4.
The Discourse on Sundarikabhāradvāja
Thus have I heard - On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Kosalans on the bank of the river Sundarikā. Now at that time the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja was making an offering to the fire on the bank of the river Sundarikā, attending to the fire-sacrifice. Then the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja, having made an offering to the fire, having attended to the fire-sacrifice, having risen from his seat, surveyed all around the four directions - "Who indeed might eat this remainder of the oblation?" The brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja saw the Blessed One not far away, seated at the foot of a certain tree, wrapped up to the head; having seen him, having taken the remainder of the oblation in his left hand, having taken the water-pitcher in his right hand, he approached the Blessed One.
Then the Blessed One uncovered his head at the sound of the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja's footsteps. Then the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja - "This person is shaven-headed, this person is a shaveling," wished to turn back from that very place. Then this occurred to the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja - "Some brahmins here are also shaven-headed; what if I were to approach him and ask about his birth." Then the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja approached the Blessed One; having approached, he said this to the Blessed One - "What is your birth?"
Then the Blessed One addressed the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja in verses -
458.
Having fully understood the clan of worldlings, owning nothing, wisely I wander in the world.
459.
Not being soiled here by young men, you ask me an improper question about clan, brahmin."
460.
461.
I ask you about that Sāvittī, of three verses and twenty-four syllables.
462.
Prepare sacrifices, many, here in the world.
463.
464.
"That I have seen such a master of knowledge;
By not seeing those like you, other people eat the sacrificial cake."
465.
Perhaps here you may find the wise one, peaceful, smokeless, free from trouble, desireless."
466.
Let the Venerable One instruct me, tell me where what is offered succeeds."
"Well then, brahmin, lend an attentive ear; I will expound to you the Teaching -
467.
Even one of low family, a sage with resolution, becomes a thoroughbred, restrained by shame.
468.
At the right time one should offer the oblation to him - the brahmin hoping for merit should sacrifice.
469.
At the right time one should offer the oblation to them - the brahmin hoping for merit should sacrifice.
470.
At the right time one should offer the oblation to them - the brahmin hoping for merit should sacrifice.
471.
At the right time one should offer the oblation to them - the brahmin hoping for merit should sacrifice.
472.
Quenched, cool like a lake of water, the Truth-finder deserves the sacrificial cake.
473.
Untainted here or beyond, the Truth-finder deserves the sacrificial cake.
474.
With wrath removed, with a perfectly calmed self, the brahmin who has removed the stain of sorrow;
The Truth-finder deserves the sacrificial cake.
475.
Not clinging here or beyond, the Truth-finder deserves the sacrificial cake.
476.
One who has eliminated the mental corruptions, bearing the final body, the Truth-finder deserves the sacrificial cake.
477.
He is one who has attained the highest knowledge, everywhere free, the Truth-finder deserves the sacrificial cake.
478.
Having fully understood suffering together with its field and site, the Truth-finder deserves the sacrificial cake.
479.
For whom there are no objects whatsoever, the Truth-finder deserves the sacrificial cake.
480.
Peaceful, liberated through the elimination of clinging, the Truth-finder deserves the sacrificial cake.
481.
Pure, faultless, spotless, flawless, the Truth-finder deserves the sacrificial cake.
482.
He indeed is without longing, without barrenness, without uncertainty, the Truth-finder deserves the sacrificial cake.
483.
And bears his final body, having attained the unsurpassed, safe highest enlightenment;
To this extent is the purity of a being, the Truth-finder deserves the sacrificial cake."
484.
For Brahmā is my witness, may the Blessed One accept from me, may the Blessed One eat my sacrificial cake."
485.
The Buddhas reject what is gained by reciting verses, brahmin, when the Teaching exists, this is the way of living.
486.
Attend upon him with food and drink, for that is the field for one seeking merit."
487.
Whom, seeking at the time of sacrifice, having reached your teaching."
488.
And free from sensual pleasures, for whom sloth has been dispelled.
489.
The sage accomplished in sagacity, such a one has come to the sacrifice.
490.
Venerate with food and drink, thus offerings succeed.
491.
A worthy recipient for the whole world, what is given to the venerable one is of great fruit."
Then the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama, excellent, Master Gotama! Just as, Master Gotama, one might set upright what had been overturned, or reveal what had been concealed, or point out the path to one who was lost, or hold up an oil lamp in the darkness - so that those with good eyesight might see forms; so too, the Teaching has been made clear by Master Gotama in many ways. I go for refuge to Master Gotama, to the Teaching, and to the Community of monks. May I receive the going forth under Master Gotama, may I receive the full ordination." Then the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja received ... became one of the Worthy Ones.
The Discourse on Sundarikabhāradvāja is concluded as fourth.