2.
The First Discourse on Isidatta
344.
On one occasion many elder monks were dwelling at Macchikāsaṇḍa in the Ambāṭaka Grove.
Then the householder Citta approached the elder monks;
having approached, he paid respect to the elder monks and sat down to one side.
Seated to one side, the householder Citta said this to the elder monks -
"May the elder monks consent to accept a meal from me for tomorrow."
The elder monks consented by silence.
Then the householder Citta, having learned of the elder monks' acceptance, rose from his seat, paid respect to the elder monks, circumambulated them keeping them on his right, and departed.
Then the elder monks, after that night had passed, in the earlier period of the day, having dressed, taking their bowls and robes, approached the dwelling of the householder Citta;
having approached, they sat down on the prepared seats.
Then the householder Citta approached the elder monks; having approached, he paid respect to the elder monks and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the householder Citta said this to the Venerable Thera - "'Diversity of elements, diversity of elements', venerable sir Thera, is said. In what way, venerable sir, has the diversity of elements been spoken of by the Blessed One?" When this was said, the Venerable Thera remained silent. For the second time the householder Citta said this to the Venerable Thera - "'Diversity of elements, diversity of elements', venerable sir Thera, is said. In what way, venerable sir, has the diversity of elements been spoken of by the Blessed One?" For the second time the Venerable Thera remained silent. For the third time the householder Citta said this to the Venerable Thera - "'Diversity of elements, diversity of elements', venerable sir Thera, is said. In what way, venerable sir, has the diversity of elements been spoken of by the Blessed One?" For the third time the Venerable Thera remained silent.
Now at that time the Venerable Isidatta was the most junior in that community of monks. Then the Venerable Isidatta said this to the Venerable Thera - "May I answer this question of the householder Citta, venerable sir Thera?" "Answer, friend Isidatta, this question of the householder Citta." "Thus indeed you ask, householder - 'Diversity of elements, diversity of elements', venerable sir Thera, is said. In what way, venerable sir, has the diversity of elements been spoken of by the Blessed One?'" "Yes, venerable sir." "This indeed, householder, is the diversity of elements spoken of by the Blessed One - eye-element, material element, eye-consciousness element, etc. mind-element, element of phenomena, mind-consciousness element. To this extent indeed, householder, the diversity of elements has been spoken of by the Blessed One."
Then the householder Citta, having delighted in and given thanks for what the Venerable Isidatta had said, with his own hand satisfied and served the elder monks with superior solid and soft food. Then the elder monks, having finished eating, with hands removed from the bowls, rose from their seats and departed. Then the venerable elder said this to the Venerable Isidatta - "Good indeed, friend Isidatta, that this question occurred to you; this question did not occur to me. Well then, friend Isidatta, whenever such a question should come up again, you should answer it here." The second.