[275] When those bhikkhus were unable to detach the bhikkhu Ariṭṭha, formerly a vulture trapper (gaddhabādhipubba), from that evil view, then those bhikkhus approached the Blessed One; and having approached, having paid homage to the Blessed One, they sat down at one side. Seated at one side, those bhikkhus said this to the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, an evil view of this kind has arisen in the bhikkhu Ariṭṭha, formerly a vulture trapper: 'As I understand the Dhamma taught by the Blessed One, those things which the Blessed One has declared to be obstructive are not able to obstruct one who indulges in them.' We heard, venerable sir: 'It seems an evil view of this kind has arisen in the bhikkhu Ariṭṭha, formerly a vulture trapper: "As I understand the Dhamma taught by the Blessed One, those things which the Blessed One has declared to be obstructive are not able to obstruct one who indulges in them."' Then, venerable sir, we approached the bhikkhu Ariṭṭha, formerly a vulture trapper; and having approached, we said this to the bhikkhu Ariṭṭha, formerly a vulture trapper: 'Is it true, friend Ariṭṭha, as it seems, that an evil view of this kind has arisen in you: "As I understand the Dhamma taught by the Blessed One, those things which the Blessed One has declared to be obstructive are not able to obstruct one who indulges in them"?' When this was said, venerable sir, the bhikkhu Ariṭṭha, formerly a vulture trapper, said this to us: 'Just so, friends, do I understand the Dhamma taught by the Blessed One: those things which the Blessed One has declared to be obstructive are not able to obstruct one who indulges in them.' Then, venerable sir, wishing to detach the bhikkhu Ariṭṭha, formerly a vulture trapper, from that evil view, we questioned him, pressed him, and cross-examined him: 'Do not speak thus, friend Ariṭṭha; do not misrepresent the Blessed One, for it is not good to misrepresent the Blessed One, and the Blessed One would not speak thus. In many ways, friend Ariṭṭha, obstructive things have been declared by the Blessed One, and indeed they are able to obstruct one who indulges in them. Sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to afford little gratification, much suffering (dukkha), and much despair, and the danger therein is greater still. With the simile of a skeleton sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to bring much suffering and much despair, and the danger therein is greater still … With the simile of a snake's head sensual pleasures have been declared by the Blessed One to bring much suffering and much despair, and the danger therein is greater still.' Yet even when questioned, pressed, and cross-examined by us thus, venerable sir, the bhikkhu Ariṭṭha, formerly a vulture trapper, obstinately grasping and adhering to that same evil view, maintained it: 'Just so, friends, do I understand the Dhamma taught by the Blessed One: those things which the Blessed One has declared to be obstructive are not able to obstruct one who indulges in them.' Since we were unable, venerable sir, to detach the bhikkhu Ariṭṭha, formerly a vulture trapper, from that evil view, we now report this matter to the Blessed One."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.