“Mendicants, there are these five kinds of wilderness dwellers. What five? One may be a wilderness dweller because of stupidity and folly. Or because of corrupt wishes, being of wishful temperament. Or because of madness and mental disorder. Or because it is praised by the Buddhas and their disciples. Or for the sake of having few wishes, for the sake of contentment, self-effacement, seclusion, and simplicity. These are the five kinds of wilderness dwellers. But the one who dwells in the wilderness for the sake of having few wishes is the foremost, best, chief, highest, and finest of the five.

From a cow comes milk, from milk comes curds, from curds come butter, from butter comes ghee, and from ghee comes cream of ghee. And the cream of ghee is said to be the best of these. In the same way, the one who dwells in the wilderness for the sake of having few wishes is the foremost, best, chief, highest, and finest of the five.”

Numbered Discourses 5.182 19. Wilderness Dwellers Robes

“Mendicants, these five wear rag robes. What five? One may wear rag robes because of stupidity … corrupt wishes … madness … because it is praised by the Buddhas … or for the sake of having few wishes … These are the five who wear rag robes.”

Numbered Discourses 5.183 19. Wilderness Dwellers Dwelling at the Root of a Tree

“Mendicants, there are these five who dwell at the root of a tree. What five? One may dwell at the root of a tree because of stupidity … corrupt wishes … madness … because it is praised by the Buddhas … or for the sake of having few wishes … These are the five who dwell at the root of a tree.”

Numbered Discourses 5.184 19. Wilderness Dwellers Charnel Ground Dwellers

“Mendicants, these five dwell in a charnel ground. What five? One may dwell in a charnel ground because of stupidity … corrupt wishes … madness … because it is praised by the Buddhas … or for the sake of having few wishes … These are the five who dwell in a charnel ground.”

Numbered Discourses 5.185 19. Wilderness Dwellers Open Air Dwellers

“These five dwell in the open air. …”

Numbered Discourses 5.186 19. Wilderness Dwellers Those Who Never Lie Down

“These five never lie down. …”

Numbered Discourses 5.187 19. Wilderness Dwellers Those Who Sleep Wherever a Mat is Laid

“These five sleep wherever they lay their mat. …”

Numbered Discourses 5.188 19. Wilderness Dwellers Those Who Eat in One Sitting

“These five eat in one sitting per day. …”

Numbered Discourses 5.189 19. Wilderness Dwellers Refusers of Late Food

“These five refuse to accept food offered after the meal has begun. …”

Numbered Discourses 5.190 19. Wilderness Dwellers Those Who Eat Only From the Almsbowl