[57] The setting at Pāṭaliputta. …
"Friend Ānanda, it is said: 'the holy life (brahmacariya), the holy life.' What now, friend, is the holy life? What is the culmination of the holy life?"
"Good, good, friend Bhadda! Auspicious, friend Bhadda, is your line of approach (ummaṅga), auspicious your discernment, excellent your inquiry. For thus, friend Bhadda, do you ask: 'Friend Ānanda, it is said: "the holy life, the holy life." What now, friend, is the holy life? What is the culmination of the holy life?'"
"Yes, friend."
"It is just this Noble Eightfold Path, friend, that is the holy life; that is: right view … right concentration (samādhi). The destruction of lust (rāga), the destruction of hatred, the destruction of delusion — this, friend, is the culmination of the holy life."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.