3.
The Doṇapāka Discourse
124.
At Sāvatthī.
Now at that time King Pasenadi of Kosala was eating a doṇa-measure of cooked rice.
Then King Pasenadi of Kosala, having eaten, breathing heavily, approached the Blessed One;
having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and sat down to one side.
Then the Blessed One, having understood that King Pasenadi of Kosala had eaten and was breathing heavily, at that time spoke this verse -
Who knows moderation in food obtained;
For him feelings become slight,
He ages slowly, protecting his life."
Now at that time the young man Sudassana was standing behind King Pasenadi of Kosala. Then King Pasenadi of Kosala addressed the young man Sudassana - "Come, dear Sudassana, having learnt this verse thoroughly in the presence of the Blessed One, recite it when my food is being served. And I will provide you with a daily perpetual allowance of a hundred coins." "Yes, Sire," the young man Sudassana, having assented to King Pasenadi of Kosala, having learnt this verse thoroughly in the presence of the Blessed One, would recite it when food was being served to King Pasenadi of Kosala -
Who knows moderation in food obtained;
For him feelings become slight,
He ages slowly, protecting his life."
Then King Pasenadi of Kosala gradually settled on a nāḷi-measure of rice at most. Then King Pasenadi of Kosala, at a later time, with body well-slimmed, stroking his limbs with his hand, at that time uttered this inspired utterance - "Indeed that Blessed One had compassion for me with both kinds of benefit - with benefit pertaining to the present life and with benefit pertaining to the future life."