“But are there any laypeople who, without giving up the fetter of lay life, go to heaven when the body breaks up?” “There’s not just one hundred laypeople, Vaccha, or two or three or four or five hundred, but many more than that who, without giving up the fetter of lay life, go to heaven when the body breaks up.”

“Worthy Gotama, are there any Ājīvaka ascetics who make an end of suffering when the body breaks up?” “No, Vaccha.”

“But are there any Ājīvaka ascetics who go to heaven when the body breaks up?” “Vaccha, when I recollect the past ninety-one eons, I can’t find any Ājīvaka ascetics who have gone to heaven, except one; and he taught the efficacy of deeds and action.”

“In that case, worthy Gotama, that sectarian fold is empty even of the chance to go to heaven.” “Yes, Vaccha, that sectarian fold is empty even of the chance to go to heaven.” That is what the Buddha said. Satisfied, the wanderer Vacchagotta approved what the Buddha said.

Middle Discourses 72 With Vacchagotta on Fire