[156] Now on that occasion the brahmin Jāṇussoṇi, on the uposatha day, having washed his head and clothed himself in a new pair of linen garments, holding a handful of fresh kusa grass, was standing to one side not far from the Blessed One. The Blessed One saw the brahmin Jāṇussoṇi, who on the uposatha day had washed his head, clothed himself in a new pair of linen garments, and, holding a handful of fresh kusa grass, was standing to one side; and having seen him, he said this to the brahmin Jāṇussoṇi: "Why is it, brahmin, that on this uposatha day you have washed your head, clothed yourself in a new pair of linen garments, and stand to one side holding a handful of fresh kusa grass? What is today for the brahmin clan?"
"Today, Master Gotama, is the Descent (paccorohaṇī) of the brahmin clan."
"But in what way, brahmin, is there the Descent of the brahmins?"
"Here, Master Gotama, on the uposatha day the brahmins, having washed their heads and clothed themselves in new pairs of linen garments, smear the ground with fresh cow dung, strew it with green kusa grass, and make their beds between the boundary and the fire-house. Rising three times in that night, with hands joined in reverence they pay homage to the fire, saying: 'We descend, honored one! We descend, honored one!' And they satiate the fire with abundant ghee, oil, and fresh butter; and when that night has passed, they satiate brahmins with excellent food, both hard and soft. It is in this way, Master Gotama, that there is the Descent of the brahmins."
"The Descent of the brahmins, brahmin, is one thing; but the Descent in the discipline of the Noble One is quite another."
"But in what way, Master Gotama, is there the Descent in the discipline of the Noble One? It would indeed be good if Master Gotama would teach me the Dhamma in such a way as there is the Descent in the discipline of the Noble One."
"Then listen, brahmin, and attend carefully; I shall speak."
"Yes, sir," the brahmin Jāṇussoṇi replied to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this:
"Here, brahmin, a noble disciple reflects thus: 'The result (vipāka) of the destruction of life (pāṇātipāta) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons the destruction of life; he descends from the destruction of life. 'The result of taking what is not given (adinnādāna) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons taking what is not given; he descends from taking what is not given. 'The result of sexual misconduct (kāmesu micchācāra) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons sexual misconduct; he descends from sexual misconduct. 'The result of false speech (musāvāda) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons false speech; he descends from false speech. 'The result of divisive speech (pisuṇā vācā) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons divisive speech; he descends from divisive speech. 'The result of harsh speech (pharusā vācā) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons harsh speech; he descends from harsh speech. 'The result of frivolous talk (samphappalāpa) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons frivolous talk; he descends from frivolous talk. 'The result of covetousness (abhijjhā) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons covetousness; he descends from covetousness. 'The result of ill will (byāpāda) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons ill will; he descends from ill will. 'The result of wrong view (micchādiṭṭhi) is evil both in this very life and in the life to come.' Having reflected thus, he abandons wrong view; he descends from wrong view. It is in this way, brahmin, that there is the Descent in the discipline of the Noble One."
"The Descent of the brahmins, Master Gotama, is one thing, but the Descent in the discipline of the Noble One is quite another; and the Descent of the brahmins, Master Gotama, is not worth a sixteenth part of this Descent in the discipline of the Noble One. Excellent, Master Gotama! … Let Master Gotama 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.