[270] P. Among human beings, is there [a place] where there is the living of the holy life (brahmacariyavāsa), and [a place] where there is not?
S. Yes.
P. Where is there, and where is there not?
S. In the outlying border countries there is no living of the holy life — among uncomprehending barbarians (milakkhū), where there is no going for bhikkhus, bhikkhunīs, male lay followers (upāsaka), and female lay followers (upāsikā); in the middle countries there is the living of the holy life.
P. In the outlying border countries — among uncomprehending barbarians, where there is no going for bhikkhus, bhikkhunīs, male lay followers, and female lay followers — is there no living of the holy life?
S. Yes.
P. In the middle countries, is there no living of the holy life?
S. It should not be said thus.
P. In the middle countries, is there the living of the holy life?
S. Yes.
P. In the outlying border countries — among uncomprehending barbarians, where there is no going for bhikkhus, bhikkhunīs, male lay followers, and female lay followers — is there the living of the holy life?
S. It should not be said thus. …
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.