6.
The Pregnant Woman Discourse
16.
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 wandering ascetic had a young maiden as wife who was pregnant and near to giving birth.
Then that female wandering ascetic said this to that wandering ascetic -
"Go, brahmin, bring oil, which will be for me when I have given birth."
When this was said, that wandering ascetic said this to that female wandering ascetic - "But from where, dear lady, shall I bring oil?" For the second time that female wandering ascetic said this to that wandering ascetic - "Go, brahmin, bring oil, which will be for me when I have given birth." For the second time that wandering ascetic said this to that female wandering ascetic - "But from where, dear lady, shall I bring oil?" For the third time that female wandering ascetic said this to that wandering ascetic - "Go, brahmin, bring oil, which will be for me when I have given birth."
Now at that time in King Pasenadi of Kosala's storehouse, ghee or oil was given to any ascetic or brahmin to drink as much as one likes, but not to take away.
Then this occurred to that wandering ascetic - "In King Pasenadi of Kosala's storehouse, ghee or oil is given to any ascetic or brahmin to drink as much as one likes, but not to take away. What if I were to go to King Pasenadi of Kosala's storehouse, having drunk oil as much as I like, having come home, having vomited it up, I would give it, which will be for her when she has given birth."
Then that wandering ascetic, having gone to King Pasenadi of Kosala's storehouse, having drunk oil as much as he liked, having come home, was unable to bring it up, nor down. He, touched by painful, sharp, harsh, bitter feelings, rolled about and writhed.
Then the Blessed One, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking his bowl and robe, entered Sāvatthī for almsfood. The Blessed One saw that wandering ascetic touched by painful, sharp, harsh, bitter feelings, rolling about and writhing.
Then the Blessed One, having understood this matter, at that time uttered this inspired utterance -
For people who have attained the highest knowledge own nothing;
See one with possessions being afflicted,
A person with mind bound to people." The sixth.