5.
The Lay Follower Discourse
15.
Thus have I heard -
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park.
Now at that time a certain lay follower from Icchānaṅgala had arrived at Sāvatthī on some business.
Then that lay follower, having finished that business at Sāvatthī, approached the Blessed One;
having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and sat down to one side.
To that lay follower seated to one side, the Blessed One said this:
"It has been a long time, lay follower, since you made this occasion, that is to say, for coming here."
"Long since, venerable sir, I have wished to approach the Blessed One for an audience, but I was occupied with various duties to be done. Thus I was not able to approach the Blessed One for an audience."
Then the Blessed One, having understood this matter, at that time uttered this inspired utterance -
For one who has discerned phenomena, very learned;
See one with possessions being afflicted,
A person bound to people by nature." The fifth.