9.
The Discourse on Upasena
39.
Thus have I heard -
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Feeding Ground.
Then, when the Venerable Upasena Vaṅgantaputta had gone to a private place and was in seclusion, this reflection arose in his mind -
"It is a gain for me indeed, it is well-gained for me indeed, that my Teacher is the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One;
and I have gone forth from home into homelessness in the well preached Teaching and discipline;
and my fellows in the holy life are moral, of good character;
and I am one who fulfils morality;
and I am well concentrated, with fully focused mind;
and I am a Worthy One who has eliminated the mental corruptions;
and I am of great supernormal power, of great might.
Good is my life, good is my death."
Then the Blessed One, having known with his mind the reflection in the mind of the Venerable Upasena Vaṅgantaputta, at that time uttered this inspired utterance -
That wise one who has seen the state, does not grieve in the midst of sorrow.
The cycle of birth and wandering is eliminated, there is no more rebirth for him." The ninth.