[286] "Bhikkhus, when a bhikkhu's mind (citta) is thus liberated, the gods together with Indra, together with Brahmā, together with Pajāpati, though searching, do not find [anything of which they could say]: 'The consciousness (viññāṇa) of the Tathāgata is dependent on this.' For what reason? Bhikkhus, I say that even in this very life the Tathāgata is beyond reproach (ananuvajja).
"Though I speak thus, bhikkhus, and declare thus, certain ascetics and brahmins misrepresent me baselessly, vainly, falsely, and contrary to fact, saying: 'The ascetic Gotama is one who leads beings to destruction (venayika); he declares the annihilation, the destruction, the extermination of an existing being.' As I am not, bhikkhus, and as I do not speak, so do those worthy ascetics and brahmins misrepresent me baselessly, vainly, falsely, and contrary to fact, saying: 'The ascetic Gotama is one who leads beings to destruction; he declares the annihilation, the destruction, the extermination of an existing being.' Both formerly, bhikkhus, and now, it is only suffering (dukkha) that I declare, and the cessation of suffering.
"If, in that case, bhikkhus, others abuse, revile, provoke, harass, and vex the Tathāgata, on that account the Tathāgata has no resentment, no displeasure, no discontent of mind. If, in that case, bhikkhus, others honor, respect, esteem, and venerate the Tathāgata, on that account the Tathāgata has no delight, no gladness, no elation of mind. If, in that case, bhikkhus, others honor, respect, esteem, and venerate the Tathāgata, the Tathāgata thinks thus: 'It is with regard to that which was formerly fully understood that such services are done to me.'"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.