[515] When this was said, Prince Bodhi said to the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, when a bhikkhu obtains the Tathāgata as his trainer, how long would it take for him to realize for himself through direct knowledge (abhiññā), in this very life, that unsurpassed consummation of the holy life (brahmacariya) for the sake of which clansmen rightly go forth from the home life into homelessness, and to enter upon and dwell in it?"
"Well then, Prince, I shall question you in return on this very point; you may answer as you see fit. What do you think, Prince? Are you skilled in the art of mounting an elephant and wielding the goad?"
"Yes, venerable sir, I am skilled in the art of mounting an elephant and wielding the goad."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.