Anāthapiṇḍika Suttaṃ
(S.i.55)
Anāthapiṇḍika Devaputta Visits the Buddha
101. Thus have I heard — at one time the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthi in the Jeta grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. Then a certain deity at midnight, having illuminated the whole Jeta grove with surpassing splendour, came to the presence of the Blessed One. Having worshipped the Blessed One, the young deity Anāthapiṇḍika, in the presence of the Blessed One, spoke in verse:–
“This is the Jeta grove, the resort of the community of sages.
Dwelt in by the king of Dhamma, a place that gives me joy.
“Deeds, vision, truthfulness, morality, and an excellent life.
By these are mortals purified, not by lineage nor wealth.
“Therefore a person who is wise, who considered their own welfare [56]
Should systematically investigate the truth, thereby becoming purified.
“Sāriputta is truly wise, virtuous, and inwardly at peace.
Whatever monk has crossed the stream, can at best equal him.”
Thus spoke the young deity Anāthapiṇḍika, and having spoken thus, paid homage to the Blessed One, and keeping him on his right, disappeared at once.
Then, when the night had passed, the Blessed One addressed the monks: “Last night, monks, a certain deity at midnight, having illuminated the whole Jeta grove with surpassing splendour, came into my presence. Having worshipped me, he stood at one side. Standing there, the young deity spoke in verse:–
“This is the Jeta grove, the resort of the community of sages.
Dwelt in by the king of Dhamma, a place that gives me joy.
“Deeds, vision, truthfulness, morality, and an excellent life.
By these are mortals purified, not by lineage nor wealth.
“Therefore a person who is wise, who considered their own welfare
Should systematically investigate the truth, thereby becoming purified.
“Sāriputta is truly wise, virtuous, and inwardly at peace.
Whatever monk has crossed the stream, can at best equal him.”
“Monks, thus spoke that young deity, and having spoken thus, he paid homage to me, and keeping me on his right, disappeared at once.”
When this was said, the Venerable Ānanda said to the Blessed One: “Venerable sir, that young deity must have been Anāthapiṇḍika, for the householder Anāthapiṇḍika had great faith in the Venerable Sāriputta.”
“Well said, Ānanda, well said! You have drawn the correct conclusion through reasoning. That young deity, Ānanda, was indeed Anāthapiṇḍika.”