[241] Bhikkhus, only here is there an ascetic (samaṇa); here a second ascetic; here a third ascetic; here a fourth ascetic. The doctrines of others are empty of ascetics. Thus, bhikkhus, should you rightly roar this lion's roar (sīhanāda).
And what, bhikkhus, is the ascetic? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu, with the utter destruction of three fetters (saṃyojana), is a stream-enterer (sotāpanna), no longer subject to falling into states of woe, fixed in destiny, with awakening as his destination. This, bhikkhus, is the ascetic.
And what, bhikkhus, is the second ascetic? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu, with the utter destruction of three fetters and the attenuation of greed, hatred, and delusion (rāga-dosa-moha), is a once-returner (sakadāgāmī); having come back to this world only once, he makes an end of suffering (dukkha). This, bhikkhus, is the second ascetic.
And what, bhikkhus, is the third ascetic? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu, with the utter destruction of the five lower fetters, is one of spontaneous rebirth (opapātika), due to attain final Nibbāna there, not subject to returning from that world. This, bhikkhus, is the third ascetic.
And what, bhikkhus, is the fourth ascetic? Here, bhikkhus, a bhikkhu, with the destruction of the taints (āsava), having realized it for himself with direct knowledge (abhiññā) in this very life, enters upon and dwells in the taintless liberation of mind (cetovimutti) and liberation by wisdom (paññāvimutti). This, bhikkhus, is the fourth ascetic.
Bhikkhus, only here is there an ascetic; here a second ascetic; here a third ascetic; here a fourth ascetic. The doctrines of others are empty of ascetics. Thus, bhikkhus, should you rightly roar this lion's roar.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.