[324] Now on that occasion Nanda the cowherd was standing not far from the Blessed One. Then Nanda the cowherd said this to the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, I do not approach the near shore, I do not approach the far shore; I will not sink in mid-stream, I will not run aground on high ground; I am not seized by the grasp of humans, I am not seized by the grasp of non-humans, I am not seized by the grip of a whirlpool; and I will not become inwardly rotten. It would be good, venerable sir, if I might receive the going forth (pabbajjā) in the presence of the Blessed One, if I might receive the full ordination (upasampadā)."
"In that case, Nanda, return the cows to their owners."
"The cows will go back of themselves, venerable sir, out of longing for their calves."
"Return the cows to their owners, Nanda."
Then Nanda the cowherd, having returned the cows to their owners, approached the Blessed One; having approached, he said this to the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, the cows have been returned to their owners. May I receive the going forth in the presence of the Blessed One, may I receive the full ordination."
And Nanda the cowherd received the going forth in the presence of the Blessed One, received the full ordination. And not long after his full ordination, the Venerable Nanda, dwelling alone, withdrawn … And the Venerable Nanda became one of the arahants.
The fourth.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.