[363] 3.
I was an only son, dear to my mother, dear to my father;
I was obtained through many observances of vows and through supplications.
And they, out of compassion for me, desiring my good, seeking my welfare —
both my father and my mother — presented me to the Buddha:
"This son, obtained with hardship, is delicate, reared in comfort;
we give him to you, O Protector, as an attendant for the Victor (Jina)."
And the Teacher, having accepted me, said this to Ānanda:
"Give this one the going forth (pabbajjā) quickly — this one will be a thoroughbred (ājāniya)."
When the Teacher, the Victor, had had me given the going forth, he entered the dwelling;
before the sun had set, my mind (citta) was thereupon released.
Then the Teacher, having brought it to an end, rose from seclusion (paṭisallāna)
and said to me, "Come, Bhadda!" — that was my full ordination (upasampadā).
At seven years from birth I received full ordination;
the three true knowledges (vijjā) have been attained — oh, the excellence of the Dhamma!
The Elder Bhadda.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.