1.
The Discourse on Sāmaka
21.
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling among the Sakyans at Sāmagāmaka, at the Pokkharaṇī monastery.
Then a certain deity, when the night was far advanced, with surpassing beauty, having illuminated almost the entire Pokkharaṇī, 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 three things, venerable sir, that lead to the decline of a monk. Which three? Taking pleasure in work, taking pleasure in talk, taking pleasure in sleep - these, venerable sir, are the three things that lead to the 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 Pokkharaṇī, 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 three things, venerable sir, that lead to the decline of a monk. Which three? Taking pleasure in work, taking pleasure in talk, taking pleasure in sleep - these, venerable sir, are the three things that lead to the 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. It is a loss for you, monks, it is ill-gained for you, that even the deities know you are declining from wholesome mental states."
"I will teach you, monks, three further things leading to decline. Listen to that, pay close attention; I will speak." "Yes, venerable sir," those monks assented to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this: "And which, monks, are the three things leading to decline? Taking pleasure in company, being difficult to admonish, evil friendship - these, monks, are the three things leading to decline."
"Whatever beings, monks, in the past period of time declined from wholesome mental states, all of them declined from wholesome mental states by these very six qualities. And whatever beings, monks, in the future period of time will decline from wholesome mental states, all of them will decline from wholesome mental states by these very six qualities. And whatever beings, monks, at present decline from wholesome mental states, all of them decline from wholesome mental states by these very six qualities." The first.