So I have heard.
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
Then, late at night, a glorious deity, lighting up the entire Jeta’s Grove, went up to the Buddha, bowed, and stood to one side.
Standing to one side, that deity addressed the Buddha in verse:
“Many gods and humans
have thought about blessings
desiring well-being:
declare the highest blessing.”
“Not to fraternize with fools,
but to fraternize with the wise,
and honoring those worthy of honor:
this is the highest blessing.
Living in a suitable region,
having made merit in the past,
being rightly resolved in oneself,
this is the highest blessing.
Education and a craft,
discipline and training,
and well-spoken speech:
this is the highest blessing.
Caring for mother and father,
kindness to children and partners,
and unstressful work:
this is the highest blessing.
Giving and righteous conduct,
kindness to relatives,
blameless deeds:
this is the highest blessing.
Desisting and abstaining from evil,
avoiding drinking liquor,
diligence in good qualities:
this is the highest blessing.
Respect and humility,
contentment and gratitude,
and timely listening to the teaching:
this is the highest blessing.
Patience, being easy to admonish,
the sight of ascetics,
and timely discussion of the teaching:
this is the highest blessing.
Fervor and chastity
seeing the noble truths,
and realization of extinguishment:
this is the highest blessing.
Though touched by worldly things,
their mind does not tremble;
sorrowless, stainless, secure,
this is the highest blessing.
Having completed these things,
undefeated everywhere;
everywhere they go in safety:
this is their highest blessing.”