I declare, Vaccha, rebirth for one with fuel, not for one without fuel.
Just as a fire burns with fuel, but not without fuel,
So, Vaccha, I declare rebirth for one with fuel, not for one without fuel.
‘Master Gotama, when a flame is flung by the wind and goes some distance, what does Master Gotama declare to be its fuel on that occasion?’
When Vaccha, a flame is flung by the wind and goes some distance, I declare that it is fueled by the wind.
For on that occasion the wind is its fuel.
‘And, Master Gotama, when a being has laid down this body but has not yet been reborn in another body, what does Master Gotama declare to be its fuel on that occasion?’
When, Vaccha, a being has laid down this body but has not yet been reborn in another body, I declare that it is fueled by craving.
For on that occasion craving is its fuel.