143(3)Sārandada
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Vesali in the hall with the peaked roof in the Great Wood.
Then,in themorning,the Blessed One dressed,took his bowl and robe,and entered Vesālī for alms.
Now on that occasion five hundred Licchavis had assembled at the Sarandada Shrine and were sitting together when this conversation arose:
"The manifestation of five gems is rare in the world.
What five?
The elephant-gem,the horse-gem,the jewel-gem,the woman-gem,and the steward-
gem.
The manifestation of these five gems is rare in the world."[168]:
Then the Licchavis stationed a man on the road and told him:
"Good man,when you see the Blessed One coming,you should inform us."
The man saw the Blessed One coming in the distance,
went to the Licchavis,
and told them:
"Sirs,this Blessed
One,the Arahanit,the Perfectly Enlightened One is coming.
You may go at your own convenience."
Then the Licchavis approached the Blessed One,
paid homage to him,and stood to one side.
Standing there,they said to
him:
"Please,Bhante,let the Blessed One go to the Sarandada Shrine out of compassion."
The Blessed One silently consented.
He went to the Sarandada Shrine,
sat down on a seat that was prepared,
and said to the Licchavis:
"What discussion were you engaged in just now as you were sitting together here?What was the conversation that was underway?"
"Here,Bhante,when we had assembled and were sitting together,this conversation arose.
..[He here repeats the entire conversation above.]...
……
……
'The manifestation of these five gems is rare in the world."
"Intent on sensual pleasures,the Licchavis were engaged in a conversation about sensual pleasures!
Licchavis,the manifestation of five gems is rare in the world.
What five?
(1)The manifestation of a Tathāgata,an Arahant,a Perfectly Enlightened One is rare in the world.(2)A person who teaches the Dhamma and discipline proclaimed by a Tathāgata[169]is rare in the world.(3)When the Dhamma and discipline proclaimed by a Tathāgata has been taught,a person who understands it is rare in the world.(4)When the Dhamma and discipline proclaimed by a Tathagata has been taught and understood,a person who practices in accordance with the Dhamma is rare in the world.(5)A grateful and thankful person is rare in the world.
Licchavis,the manifestation of these five gems is rare in the world."