[318] [47] Then Moḷiyasivaka the wanderer approached the Blessed One; having approached, he exchanged greetings with the Blessed One, and when the cordial talk worth remembering had been concluded, he sat down to one side. Sitting to one side, Moḷiyasivaka the wanderer said to the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, it is said: 'The Dhamma is to be seen for oneself (sandiṭṭhiko dhammo), the Dhamma is to be seen for oneself.' In what way, venerable sir, is the Dhamma to be seen for oneself, not delayed (akāliko), inviting one to come and see (ehipassiko), leading inward (opanayiko), to be directly experienced by the wise each for himself (paccattaṃ veditabbo viññūhi)?"
"Well then, Sivaka, I shall question you in return on this very matter; answer it as you see fit. What do you think, Sivaka? When greed (lobha) is present within you, do you understand: 'There is greed within me'? And when greed is absent within you, do you understand: 'There is no greed within me'?"
"Yes, venerable sir."
"Since, Sivaka, when greed is present within you, you understand: 'There is greed within me,' and when greed is absent within you, you understand: 'There is no greed within me' — in this way too, Sivaka, the Dhamma is to be seen for oneself … What do you think, Sivaka? When hatred is present within you … when delusion is present within you … when a state of greed (lobhadhamma) is present within you … when a state of hatred is present within you … when a state of delusion is present within you, do you understand: 'There is a state of delusion within me'? And when a state of delusion is absent within you, do you understand: 'There is no state of delusion within me'?"
"Yes, venerable sir."
"Since, Sivaka, when a state of delusion is present within you, you understand: 'There is a state of delusion within me,' and when a state of delusion is absent within you, you understand: 'There is no state of delusion within me' — in this way too, Sivaka, the Dhamma is to be seen for oneself, not delayed, inviting one to come and see, leading inward, to be directly experienced by the wise each for himself."
"Excellent, venerable sir! … May the Blessed One remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life, from this day forward."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.