2.
The First Discourse on Non-Decline
32.
Then a certain deity, when the night was far advanced, with surpassing beauty, having illuminated almost the entire Jeta's Grove, approached the Blessed One;
having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and stood to one side.
Standing to one side, that deity said this to the Blessed One -
"There are these six things, venerable sir, that lead to the non-decline of a monk. Which six? Respect for the Teacher, respect for the Teaching, respect for the Community, respect for the training, respect for diligence, respect for hospitality - these, venerable sir, are the six things that lead to the non-decline of a monk." This that deity said. The Teacher was approving. Then that deity, thinking "The Teacher approves of me," having paid respect to the Blessed One and circumambulated him keeping him on his right, disappeared right there.
Then the Blessed One, after that night had passed, addressed the monks - "This night, monks, a certain deity, when the night was far advanced, with surpassing beauty, having illuminated almost the entire Jeta's Grove, approached me; having approached, he paid respect to me and stood to one side. Standing to one side, monks, that deity said this to me - 'There are these six things, venerable sir, that lead to the non-decline of a monk. Which six? Respect for the Teacher, respect for the Teaching, respect for the Community, respect for the training, respect for diligence, respect for hospitality - these, venerable sir, are the six things that lead to the non-decline of a monk.' This, monks, that deity said. Having said this, having paid respect to me, having circumambulated me keeping me on his right, he disappeared right there."
A monk respecting diligence, respecting hospitality;
Is incapable of decline, he is near to Nibbāna itself." The second.