[675] "What has been chanted over with verses (gāthābhigīta) is not to be eaten by me;
for those who see rightly, brahmin, this² is the principle (dhamma).
The Buddhas reject what has been chanted over with verses;
while the principle stands, brahmin, this is the way of living (vutti).
[Page footnotes: ¹ In the Burmese and European editions "kasiṃ" appears at this point. ² (These editions read:) "nesa" — "this is *not* the principle."]
But the consummate one (kevalin), the great seer (mahesi),
one whose taints (āsava) are destroyed, whose remorse is stilled —
serve him with other food and drink,
for that is the field for one who looks for merit (puñña)."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.