[119] 6. Thus have I heard.
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park. Now on that occasion the Venerable Mahākaccāna was dwelling among the Avantīs, at Kururaghara,[1] on Pavatta Mountain. And on that occasion the lay follower (upāsaka) Soṇa Koṭikaṇṇa[2] was a supporter (upaṭṭhāka) of the Venerable Mahākaccāna. Then, while the lay follower Soṇa Koṭikaṇṇa was alone in seclusion, this reflection arose in his mind: "In whatever way the master (ayya) Mahākaccāna teaches the Dhamma, it is not easy for one dwelling in a house to lead the holy life (brahmacariya), utterly perfect, utterly pure, polished like a conch shell. Suppose I were to shave off my hair and beard, clothe myself in the ochre robes, and go forth from the home life into homelessness." Then the lay follower Soṇa Koṭikaṇṇa approached the Venerable Mahākaccāna; having approached and paid homage to the Venerable Mahākaccāna, he sat down at one side. Sitting at one side, the lay follower Soṇa Koṭikaṇṇa said this to the Venerable Mahākaccāna: "Here, venerable sir, while I was alone in seclusion, this reflection arose in my mind: 'In whatever way the master Mahākaccāna teaches the Dhamma, it is not easy for one dwelling in a house to lead the holy life, utterly perfect, utterly pure, polished like a conch shell. Suppose I were to shave off my hair and beard, clothe myself in the ochre robes, and go forth from the home life into homelessness.' Venerable sir, may the master Mahākaccāna give me the going forth."
[1] The Burmese and European editions read Kuraraghara. [2] Also read Kuṭikaṇṇa.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.