1.
The Discourse to Kasibhāradvāja
197.
Thus have I heard -
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Magadhans in the Southern Hills at Ekanāḷā, a brahmin village.
Now at that time about five hundred ploughs of the brahmin Kasibhāradvāja were yoked at sowing time.
Then the Blessed One, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking his bowl and robe, approached the workplace of the brahmin Kasibhāradvāja.
Now at that time the food distribution of the brahmin Kasibhāradvāja was taking place. Then the Blessed One approached where the food distribution was; having approached, he stood to one side. The brahmin Kasibhāradvāja saw the Blessed One standing for almsfood. Having seen him, he said this to the Blessed One - "I, ascetic, plough and sow, and having ploughed and sown, I eat. You too, ascetic, plough and sow, and having ploughed and sown, eat." "I too, brahmin, plough and sow, and having ploughed and sown, I eat." We do not see Master Gotama's yoke or plough or ploughshare or goad or oxen, and yet Master Gotama says thus - "I too, brahmin, plough and sow, and having ploughed and sown, I eat." Then the brahmin Kasibhāradvāja addressed the Blessed One in verse -
Being asked, farmer, tell me, how may we know your ploughing?"
Shame is the pole, mind is the strap, mindfulness is my ploughshare and goad.
I make truth the weeding, meekness is my release.
It goes without turning back, where having gone one does not grieve.
Having ploughed this ploughing, one is freed from all suffering."
"Let Master Gotama eat. Master is a farmer. For Master Gotama ploughs the ploughing that has the Deathless as its fruit."
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 Kasibhāradvāja said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. From this day forth, may he remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life."