To Sivaka (Number 2)

Again the wanderer Topknot Sivaka approached and exchanged greetings with the Teacher. After a pleasant and courteous conversation, he sat down to one side and said, "You talk of a 'clearly visible dharma,' sir. In what respect is the dharma clearly visible, immediate, inviting, uplifting, to be personally experienced by the wise?"

The Buddha answered, "Let me ask you a question about this. Respond as you see fit. What do you think: When there is greed within you, do you know 'there's greed within me,' and when there is no greed within you, do you know 'there's no greed within me'?"

Topknot Sivaka answered, "Yes."

The Buddha continued, "With greed, hatred, delusion, and those qualities of mind associated with greed, hatred, and delusion, when they are within you do you know they are present? And when they are not within you, do you know they are absent?"

Topknot Sivaka answered, "Yes."

The Buddha said, "It is in this way that the dharma is clearly visible, immediate, inviting, uplifting, to be personally experienced by the wise."

Sivaka said to the Teacher, "Excellent, sir. From now on regard me as an adherent who goes for refuge as long as he draws breath."

~The Anguttara Nikaya