Non-decline (1st) (AN6.32)

Numbered Discourses 6.32

4. Deities

Non-decline (1st)

Then, late at night, a glorious deity, lighting up the entire Jeta’s Grove, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and said to him:

“Sir, these six things don’t lead to the decline of a mendicant.

What six?

Respect for the Teacher, for the teaching, for the Saṅgha, for the training, for diligence, and for hospitality.

These six things don’t lead to the decline of a mendicant.”

That is what that deity said,

and the Teacher concurred.

Then that deity, knowing that the Teacher concurred, bowed, and respectfully circled the Buddha, keeping him on his right, before vanishing right there.

Then, when the night had passed, the Buddha told the mendicants all that had happened, adding:

“Respect for the Teacher and the teaching,

and keen respect for the Saṅgha;

a mendicant who respects diligence

and hospitality

can’t decline,

and has drawn near to extinguishment.”