3.
The Discourse on the Sound of the Gods
82.
This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Worthy One, thus have I heard:
"There are these three sounds of the gods that emanate among the gods from time to time, on occasion. Which three? At the time, monks, when a noble disciple, having shaved off his hair and beard, having put on ochre robes, intends to go forth from home into homelessness, at that time a sound of the gods emanates among the gods - 'This noble disciple intends for battle with Māra.' This, monks, is the first sound of the gods that emanates among the gods from time to time, on occasion.
"Furthermore, monks, at the time when a noble disciple dwells devoted to the pursuit of development of the seven qualities conducive to enlightenment, at that time a sound of the gods emanates among the gods - 'This noble disciple is fighting a battle with Māra.' This, monks, is the second sound of the gods that emanates among the gods from time to time, on occasion.
"Furthermore, monks, at the time when a noble disciple, with the elimination of the mental corruptions, in this very life, having realised by direct knowledge himself, having attained, dwells in the liberation of mind and liberation by wisdom that are without mental corruptions, at that time a sound of the gods emanates among the gods - 'This noble disciple, victorious in battle, having conquered that very battlefield, dwells there.' This, monks, is the third sound of the gods that emanates among the gods from time to time, on occasion. These, monks, are the three sounds of the gods that emanate among the gods from time to time, on occasion." The Blessed One said this meaning. Therein this is said:
Even the deities pay homage to the great one, free from timidity.
Having conquered the army of Death, unobstructed through deliverance.
For they do not see that in him by which he might come under the power of Death."
This meaning too was spoken by the Blessed One, thus have I heard. The third.