8.
The Discourse on Aggika
194.
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Feeding Ground.
Now at that time the brahmin Aggikabhāradvāja had milk-rice with ghee prepared -
"I will make an offering to the fire, I will attend to the fire-sacrifice."
Then the Blessed One, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking his bowl and robe, entered Rājagaha for almsfood. Walking for almsfood successively in Rājagaha, he approached the dwelling of the brahmin Aggikabhāradvāja; having approached, he stood to one side. The brahmin Aggikabhāradvāja saw the Blessed One standing for almsfood. Having seen him, he addressed the Blessed One in verse -
One accomplished in true knowledge and conduct, he should eat this excellent milk-rice."
Inwardly full of rubbish, mentally defiled, surrounded by scheming.
And also has attained the elimination of birth, the sage accomplished through direct knowledge.
One accomplished in true knowledge and conduct, he should eat this excellent milk-rice."
"Let Master Gotama eat. You are a brahmin."
Brahmin, this is not the principle for those who see clearly;
The Buddhas reject what is gained by reciting verses,
Brahmin, when the Teaching exists, this is the way of living.
One who has eliminated the mental corruptions, in whom remorse is stilled;
Attend upon him with food and drink,
For that is the field for one seeking merit."
When this was said, the brahmin Aggikabhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. And the Venerable Aggikabhāradvāja became one of the Worthy Ones."