This is as I heard. At one time the Blessed One was staying in the province of Sāvatthī, in Jeta’s park, at Anathapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then, late at night, a glorious deity, lighting up the entire Jeta’s park, went up to the Blessed One, bowed, stood to one side, and recited this verse:
“Hard is the ascetic life
for those who are incompetent.
For such a foolish person,
there are many obstacles.
He sinks down in the ascetic life.”
The Blessed One:
“How many days could one live a true ascetic life
without controlling the mind?
Once subdued by unwholesome thoughts,
step by step, one sinks down.”
Just as a tortoise draws its limbs into its shell,
a bhikkhu should collect their thoughts.
Independent, not associating with any evil
and not troubling others,
the bhikkhu who is to attain Parinibbāna
does not blame anyone.”
Sādhu! Sādhu!! Sādhu!!!
