5.
The Discourse to Mānatthaddha
201.
At Sāvatthī.
Now at that time a brahmin named Mānatthaddha was dwelling at Sāvatthī.
He did not pay respect to his mother, did not pay respect to his father, did not pay respect to his teacher, did not pay respect to his elder brother.
Now at that time the Blessed One was expounding the Teaching surrounded by a great assembly.
Then this occurred to the brahmin Mānatthaddha -
"This ascetic Gotama is expounding the Teaching surrounded by a great assembly.
What if I were to approach the ascetic Gotama.
If the ascetic Gotama addresses me, I too will address him.
If the ascetic Gotama does not address me, I too will not address him."
Then the brahmin Mānatthaddha approached the Blessed One;
having approached, he stood to one side in silence.
Then the Blessed One did not address him.
Then the brahmin Mānatthaddha -
"This ascetic Gotama does not know anything," wished to turn back from that very place.
Then the Blessed One, having known with his mind the reflection in the mind of the brahmin Mānatthaddha, addressed the brahmin Mānatthaddha in verse -
Whatever purpose you came for, that indeed one should cultivate."
Then the brahmin Mānatthaddha - "The ascetic Gotama knows my mind," right there having fallen at the Blessed One's feet with his head, he kissed the Blessed One's feet with his mouth and massaged them with his hands, and announced his name - "I am Mānatthaddha, Master Gotama, I am Mānatthaddha, Master Gotama." Then that assembly was filled with wonder and amazement - 'Wonderful indeed, friend, marvellous indeed, friend! For this brahmin Mānatthaddha does not pay respect to his mother, does not pay respect to his father, does not pay respect to his teacher, does not pay respect to his elder brother; and yet he performs such supreme respect towards the ascetic Gotama." Then the Blessed One said this to the brahmin Mānatthaddha - "Enough, brahmin, rise up, sit down on your own seat. Since your mind has confidence in me." Then the brahmin Mānatthaddha, having sat down on his own seat, addressed the Blessed One in verse -
Who should be esteemed by him, who should be well honoured by him?"
Towards the teacher as the fourth,
Towards them one should not show conceit;
Towards them one should be respectful,
They should be esteemed by him;
They should be well honoured by him.
Having abandoned conceit, not obstinate, one should pay homage to them, the unsurpassed."
When this was said, the brahmin Mānatthaddha said this to the Blessed One: "Excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. May Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge from this day forth for life."