At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain. And then Sakka, lord of gods, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and addressed him in verse:
“For humans, those merit-seeking creatures, who sponsor sacrifices, making worldly merit, where is a gift very fruitful?”
“Four practicing the path, and four established in the fruit. This is the upright Saṅgha, with wisdom, ethics, and immersion.
For humans, those merit-seeking creatures, who sponsor sacrifices, making worldly merit, what is given to the Saṅgha is very fruitful.”
Linked Discourses 11.17 Chapter Two Homage to the Buddha
Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove.
Now at that time the Buddha had gone into retreat for the day’s meditation. Then Sakka, lord of gods, and the divinity Sahampati approached the Buddha and stationed themselves one by each door-post. Then Sakka spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence: