History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c15.s2.2

c15.s2.2

The first accusation is best expressed in the *Mahāsaccaka Sutta*, part of which has been quoted above.³ When the ascetic Saccaka has completed his description of the extravagant fasts of the *acelakas* the Buddha asks him: "How can they survive on such fare?" To this Saccaka replies: "From time to time they eat excellent food, spice it with excellent spices, and drink excellent beverages. Thus they increase their bodily strength and grow fat."⁴