3.
The Discourse on Andhakavinda
184.
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Magadhans at Andhakavinda.
Now at that time the Blessed One was seated in the open air in the darkness of the night, and the rain god was sprinkling drop by drop.
Then Brahmā Sahampati, when the night was far advanced, with surpassing beauty, having illuminated almost the entire Andhakavinda, approached the Blessed One;
having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and stood to one side.
Standing to one side, Brahmā Sahampati spoke these verses in the presence of the Blessed One -
One should practise for release from the fetters;
If one should not find delight there,
One should dwell in the Community, guarded in oneself, mindful.
With guarded faculties, prudent, mindful;
One should resort to remote lodgings,
Released from fear, liberated in the fearless.
Lightning flashes and the rain god thunders;
In the darkness of the night,
There sat a monk with hairs not standing on end.
In one holy life, a thousand who have abandoned death.
All are stream-enterers, beyond the animal realm.
I am not able to reckon them, out of moral fear of lying."