The Related Suttas Collection 7.8

1. The Perfected Ones

With Bhāradvāja the Fire-Worshiper

At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, in the Bamboo Grove, the squirrels’ feeding ground.

Now at that time ghee and milk-rice had been set out for the brahmin Bhāradvāja the Fire-Worshiper, who thought, “I will serve the sacred flame! I will perform the fire sacrifice!”

Then the Buddha robed up in the morning and, taking his bowl and robe, entered Rājagaha for alms. Wandering indiscriminately for almsfood in Rājagaha, he approached Bhāradvāja the Fire-Worshiper’s home and stood to one side.

Bhāradvāja the Fire-Worshiper saw him standing for alms and addressed him in verse:

“One who’s accomplished in the three knowledges, of good lineage and ample learning, accomplished in knowledge and conduct may enjoy this milk-rice.”

“Even one who mutters many prayers is no brahmin by birth if they’re filthy and corrupt within, with a following gained by fraud.

But one who knows their past lives, and sees heaven and places of loss, and has attained the ending of rebirth, that sage has perfect insight.

Because of these three knowledges a brahmin is a master of the three knowledges. Accomplished in knowledge and conduct, they may enjoy this milk-rice.”

“Eat, Master Gotama! you are truly a brahmin.”

“Food enchanted by a spell isn’t fit for me to eat. That’s not the principle of those who see, brahmin. The Buddhas reject things enchanted with spells. Since there is such a principle, brahmin, that’s how they live.

Serve with other food and drink the consummate one, the great seer, with defilements ended and remorse stilled. For he is the field for the seeker of merit.”

When he had spoken, the brahmin Bhāradvāja the Fire-Worshiper said to the Buddha, “Excellent, Master Gotama! …” … And Venerable Bhāradvāja the Fire-Worshiper became one of the perfected.