Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
For free distribution only.
I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Savatthi, in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's monastery. Now at that time Ven. Pindola Bharadvaja was sitting not far from the Blessed One, his legs crossed, his body held erect -- a forest dweller, an alms-goer, a rag-robe wearer, an owner of only one set of three robes, a man of few wishes, content, solitary, unentangled, his persistence aroused, an advocate of the ascetic practices, devoted to the heightened mind. The Blessed One saw Ven. Pindola Bharadvaja sitting not far away, his legs crossed, his body held erect -- a forest dweller, an alms-goer, a rag-robe wearer, an owner of only one set of three robes, a man of few wishes, content, solitary, unentangled, his persistence aroused, an advocate of the ascetic practices, devoted to the heightened mind.
Then, on realizing the significance of that, the Blessed One on that occasion exclaimed:
Not reviling, not injuring,
restraint in line
with the Patimokkha,
moderation in food,
dwelling in seclusion,
devotion to the heightened mind:
this is the teaching
of the Awakened Ones.
NOTE: The Ven. Pindola Bharadvaja, even though initally seen by the Buddha to be moved to exclaim the above, did not in fact enter Nirvana in his lifetime, having been barred from such by the Buddha from doing so. (source)
