[309] Then a certain brahmin approached the Blessed One; having approached, he exchanged greetings with the Blessed One, and when the courteous talk of friendly recollection was concluded, he sat down to one side. Sitting to one side, that brahmin said this to the Blessed One: "Master Gotama, I am one of such a doctrine, of such a view: 'There is no self-doing (attakāra); there is no other-doing (parakāra).'"
"Brahmin, may I never see or hear of one of such a doctrine, of such a view! For how indeed can one who himself steps forward and himself steps back speak thus: 'There is no self-doing; there is no other-doing'? What do you think, brahmin — is there an element of instigation (ārabbhadhātu)?"
"So it is, sir."
"When there is an element of instigation, are beings who instigate discerned?"
"So it is, sir."
"Brahmin, when, there being an element of instigation, beings who instigate are discerned — this is the self-doing of beings; this is the other-doing. What do you think, brahmin — is there an element of exertion (nikkamadhātu)? … Is there an element of striving (parakkamadhātu)? Is there an element of strength (thāmadhātu)? Is there an element of steadfastness (dhitidhātu)? Is there an element of endeavor (upakkamadhātu)?"
"So it is, sir."
"When there is an element of endeavor, are beings who endeavor discerned?"
"So it is, sir."
"Brahmin, when, there being an element of endeavor, beings who endeavor are discerned — this is the self-doing of beings; this is the other-doing. Brahmin, may I never see or hear of one of such a doctrine, of such a view! For how indeed can one who himself steps forward and himself steps back speak thus: 'There is no self-doing; there is no other-doing'?"
"Excellent, Master Gotama! … From this day forth, [remember me as one] who has gone for refuge for as long as life lasts."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.