← Aṅguttara NikāyaAN8.24Numbered Discourses 8.24SuttaCentral (Bhikkhu Sujato translation)Select any verse to keep it — saved passages go to your Dhamma Deck, the same one the app uses.Numbered Discourses 8.243. HouseholdersWith Hatthaka (2nd)At one time the Buddha was staying near Āḷavī, at the Aggāḷava Tree-shrine.Then the householder Hatthaka of Āḷavī, escorted by around five hundred lay followers, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to Hatthaka:“Hatthaka, you have a large congregation.How do you bring together such a large congregation?”“Sir, I bring together such a large congregation by using the four ways of being inclusive as taught by the Buddha.When I know that a personcan be included by a gift, I include them by giving a gift.When I know that a personcan be included by kindly words, I include them by kindly words.When I know that a personcan be included by taking care of them, I include them by caring for them.When I know that a personcan be included by equality, I include them by treating them equally.But also, worthy sir, my family is wealthy.They wouldn’t think that a poor person was worth listening to in the same way.”“Good, good, Hatthaka!This is the right way to bring together a large congregation.Whether in the past, future, or present, all those who have brought together a large congregation have done so by using these four ways of being inclusive.”Then the Buddha educated, encouraged, fired up, and inspired Hatthaka of Āḷavī with a Dhamma talk, after which he got up from his seat, bowed, and respectfully circled the Buddha before leaving.Then, not long after Hatthaka had left, the Buddha addressed the mendicants:“Mendicants, you should remember the householder Hatthaka of Āḷavī as someone who has eight amazing and incredible qualities.What eight?He’s faithful,ethical,conscientious,prudent,learned,generous,wise,and has few wishes.You should remember the householder Hatthaka of Āḷavī as someone who has these eight amazing and incredible qualities.”