaiting the Victor, lived with guarded faculties.

He asked the excellent sage, foremost in sagacity, when the time of the instruction of the one named Asita had arrived.

This I ask you, Gotama, who has gone beyond all phenomena.

O sage, being asked, tell me the highest state of sagehood."

Come, I shall tell you about it, brace yourself, be firm.

One should guard against ill-will in the mind, peaceful, not elated, one should wander.

Women entice the sage, may they not entice you among them.

Unopposed, unattached, towards living beings, the timid and the firm.

Having made oneself the comparison, one should neither strike nor cause to strike.

One with vision should proceed, would cross over this hell.

Always without hunger for desire, desireless, he is quenched.

Standing at the root of a tree, having taken his seat, the sage.

He should meditate at the root of a tree, gladdening himself.

He should not delight in an invitation, nor in an offering from the village.

Seeking food, with speech cut off, he should not speak contentious speech.

With both, he, such a one, returns like to a tree.

Should not scorn a small gift, should not despise the giver.

They do not go to the beyond twice, nor is this sensed as once only.

For one who has abandoned what should and should not be done, no fever is found.

Pressing the tongue against the palate, one should be restrained in the belly.

Free from the odour of flesh, unattached, heading for the holy life.

Unity is declared to be wisdom, if you will delight in being alone;

Then you will illuminate the ten directions.

Thereupon one devoted to me should develop more shame and faith.

Rivulets go making noise, the great ocean goes silent.

The fool is like a half-filled pot, the wise person is like a full lake.

Knowing, he expounds the Teaching, knowing, he speaks much.

He, the sage, deserves wisdom, he, the sage, has attained wisdom."