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Mahāgosiṅga Sutta

A discussion in Gosiṅgasālavanadāya, between Sāriputta, Mahā-Moggallāna, Mahā-Kassapa, Anuruddha, Revata, and Ānanda. Sāriputta is visited by the others in the evening, and asks them what type of monk would illumine the Gosiṅga wood.

• Ānanda speaks of one who treasures what he has been taught and learns by heart the doctrines which declare the higher life in all its perfection and purity;
• Revata of one who delights in meditation and lives in solitude;
• Anuruddha of one who possesses the celestial eye;
• Mahā-Kassapa of one living in the forest a strenuous life, recommends that life;
• Mahā-Moggallāna, of one who holds discussions with another on the Abhidhamma;
• Sāriputta of a monk who is master of his heart and is not under its mastery.

They all seek the Buddha and ask for his opinion. He praises the opinion of each of the Elders, but he himself would choose a monk who is delivered from the corruptions (āsava). M.i.212‑19.