Then Sakka, lord of gods, addressed the gods of the thirty-three, ‘Good fellows, don’t complain about this godling. When this godling was a human being in their past life they took up faith, ethics, learning, generosity, and wisdom in the teaching and training proclaimed by the Realized One. After undertaking these things, when their body broke up, after death, they’ve been reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm, in the company of the gods of the thirty-three. Here they outshine the other gods in beauty and glory.’ Then Sakka, lord of gods, guiding the gods of the thirty-three, spoke this verse:

‘Whoever has faith in the Realized One, unwavering and well grounded; whose ethical conduct is good, praised and loved by the noble ones;

who has confidence in the Saṅgha, and correct view: they’re said to be prosperous, their life is not in vain.

So let the wise devote themselves to faith, ethical behaviour, confidence, and insight into the teaching, remembering the instructions of the Buddhas.’”

Linked Discourses 11.15 Chapter Two Delightful

Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove. And then Sakka, lord of gods, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and said to him, “Sir, what is a delightful place?”

“Shrines in parks and forests, well-made lotus ponds, are not worth a sixteenth part of a delightful human being.

Whether in village or wilderness, in a valley or the uplands, wherever the perfected ones live is a delightful place.”

Linked Discourses 11.16 Chapter Two Sponsoring Sacrifice