dn2:34.0.1 4. The Fruits of the Ascetic Life
dn2:34.0.2 4.1. The First Fruit of the Ascetic Life
dn2:34.1 And so I ask the Buddha:
dn2:34.2 Sir, there are many different professional fields.
dn2:34.3 These include elephant marshals, cavalry, charioteers, archers, bannermen, adjutants, food servers, warrior-chiefs, princes, chargers, great warriors, heroes, leather-clad soldiers, and sons of bondservants.
dn2:34.4 They also include bakers, barbers, bathroom attendants, cooks, garland-makers, dyers, embroiderers, basket-makers, potters, accountants, finger-talliers, or those following any similar professions. All these live off the fruits of their profession which are apparent in this very life.
dn2:34.5 With that they make themselves happy and pleased. They make their parents, their children and partners, and their friends and colleagues happy and pleased. And they establish an uplifting religious donation for ascetics and brahmins that’s conducive to heaven, ripens in happiness, and leads to heaven.
dn2:34.6 Sir, can you point out a fruit of the ascetic life that’s likewise apparent in this very life?”
dn2:34.7 “I can, Great King.
dn2:34.8 Well then, I’ll ask you about this in return, and you can answer as you like.



