Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, the Bhagavaan addressed the Bhikshus: “Just as a devout mother, with deep faith and only one son, constantly thinks: ‘How should I teach and guide him to become a true human being?'”
At that time, the bhikshus addressed the Bhagavaan, saying::
“We, O Bhagavaan, do not fully understand this meaning. The Bhagavaan is the source of all Dharmas. Whatever the Tathaagata declares, we accept without doubt. We beseech the Bhagavaan to explain this profound teaching to us, so that having heard it, we may practice accordingly.”
The Bhagavaan then said to the Bhikshus: “Listen attentively! Listen attentively! Reflect carefully upon this, for I shall now explain its meaning to you.”
The Bhikshus replied: “So be it, Bhagavaan!” And they listened attentively to the Budha’s teaching.
The Bhagavaan said: “That devout mother should instruct her child thus: ‘If you remain a householder, you should emulate the householder Citta and Hastaka. For they represent the highest standard and measure of lay disciples who have attained realization under the Bhagavaan. But if you wish to shave your head and beard, don the threefold robes, and leave home to follow the path, then you must emulate the Bhikshus Shariputra and Maha-maudgal-yayana. For they represent the highest standard and measure of monastic disciples. Devote yourself to the true Dharma; do not engage in wrong livelihood or unwholesome deeds. If you give rise to clinging attachments, you will surely fall into the three woeful realms.
With wholesome thoughts and concentrated mind, you will attain what has not been attained, achieve what has not been achieved, and realize what has not yet been realized.
Know this, O Bhikshus: the karmic weight of faithful offerings (received) is truly difficult to exhaust and may obstruct one from reaching liberation.
Therefore, O Bhikshus, do not give rise to clinging attachments, and if they arise, abandon them. In this way, O Bhikshus, should you train yourselves.'”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.