On one occasion Soṇa went to Mahākaccāna, bowed, sat down, and said, “Venerable, the way I understand your teaching, it’s not easy for one who lives at home to lead the spiritual life perfectly complete and pure as a polished conch shell. I wish to cut off my hair and beard, put on the ocher robes, and go forth into homelessness. Please give me the going forth.”

“It’s difficult, Soṇa, to live the spiritual life all one’s life, eating one meal a day and sleeping by oneself. So follow the Buddhas’ instruction while remaining as a householder. At suitable times you can eat one meal a day, sleep by yourself, and abstain from sexuality.” As a result, Soṇa’s intention to go forth died down. A second time Soṇa asked Mahākaccāna for the going forth, but got the same response. A third time he asked for the going forth and Mahākaccāna finally relented. At that time in the southern region of Avantī, there were few monks. Only after three years, with much trouble and difficulty, was Mahākaccāna able to gather a sangha of ten monks from here and there to give the full ordination to Venerable Soṇa.

12. The making known of the five favors for Mahākaccāna