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. 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 conditions, 
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.”