[242] "But, venerable sir, answering in what way would we be speaking in accordance with what the Blessed One has said, and not misrepresent the Blessed One with what is untrue, and answer in conformity with the Dhamma, so that no legitimate consequence of our assertion would come to a position deserving censure?"
"Vaccha, one answering 'The ascetic Gotama is possessed of the three true knowledges (tevijjo)' would be speaking in accordance with what I have said, would not misrepresent me with what is untrue, would answer in conformity with the Dhamma, and no legitimate consequence of that assertion would come to a position deserving censure.
For, Vaccha, so far as I wish, I recollect my manifold past abodes (pubbenivāsa), that is: one birth (jāti), two births … Thus, with their aspects and particulars, I recollect my manifold past abodes.
For, Vaccha, so far as I wish, with the divine eye (dibbacakkhu), purified and surpassing the human, I see beings passing away and reappearing—inferior and superior, beautiful and ugly, faring well and faring ill … I understand beings as faring according to their kamma.
For, Vaccha, through the destruction of the taints (āsava), I dwell having entered upon the taintless liberation of mind (cetovimutti) and liberation by wisdom (paññāvimutti), having realized them for myself with direct knowledge (abhiññā) in this very life.
Vaccha, one answering 'The ascetic Gotama is possessed of the three true knowledges' would be speaking in accordance with what I have said, would not misrepresent me with what is untrue, would answer in conformity with the Dhamma, and no legitimate consequence of that assertion would come to a position deserving censure."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.