1.
The Discourse on the Virtuous
31.
Thus have I heard -
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's park.
Then many deities of the Satullapa group, when the night was far advanced, with surpassing beauty, having illuminated almost the entire Jeta's Grove, approached the Blessed One;
having approached, they paid respect to the Blessed One and stood to one side.
Standing to one side, one deity spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:
Having understood the Good Teaching of the virtuous, one becomes better, not worse."
Then another deity spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:
Having understood the Good Teaching of the virtuous, wisdom is obtained, not from another."
Then another deity spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:
Having understood the Good Teaching of the virtuous, one does not grieve in the midst of sorrow."
Then another deity spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:
Having understood the Good Teaching of the virtuous, one shines in the midst of relatives."
Then another deity spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:
Having understood the Good Teaching of the virtuous, beings go to a good destination."
Then another deity spoke this verse in the presence of the Blessed One:
Having understood the Good Teaching of the virtuous, beings abide constantly in happiness."
Then another deity said this to the Blessed One: "Whose statement, Blessed One, was well spoken?" All of yours was well spoken in a way, but listen to me too:
Having understood the Good Teaching of the virtuous, one is freed from all suffering."
This is what the Blessed One said. Delighted, those deities paid respect to the Blessed One, circumambulated him keeping him on their right, and disappeared right there.