“Your words are clearly invasive and intrusive, brahmin. Nevertheless, I will answer you. For I do practice for the welfare and happiness of the people … I have achieved mental mastery of the paths of thought. I do get the four absorptions … when I want, without trouble or difficulty. I have realized the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom. I live having realized it with my own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements.

He discovered release from the snare of death for all beings, and explained the system of the teaching for the welfare of gods and humans. When they see him or hear him, many people become confident.

He is skilled in what is the path <j>and what is not the path, he has completed the task <j>and is free of defilements. The Buddha, bearing his final body, is called ‘a great man, of great wisdom’.”

Numbered Discourses 4.36 4. Situations Doṇa