One evening, the Buddha arose from his meditation and was seated outside the eastern gate of the park where he was staying. The, King Pasenadi, arriving for a visit, greeted the Buddha and took a seat to one side. Just at that time, not so far away, a large group of wandering ascetics was walking by. Carrying their alms bowls, some of these ascetics wore long matted hair, some were naked, some wore only a single robe, and some were wanderers. When they had passed by, the king asked the Buddha, "Can any of those ascetics be considered as being either arhats (one who has cleansed his or her body heart of all greed, hatred and ignorance) or on the path to arhatship?" The Buddha responded, "It is by living a life in common with a person that we learn of that person's moral character, and then only if having insight ourselves, we have watched a person for a long time. It is only in conversation with a person that we learn of that person's wisdom and clarity of heart; and then only if, having insight ourselves; we have paid attention for a long time. It is during times of trouble that we learn of another's fortitude; and then only if, having insight ourselves, we have paid careful attention for a long time.