4.
The Discourse on the Five Advanced Signs
83.
This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Worthy One, thus have I heard:
"When, monks, a god from the host of gods is subject to pass away, five advanced signs become manifest for him - garlands wither, garments become soiled, sweat emits from the armpits, ugliness comes upon the body, and the god does not delight in his own divine seat. Then, monks, the gods, having understood 'this young god is subject to pass away', give thanks with three statements - 'From here, friend, go to a good destination; having gone to a good destination, obtain a well-gained gain; having obtained a well-gained gain, become firmly established.'"
When this was said, a certain monk said this to the Blessed One - "What indeed, venerable sir, is reckoned as going to a good destination for the gods; and what, venerable sir, is reckoned as a well-gained gain for the gods; and what, venerable sir, is reckoned as being firmly established for the gods?"
"Human existence, monk, is reckoned as going to a good destination for the gods; that being a human being, one obtains faith in the Teaching and discipline proclaimed by the Truth-finder. This, monk, is reckoned as a well-gained gain for the gods; and that faith of his is settled, rooted, established, firm, unshakeable by any ascetic or brahmin or god or Māra or Brahmā or anyone in the world. This, monk, is reckoned as being firmly established for the gods." The Blessed One said this meaning. Therein this is said:
Three sounds emanate, of the gods giving thanks.
Having become a human being, in the Good Teaching, obtain unsurpassed faith.
Unshakeable for as long as life lasts, in the Good Teaching well proclaimed.
Having abandoned mental misconduct, and whatever else is connected with hate.
Having done wholesome by mind, immeasurable, without clinging.
Establish other mortals too in the Good Teaching, in the holy life.'
They give thanks to the one passing away: 'Come, god, again and again.'"
This meaning too was spoken by the Blessed One, thus have I heard. The fourth.