[113] On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Āḷavī, at the Aggāḷava Shrine. There the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, you should bear in mind that Hatthaka Āḷavaka is endowed with seven astounding and amazing qualities (acchariyā abbhutadhammā). What seven? Hatthaka Āḷavaka, bhikkhus, has faith (saddhā); Hatthaka Āḷavaka, bhikkhus, is virtuous; Hatthaka Āḷavaka, bhikkhus, has moral shame (hiri); Hatthaka Āḷavaka, bhikkhus, has moral dread (ottappa); Hatthaka Āḷavaka, bhikkhus, is greatly learned (bahussuta); Hatthaka Āḷavaka, bhikkhus, is generous (cāgavā); Hatthaka Āḷavaka, bhikkhus, is wise (paññavā). Bhikkhus, you should bear in mind that Hatthaka Āḷavaka is endowed with these seven astounding and amazing qualities." This is what the Blessed One said. Having said this, the Well-Farer (Sugata) rose from his seat and entered the dwelling.
Then a certain bhikkhu, in the morning, having dressed and taking his bowl and robe, approached the residence of Hatthaka Āḷavaka; having approached, he sat down on a seat that had been prepared. Then Hatthaka Āḷavaka approached that bhikkhu; having approached, he paid homage to that bhikkhu and sat down to one side. As Hatthaka Āḷavaka sat to one side, that bhikkhu said this to him: "Friend, the Blessed One has declared you to be endowed with seven astounding and amazing qualities. What seven? 'Hatthaka Āḷavaka, bhikkhus, has faith; Hatthaka Āḷavaka, bhikkhus, is virtuous, has moral shame, has moral dread, is greatly learned, is generous, is wise.' Friend, the Blessed One has declared you to be endowed with these seven astounding and amazing qualities."
"Venerable sir, I hope no householder clothed in white was present there?"
"No, friend, no householder clothed in white was present there."
"It is good, venerable sir, that no householder clothed in white was present there."
Then that bhikkhu, having received almsfood at the residence of Hatthaka Āḷavaka, rose from his seat and departed. Then, after the meal, having returned from his almsround, that bhikkhu approached the Blessed One; having approached, he paid homage to the Blessed One and sat down to one side. As he sat to one side, that bhikkhu said this to the Blessed One: "Here, venerable sir, in the morning, having dressed and taking my bowl and robe, I approached the residence of Hatthaka Āḷavaka; having approached, I sat down on a seat that had been prepared. Then, venerable sir, Hatthaka Āḷavaka approached me; having approached, he paid homage to me and sat down to one side. As Hatthaka Āḷavaka sat to one side, venerable sir, I said this to him: 'Friend, the Blessed One has declared you to be endowed with seven astounding and amazing qualities. What seven? "Hatthaka Āḷavaka, bhikkhus, has faith; Hatthaka Āḷavaka, bhikkhus, is virtuous, has moral shame, has moral dread, is greatly learned, is generous, is wise." Friend, the Blessed One has declared you to be endowed with these seven astounding and amazing qualities.' When this was said, venerable sir, Hatthaka Āḷavaka said this to me: 'Venerable sir, I hope no householder clothed in white was present there?' 'No, friend, no householder clothed in white was present there.' 'It is good, venerable sir, that no householder clothed in white was present there.'"
"Good, good, bhikkhu! That clansman (kulaputta) has few wishes: though wholesome qualities exist in himself, he does not wish them to be known by others. Well then, bhikkhu, bear in mind that Hatthaka Āḷavaka is endowed with this astounding and amazing quality, namely … fewness of wishes (appicchatā)."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.