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Verse 65: The Story of Thirty Bhikkhus from Paveyyaka

While residing at the Jetavana monastery, the Buddha uttered Verse (65) of this book, with
reference to thirty Bhikkhus from Paveyyaka.

Thirty youths from Paveyyaka were, on one occasion, enjoying themselves with a prostitute in a
forest, when the prostitute stole some of their valuable ornaments and ran away. While searching
for her in the forest, they met the Buddha on the way. As the Buddha delivered them a discourse
the youths attained Sotapatti Fruition, and all of them joined the Order of the Buddha and
followed him to the Jetavana monastery. While staying at the monastery, they strictly observed
the austerity or purification practice (dhutanga). Later, when the Buddha delivered the
Anamatagga Sutta (Discourse on Countless Existences), all those Bhikkhus attained Arahatship.

When other Bhikkhus commented that Paveyyaka Bhikkhus were very quick in attaining Arahatship,
the Buddha replied to them in verse, as follows:

Verse 65. An intelligent man, even though he is associated with a wise man only for a moment,
quickly understands the Dhamma, just as the tongue knows the taste of soup.

Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A.,
Burma Pitaka Association, Rangoon, Burma 1986.