9.
The Discourse on Sundarika
195.
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 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 thought "This person is shaven-headed, this person is a shaveling," and 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?"
From wood indeed fire is born;
Even one of low family, a sage with resolution,
Becomes a thoroughbred, restrained by shame.
One who has reached the end of knowledge, who has lived the holy life;
One who has prepared a sacrifice should invite him,
In due time he makes an offering to one worthy of offerings."
That I have seen such a master of knowledge;
For through not seeing those like you,
Other people eat the remainder of the oblation."
"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."
"Then to whom, Master Gotama, should I give this remainder of the oblation?" "I do not see anyone, brahmin, in the world with its gods, with its Māras, with its Brahmās, among the generation with its ascetics and brahmins, with its gods and humans, by whom this remainder of the oblation, when eaten, would be properly digested, except, brahmin, for the Truth-finder or a disciple of the Truth-finder. Well then, brahmin, throw that remainder of the oblation where there is little green vegetation, or drop it in water without living creatures."
Then the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja dropped that remainder of the oblation in water without living creatures. Then that remainder of the oblation, thrown into the water, hissed, sizzled, emitted smoke, and sent forth steam. Just as a ploughshare heated all day, thrown into water, hisses, sizzles, emits smoke, and sends forth steam; so too that remainder of the oblation, thrown into the water, hissed, sizzled, emitted smoke, and sent forth steam.
Then the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja, agitated, with hair standing on end, approached the Blessed One; having approached, he stood to one side. To the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja standing to one side, the Blessed One addressed in verses -
Think purity is external, for this is so;
For the skilled do not say purity comes by that,
One who would seek complete purity through what is external.
I kindle the light only internally;
With perpetual fire, perpetually concentrated,
A Worthy One, I live the holy life.
Wrath is smoke, untruth is ashes;
The tongue is the sacrificial ladle, the heart is the place of fire,
The well-tamed self is a person's light.
unsullied, praised by the virtuous, by the wise;
Where indeed those who have attained the highest knowledge have bathed,
With bodies unwet, they cross to the far shore.
Dependent on the middle, brahmin, is the attainment of the supreme;
You should pay homage to those who have become upright,
That person I call one who lives by the Teaching."
When this was said, the brahmin Sundarikabhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. And the Venerable Bhāradvāja became one of the Worthy Ones."