Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, the Venerable Nanda wore exceedingly fine robes, dazzling to the eyes, and golden footwear. He also groomed his eyes and held a begging bowl, preparing to enter the city of Shraavastii.
When many bhikshus saw the Venerable Nanda from afar, dressed in such fine robes while going to beg for alms in Shraavastii, they went to Bhagavaan, bowed at his feet, sat to one side, and then reported:
“Just now, Bhikshu Nanda, wearing exceedingly fine robes that shone brilliantly, entered the city of Shraavastii to beg for alms.”
Then, Bhagavaan instructed a bhikshu, “Go quickly to Bhikshu Nanda and tell him: ‘Tathaagata summons you!’”
The bhikshu replied, “Yes, Bhagavaan!”
He then received Bhagavaan’s instruction, bowed at his feet, and departed.
Upon reaching bhikshu Nanda, he said, “Bhagavaan calls for you.”
Upon hearing the bhikshu’s words, Nanda immediately went to Bhagavaan, bowed at his feet, and sat to one side.
Bhagavaan then asked Nanda, “Why are you wearing such fine garments and golden footwear while going to beg for alms in the city of Shraavastii?”
The Venerable Nanda remained silent and did not reply.
Bhagavaan further questioned, “Nanda, did you not leave the household life and take up the path of practice out of firm faith?”
Nanda replied, “Yes, Bhagavaan!”
Bhagavaan said, “As a son of a noble family, you should follow the discipline. Having left home with firm faith to practice the path, why do you now wear such exquisite garments, groom yourself, and go begging in the city of Shraavastii? In what way are you different from laypeople?”
At that time, Bhagavaan recited this verse:
“When will I see Nanda,
Disciplining himself in austerities?
His heart delighting in the teachings of the renunciants,
And crossing beyond all limits through shramana practice?”
“Nanda, from now on, do not engage in such conduct again.”
When the Venerable Nanda and the fourfold assembly heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.