[479] Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Aṅgas; there was a market town of the Aṅgas named Assapura. There the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus." "Venerable sir," those bhikkhus replied to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this:
"'Ascetics, ascetics' (samaṇā samaṇā) — thus, bhikkhus, do people perceive you. And you, when asked, 'Who are you?', claim, 'We are ascetics.' Since you bear this designation, bhikkhus, and make this claim, you should train thus: 'Whatever the practice proper to an ascetic (samaṇasāmīcipaṭipadā) may be, that practice we shall undertake; thus this designation of ours will be true and our claim genuine; and the services of those whose bowl, robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicinal requisites for the sick we use will be of great fruit and great benefit to them; and this going forth (pabbajjā) of ours will not be barren, but will be fruitful and productive.' Thus indeed, bhikkhus, should you train."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.