[464] Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Venerable Mahākaccāna was dwelling near Madhurā, in the Gundhā Grove. King Avantiputta of Madhurā heard: "It seems, sirs, that the ascetic Kaccāna is dwelling near Madhurā, in the Gundhā Grove. And of that worthy Kaccāna this fair report of fame has spread about: 'He is wise, competent, intelligent, learned, a brilliant speaker, of excellent perspicacity, an elder and indeed an arahant.' It is good indeed to get to see such arahants."
Then King Avantiputta of Madhurā had a number of fine carriages harnessed, mounted a fine carriage, and with the fine carriages set out from Madhurā in the full pomp of royal majesty to see the Venerable Mahākaccāna. Having gone by carriage as far as the ground was passable for carriages, he descended from the carriage and approached the Venerable Mahākaccāna on foot. Having approached, he exchanged greetings with the Venerable Mahākaccāna, and when the courteous talk conducive to friendly recollection was concluded, he sat down at one side. Seated at one side, King Avantiputta of Madhurā said this to the Venerable Mahākaccāna:
"Worthy Kaccāna, the brahmins say thus: 'Only brahmins are the highest class (vaṇṇa); any other class is inferior. Only brahmins are the white class; any other class is dark. Only brahmins are purified, not non-brahmins. Only brahmins are Brahmā's sons, his true-born offspring, born from his mouth, born of Brahmā, created by Brahmā, heirs of Brahmā.' What does the worthy Kaccāna say to this?"
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.