Fading away is said to be the best of all things whether conditioned or unconditioned. That is, the quelling of vanity, the removing of thirst, the uprooting of clinging, the breaking of the round, the ending of craving, fading away, cessation, extinguishment. Those who have confidence in the teaching of fading away have confidence in the best. Having confidence in the best, the result is the best.

The Saṅgha of the Realized One’s disciples is said to be the best of all communities and groups. It consists of the four pairs, the eight individual persons. This is the Saṅgha of the Buddha’s disciples that is worthy of offerings dedicated to the gods, worthy of hospitality, worthy of a religious donation, worthy of greeting with cupped palms, and is the supreme field of merit for the world. Those who have confidence in the Saṅgha have confidence in the best. Having confidence in the best, the result is the best.

The ethical conduct loved by the noble ones is said to be the best of all ethics. It is intact, impeccable, spotless, and unmarred, liberating, praised by sensible people, not mistaken, and leading to immersion. Those who fulfill the ethics loved by the noble ones fulfill the best. Fulfilling the best, the result is the best.

For those who, knowing the best teaching,

base their confidence on the best—

confident in the best Awakened One,

supremely worthy of a religious donation;

confident in the best teaching,

the bliss of fading and stilling;

confident in the best Saṅgha,

the supreme field of merit—

giving gifts to the best,

the best of merit grows:

the best lifespan, beauty,

fame, reputation, happiness, and strength.

An intelligent person gives to the best,

settled on the best teaching.

When they become a god or human,

they rejoice at reaching the best.”

Numbered Discourses 5.33 4. With Sumanā With Uggaha

At one time the Buddha was staying near Bhaddiya in Jātiyā Wood.