[1] Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Campā, on the bank of the Gaggarā Lotus Pond, together with a great Saṅgha of bhikkhus (bhikkhusaṅgha). Then Pessa, the elephant rider's son (hatthārohaputta), and Kandaraka the wanderer (paribbājaka) approached the Blessed One. Having approached, Pessa the elephant rider's son paid homage to the Blessed One and sat down to one side. But Kandaraka the wanderer exchanged greetings with the Blessed One, and when the courteous and memorable talk was concluded, he stood to one side. Standing to one side, Kandaraka the wanderer surveyed the Saṅgha of bhikkhus, which was utterly, utterly silent, and said this to the Blessed One: "It is wonderful, Master Gotama! It is marvellous, Master Gotama! — how the Saṅgha of bhikkhus has been led to right practice by Master Gotama. Master Gotama, those who were Arahants, Perfectly Enlightened Ones, in the past — those Blessed Ones too led the Saṅgha of bhikkhus to right practice at most only to this same degree, just as the Saṅgha of bhikkhus has now been led to right practice by Master Gotama. And those who will be Arahants, Perfectly Enlightened Ones, in the future — those Blessed Ones too will lead the Saṅgha of bhikkhus to right practice at most only to this same degree, just as the Saṅgha of bhikkhus has now been led to right practice by Master Gotama."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.