3.
The First Discourse on Hatthaka
23.
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Āḷavī in the Aggāḷava shrine.
There the Blessed One addressed the monks thus:
"Monks, remember Hatthaka of Āḷavī as one possessed of seven wonderful and marvellous qualities.
Which seven?
For Hatthaka of Āḷavī has faith, monks;
Hatthaka of Āḷavī is moral, monks;
Hatthaka of Āḷavī has shame, monks;
Hatthaka of Āḷavī has moral fear, monks;
Hatthaka of Āḷavī is very learned, monks;
Hatthaka of Āḷavī is generous, monks;
Hatthaka of Āḷavī is wise, monks -
Monks, remember Hatthaka of Āḷavī as one possessed of these seven wonderful and marvellous qualities."
This is what the Blessed One said.
Having said this, the Fortunate One rose from his seat and entered the dwelling.
Then a certain monk, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking his bowl and robe, approached the dwelling of Hatthaka of Āḷavī; having approached, he sat down on the prepared seat. Then Hatthaka of Āḷavī approached that monk; having approached, he paid respect to that monk and sat down to one side. To Hatthaka of Āḷavī seated to one side, that monk said this -
"You, friend, have been declared by the Blessed One as one possessed of seven wonderful and marvellous qualities. Which seven? 'Hatthaka of Āḷavī has faith, monks; is moral... etc. has shame... one with moral fear... is very learned... is generous... Hatthaka of Āḷavī is wise, monks.' You, friend, have been declared by the Blessed One as one possessed of these seven wonderful and marvellous qualities." "Was there, venerable sir, no layman clad in white present?" "There was no layman clad in white present, friend." "Good, venerable sir, that no layman clad in white was present."
Then that monk, having received almsfood at the dwelling of Hatthaka of Āḷavī, rose from his seat and departed. Then that monk, after the meal, having returned from his alms round, approached the Blessed One; having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, that monk said this to the Blessed One -
"Here I, venerable sir, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking my bowl and robe, approached the dwelling of Hatthaka of Āḷavī; having approached, I sat down on the prepared seat. Then, venerable sir, Hatthaka of Āḷavī approached me; having approached, he paid respect to me and sat down to one side. To Hatthaka of Āḷavī seated to one side, I, venerable sir, said this - 'You, friend, have been declared by the Blessed One as one possessed of seven wonderful and marvellous qualities. Which seven? Hatthaka of Āḷavī is faithful, monks; is moral... etc. has shame... one with moral fear... is very learned... is generous... Hatthaka of Āḷavī is wise, monks. You, friend, have been declared by the Blessed One as one possessed of these seven wonderful and marvellous qualities.'
"When this was said, venerable sir, Hatthaka said this to me - 'Was there not, venerable sir, any layman clad in white present there?' 'There was not, friend, any layman clad in white present there.' 'Good, venerable sir, that there was no layman clad in white present there.'"
"Good, good, monk! That son of good family, monk, has few wishes. Though wholesome qualities exist in himself, he does not wish them to be known by others. Well then, monk, remember Hatthaka of Āḷavī as one possessed of this eighth wonderful and marvellous quality too, that is to say, fewness of wishes." The third.