Bhikkhaka Sutta

Translation by Bhikkhuni Uppalavanna

1. The origin is Sàvatthi.

2. Then the brahmin who begged for his food approached the Blessed One, exchanged friendly greetings and sat on a side.

3. And the Brahmin who begged for his food said to the Blessed One: "Good Gotama, I beg my food, and the good one too begs food. What is the difference between us?"

4.
 * For the reason that others feed you, you are not a bhikkhu
 * Even observing all the rules does not make a bhikkhu.
 * If one gives up merit and demerit and leads the holy life esteeming it,
 * he is called a bhikkhu.

5. Then the Brahmin who begged food said to the Blessed One: "Good Gotama, now I understand. It's like something overturned is put upright. Something covered is made manifest. It's like one who was lost was shown the path. It's like a lamp lighted for the darkness, for those who have sight to see forms. In this and other ways the Teaching is well explained. Now I take refuge in good Gotama, in the Teaching and the Community of bhikkhus. I am a lay disciple who has taken refuge from today until I die."