23(3)Hatthaka(1)
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Alavī at the Aggālava Shrine.
There the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus....[217]
"
Bhikkhus,you should remember Hatthaka of Alavī as one who possesses seven astounding and amazing qualities.
What
seven?
(1)Hatthaka of Alavi is endowed with faith.
(2)He is virtuous,and
(3)has a sense of moral shame and
(4)moral
dread.
(5)He is learned,
(6)generous,and
(7)wise.You should remember Hatthaka of Alavi as one who possesses these seven astounding and amazing qualities."
This is what the Blessed One said.
Having said this,the Fortunate One rose from his seat and entered his dwelling.
Then,in the morning,a certain bhikkhu dressed,took his bowl and robe,and went to the residence of Hatthaka of Alavi.
When he arrived,he sat down on the seat that was prepared for him.
Then Hatthaka of Alavi approached the bhikkhu,
paid homage to him,and sat down to one side.
The bhikkhu then said to him:
"Friend,
While Hatthaka is said to be dwelling in a residence(rivesana),unlike the preceding two lay followers,he is not addressed here as"householder" (gahapati) but as "friend" (avuso). Whether this is intentional or a transmission error is impossible to determine.At 6:123,however,Hatthaka is referred to as a householder(gahapati)whereas some of the other lay disciples in this vaggaare called lay followers(upasaka). the Blessed One declared that you possess seven astounding and amazing qualities.
What seven?
'Bhikkhus,Hatthaka of Alavī is endowed with faith.
He is virtuous and has a sense of moral shame and moral dread.He is learned,generous,and wise.'
The Blessed One declared that you possess these seven astounding and amazing qualities."
"I hope,Bhante,that no white-robed layman was present?"
"No,friend.No white-robed layman was present."
"That's good,Bhante."
Then that bhikkhu,having received almsfood at the residence of Hatthaka of Alavi,rose from his seat and departed.
After hismeal,on returning from his alms round,he approached the Blessed One,
[218]paid homage to him,sat down to one side,
[and reported to him all that had happened].
The text repeats everything from the bhikkhu's going to Hatthaka's house up to the end of their conversation.
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
[The Blessed One said:]“Good,good,bhikkhu!
That clansman has few desires,
since he does not want his inner wholesome qualities to be known by others.
Therefore,bhikkhu,you should remember Hatthaka of Alavi as one who possesses this eighth astounding and amazing quality,that is,(8)fewness of desires."