Sattajaṭilasuttaṃ [Ud 6.2, PTS 65–66]

2.

The Seven Matted-Hair Ascetics Discourse

52. Thus have I heard - On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in the Eastern Park, in Migāramātā's mansion. Now at that time, in the evening, the Blessed One, having emerged from seclusion, was seated outside the door-porch. Then King Pasenadi of Kosala approached the Blessed One; having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and sat down to one side.

Now at that time seven matted-hair ascetics, seven Jains, seven naked ascetics, seven single-cloth ascetics, and seven wandering ascetics, with overgrown armpit hair, nails, and body hair, carrying various requisites, were passing by not far from the Blessed One.

King Pasenadi of Kosala saw those seven matted-hair ascetics, seven Jains, seven naked ascetics, seven single-cloth ascetics, and seven wandering ascetics, with overgrown armpit hair, nails, and body hair, carrying various requisites, passing by not far from the Blessed One. Having seen them, having risen from his seat, having arranged his upper robe on one shoulder, having placed his right knee on the ground, having extended joined palms in salutation towards those seven matted-hair ascetics, seven Jains, seven naked ascetics, seven single-cloth ascetics, and seven wandering ascetics, he announced his name three times - "I am King Pasenadi of Kosala, venerable sir; I am King Pasenadi of Kosala, venerable sir; I am King Pasenadi of Kosala, venerable sir."

Then King Pasenadi of Kosala, when those seven matted-hair ascetics, seven Jains, seven naked ascetics, seven single-cloth ascetics, and seven wandering ascetics had recently departed, approached the Blessed One; having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, King Pasenadi of Kosala said this to the Blessed One - "Those, venerable sir, who in the world are Worthy Ones or have attained the path of arahantship - these are some of them."

"This is difficult to know, great king, by you, a householder enjoying sensual pleasures, dwelling in the confinement of wife and children, enjoying Kāsi sandalwood, wearing garlands, scents, and cosmetics, accepting gold and silver - 'these are Worthy Ones, or these have attained the path of arahantship.'

"By living together, great king, morality should be known. And that over a long period, not briefly; by one who pays attention, not by one who does not pay attention; by one who is wise, not by one lacking wisdom. By dealings, great king, purity should be known. And that over a long period, not briefly; by one who pays attention, not by one who does not pay attention; by one who is wise, not by one lacking wisdom. In misfortunes, great king, strength should be known. And that over a long period, not briefly; by one who pays attention, not by one who does not pay attention; by one who is wise, not by one lacking wisdom. Through discussion, great king, wisdom should be known. And that over a long period, not briefly; by one who pays attention, not by one who does not pay attention; by one who is wise, not by one lacking wisdom."

"Wonderful, venerable sir, marvellous, venerable sir! How well spoken is this, venerable sir, by the Blessed One - 'This is difficult to know, great king, by you, a householder dwelling in the confinement of children, enjoying Kāsi sandalwood, wearing garlands, scents, and cosmetics, accepting gold and silver - 'these are Worthy Ones, or these have attained the path of arahantship.' By living together, great king, morality should be known, etc. Through discussion, great king, wisdom should be known. And that over a long period, not briefly; by one who pays attention, not by one who does not pay attention; by one who is wise, not by one lacking wisdom.'"

"These, venerable sir, are my men, thieves and informants, who go having investigated the country. What has first been investigated by them, I afterwards bring to conclusion. Now, venerable sir, having washed off that dust and dirt, well-bathed, well-anointed, with trimmed hair and beard, dressed in white garments, endowed and furnished with the five kinds of sensual pleasure, they will indulge themselves."

Then the Blessed One, having understood this matter, at that time uttered this inspired utterance -