So it was heard by me:
At one time Bhagavat dwelt at Sāvatthī, in /G/etavana, in the park of
Anāthapi/nd/ika. Then, when the night had gone, a deity of beautiful
appearance, having illuminated the whole /G/etavana, approached
Bhagavat, and having approached and saluted him, he stood apart, and
standing apart that deity addressed Bhagavat in a stanza:
1.
'Many gods and men have devised blessings, longing for happiness,
tell thou (me) the highest blessing.'
2.
Buddha said: 'Not cultivating (the society of)
fools, but cultivating (the society of) wise men, worshipping those that
are to be worshipped, this is the highest blessing.
3.
'To live in a suitable country, to have done good deeds in a
former (existence), and a thorough study of one's self, this is the
highest blessing.
4.
'Great learning and skill, well-learnt discipline, and well-spoken
words, this is the highest blessing.
5.
'Waiting on mother and father, protecting child and wife, and a
quiet calling, this is the highest blessing.
6.
'Giving alms, living religiously, protecting relatives, blameless
deeds, this is the highest blessing.
7.
'Ceasing and abstaining from sin, refraining from intoxicating
drink, perseverance in the Dhammas, this is the highest blessing.
8.
'Reverence and humility, contentment and gratitude, the hearing of
the Dhamma at due seasons, this is the highest blessing.
9.
'Patience and pleasant speech, intercourse with Sama/n/as,
religious conversation at due seasons, this is the highest blessing.
10.
'Penance and chastity, discernment of the noble truths, and the
realisation of Nibbāna, this is the highest blessing.
11.
'He whose mind is not shaken (when he is) touched by the things
of the world (lokadhamma), (but remains) free from sorrow, free from
defilement, and secure, this is the highest blessing.
12.
'Those who, having done such (things), are undefeated in every
respect, walk in safety everywhere, theirs is the highest blessing.'