[488] Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. Now on that occasion the brahmins and householders of Verañjā were residing at Sāvatthī on some business. The brahmins and householders of Verañjā heard: "Indeed, sirs, the ascetic Gotama, a son of the Sakyans who has gone forth from a Sakyan family, is dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's monastery. And concerning that worthy Gotama such a good report has spread abroad: 'Thus indeed is that Blessed One: an arahant, perfectly enlightened by himself, accomplished in true knowledge (vijjā) and conduct, well gone, knower of the world, unsurpassed trainer of persons to be tamed, teacher of devas and humans, awakened, blessed. Having realized it by his own direct knowledge, he makes known this world with its devas, with its Māras, with its Brahmās, this generation with its ascetics and brahmins, with its devas and humans. He teaches the Dhamma that is good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end; he proclaims the holy life complete in meaning and in phrasing, entirely perfect and pure. Good indeed is the sight of such arahants.'"
Then the brahmins and householders of Verañjā approached the Blessed One. Having approached, some paid homage to the Blessed One and sat down to one side; some exchanged greetings with the Blessed One, and when that courteous and memorable talk was concluded, sat down to one side; some raised their joined palms in reverence toward the Blessed One and sat down to one side; some announced their name and clan in the presence of the Blessed One and sat down to one side; some remained silent and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the brahmins and householders of Verañjā said this to the Blessed One: "Worthy Gotama, what is the cause, what is the condition, whereby some beings here, with the breakup of the body, after death, are reborn in a state of deprivation, a bad destination, the lower world, hell? And, worthy Gotama, what is the cause, what is the condition, whereby some beings here, with the breakup of the body, after death, are reborn in a good destination, a heavenly world?"
"Householders, it is by reason of conduct contrary to Dhamma, unrighteous conduct, that some beings here, with the breakup of the body, after death, are reborn in a state of deprivation, a bad destination, the lower world, hell. Householders, it is by reason of conduct in accordance with Dhamma, righteous conduct, that some beings here, with the breakup of the body, after death, are reborn in a good destination, a heavenly world."
"We do not understand in detail the meaning of what the worthy Gotama has stated in brief without analyzing the meaning in detail. It would be good if the worthy Gotama would teach us the Dhamma in such a way that we might understand in detail the meaning of what the worthy Gotama has stated in brief without analyzing the meaning in detail."
"Then, householders, listen and attend carefully; I shall speak."
"Yes, sir," the brahmins and householders of Verañjā replied to the Blessed One.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.