Udāna 36

Heartfelt Sayings 4.6

The Alms-Gatherer

1 So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Now at that time Venerable Bhāradvāja the Alms-Gatherer was sitting not far from the Buddha, cross-legged, with his body straight. He was one who lived in the wilderness, ate only almsfood, wore rag robes, and owned just three robes. He was of few wishes, content, secluded, aloof, and energetic, an advocate of austerities, dedicated to the higher mind.

2 The Buddha saw him meditating there.

3 Then, understanding this matter, on that occasion the Buddha expressed this heartfelt sentiment:

4 “Not speaking ill nor doing harm;

restraint in the monastic code;

moderation in eating;

staying in remote lodgings;

commitment to the higher mind—

this is the instruction of the Buddhas.”