Then the Great Steward went to the six aristocrats and said, “Sirs, please now find another high priest to manage the affairs of state for you. I wish to go forth from the lay life to homelessness. As I understand what Brahmā says about the stench of decay, it’s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness!”

Then the six aristocrats withdrew to one side and thought up a plan, “These brahmins are really greedy for wealth. Why don’t we try to persuade him with wealth?”

They returned to the Great Steward and said, “In these seven kingdoms there is abundant wealth. We’ll get you as much as you want.”

“Enough, sirs. I already have abundant wealth, owing to my lords. Giving up all that, I shall go forth.”

Then the six aristocrats withdrew to one side and thought up a plan, “These brahmins are really greedy for women. Why don’t we try to persuade him with women?”

They returned to the Great Steward and said, “In these seven kingdoms there are many women. We’ll get you as many as you want.”

“Enough, sirs. I already have forty equal wives. Giving up all them, I shall go forth.”

“If the Steward is going forth from the lay life to homelessness, we shall do so too. Your destiny shall be ours.”

“If you all give up sensual pleasures,
to which ordinary people are attached,
exert yourselves, being strong,
and possessing the power of patience.

This path is the straight path,
this path is supreme.
Guarded by the good, the true teaching
leads to rebirth in the Brahmā realm.”

“Well then, sir, please wait for seven years. When seven years have passed, we shall go forth with you.”

“Seven years is too long, sirs. I cannot wait that long. Who knows what will happen to the living? We are heading to the next life. We must think about this and wake up! We must do what’s good and live the spiritual life, for no-one born can escape death. I shall go forth.”

“Well then, sir, please wait for six years, five years, four years, three years, two years, one year, seven months, six months, five months, four months, three months, two months, one month, or even a fortnight. When a fortnight has passed, we shall go forth. Your destiny shall be ours.”

“A fortnight is too long, sirs. I cannot wait that long. Who knows what will happen to the living? We are heading to the next life. We must think about this and wake up! We must do what’s good and live the spiritual life, for no-one born can escape death. As I understand what Brahmā says about the stench of decay, it’s not easy to quell while living at home. I shall go forth from the lay life to homelessness.”

“Well then, sir, please wait for a week, so that we can instruct our sons and brothers in kingship. When a week has passed, we shall go forth. Your destiny shall be ours.”

“A week is not too long, sirs. I will wait that long.”