Thus I have heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
Then, the Bhagavaan addressed the bhikshus:
“Those who praise the practice of dwelling in solitude (aaranyaka) are praising me. Why so?
Because I myself constantly praise the practice of solitude. Those who slander the practice of solitude are slandering me.
He who praises alms-seeking praises me. Why so?
Because I always praise those who seek alms. He who disparages alms-seeking disparages me.
He who praises solitary sitting praises me. Why so?
Because I always praise those who sit alone. He who disparages solitary sitting disparages me.
He who praises one-sitting-one-meal practice praises me. Why so?
Because I always praise those who observe one-sitting-one-meal. He who disparages it disparages me.
If one praises sitting under a tree, it is no different from praising me. Why so?
Because I always praise those who sit under trees. If one disparages those who sit under trees, they disparage me.
He who praises open-air sitting praises me. Why so?
Because I always praise those who sit in the open. He who insults open-air sitting insults me.
He who praises dwelling in secluded places praises me. Why so?
Because I always praise those who dwell in seclusion. He who insults those in secluded places insults me.
He who praises wearing patched-robes praises me. Why so?
Because I always praise those who wear patched-robes. He who insults those wearing patched-robes insults me.
“He who praises those who keep the three robes praises me. Why?
Because I always praise those who keep the three robes. He who insults those who keep the three robes insults me.
He who praises sitting in charnel grounds praises me. Why?
Because I always praise those who sit in charnel grounds. He who insults those who sit in charnel grounds insults me.
He who praises one-meal practice praises me. Why?
Because I always praise those who eat once a day. He who insults one-meal practice insults me.
He who praises eating only at midday praises me. Why?
Because I always praise those who eat at midday. He who insults midday eating insults me.
“He who praises the dhuuta-gunas practices (group of ascetic practices) praises me. Why so?
Because I always praise the dhuuta-gunas practices. He who insults the dhuuta-gunas practices insults me.
Now I instruct the Bhikshus:
Follow the way of Maha-kaashyapa, who is flawless in conduct. Why so?
Because bhikshu Kaashyapa upholds these practices. Therefore, O Bhikshus, you should always emulate Maha-kaashyapa.
Thus, O Bhikshus, train in this way.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.