Thus I heard: At one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Sāvatthī, in Jeta’s Wood, at Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then at that time venerable Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja was sitting not far from the Gracious One, after folding his legs crosswise, and setting his body straight, a forest-dweller, an alms gatherer, a rag-rober, one with only three-robes, with few longings, satisfied, completely secluded, unattached, with energy aroused, being one who spoke about the ascetic practices, who was applying himself to the higher mind.

The Gracious One saw venerable Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja, who was sitting not far away, after folding his legs crosswise, and setting his body straight, a forest-dweller, an alms gatherer, a rag-rober, one with only three-robes, with few longings, satisfied, completely secluded, unattached, with energy aroused, being one who spoke about the ascetic practices, who was applying himself to the higher mind.

Then the Gracious One, having understood the significance of it, on that occasion uttered this exalted utterance:

“Not finding fault, not hurting, and restraint in regard to the Pātimokkha,
Knowing the correct measure in food, and living in a remote dwelling place,
Being devoted to the higher mind—
this is the teaching of the Buddhas.”