9.
The Discourse on the Matted-Hair Ascetics
9.
Thus have I heard.
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Gayā, at Gayāsīsa.
Now at that time many matted-hair ascetics on cold wintry nights, during the coldest eight days of the winter, at the time of snowfall, at Gayā were emerging and diving, doing emerging and diving, pouring water over themselves, and making offerings to the fire -
"By this there is purification."
The Blessed One saw those many matted-hair ascetics on cold wintry nights, during the coldest eight days of the winter, at the time of snowfall, at Gayā emerging and diving, doing emerging and diving, pouring water over themselves, and making offerings to the fire - "By this there is purification."
Then the Blessed One, having understood this matter, at that time uttered this inspired utterance -
In whom there is truth and the Teaching, he is pure, he is a brahmin." The ninth.