11.
The Discourse to Saṅgārava
207.
At Sāvatthī.
Now at that time a brahmin named Saṅgārava was dwelling at Sāvatthī, one who believed in water purification, who sought complete purity through water, dwelling devoted to the practice of going down into the water morning and evening.
Then the Venerable Ānanda, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking his bowl and robe, entered Sāvatthī for almsfood.
Having walked for almsfood in Sāvatthī, after the meal, having returned from his alms round, he approached the Blessed One;
having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and sat down to one side.
Seated to one side, the Venerable Ānanda said this to the Blessed One -
"Here, venerable sir, a brahmin named Saṅgārava is dwelling at Sāvatthī, one who believes in water purification, who seeks purity through water, dwelling devoted to the practice of going down into the water morning and evening.
It would be good, venerable sir, if the Blessed One would approach the dwelling of the brahmin Saṅgārava, out of compassion."
The Blessed One consented by silence.
Then the Blessed One, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking his bowl and robe, approached the dwelling of the brahmin Saṅgārava; having approached, he sat down on the prepared seat. Then the brahmin Saṅgārava approached the Blessed One; having approached, he exchanged friendly greetings with the Blessed One. Having concluded the pleasant and memorable talk, he sat down to one side. To the brahmin Saṅgārava seated to one side, the Blessed One said this: "Is it true, brahmin, that you believe in water purification, that you seek purity through water, that you dwell devoted to the practice of going down into the water morning and evening?" "Yes, Master Gotama." "But what reason do you, brahmin, see that you believe in water purification, that you seek water purification, that you dwell devoted to the practice of going down into the water morning and evening?" "Here, Master Gotama, whatever evil deed I have done during the day, that I wash away in the evening by bathing; whatever evil deed I have done during the night, that I wash away in the morning by bathing. This is the reason I see, Master Gotama, that I believe in water purification, that I seek purity through water, that I dwell devoted to the practice of going down into the water morning and evening."
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."
When this was said, the brahmin Saṅgārava said this to the Blessed One - "Excellent, Master Gotama, excellent, Master Gotama! Etc. May Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge from this day forth for life."