Vatthasutta

mn7:20.1 Then the Buddha addressed Bhāradvāja of Sundarikā in verse:

mn7:20.2 “The Bāhukā and the Adhikakkā,

mn7:20.3 at Gayā and the Sundarikā too,

mn7:20.4 Sarasvatī and Payāga,

mn7:20.5 and the Bāhumatī River:

mn7:20.6 a fool can constantly plunge into them

mn7:20.7 but it won’t purify their dark deeds.

mn7:20.8 What can the Sundarikā do?

mn7:20.9 What the Payāga or the Bāhukā?

mn7:20.10 They can’t cleanse a cruel person, a sinner

mn7:20.11 from their bad deeds.

mn7:20.12 For the pure in heart it’s always

mn7:20.13 the spring festival or the sabbath.

mn7:20.14 For the pure in heart and clean of deed,

mn7:20.15 their vows will always be fulfilled.

mn7:20.16 It’s here alone that you should bathe, brahmin,

mn7:20.17 making yourself a sanctuary for all creatures.

mn7:20.18 And if you speak no lies,

mn7:20.19 nor harm any living creature,

mn7:20.20 nor steal anything not given,

mn7:20.21 and you’re faithful and not stingy:

mn7:20.22 what’s the point of going to Gayā?

mn7:20.23 For any well may be your Gayā!”