SA-2 305（三〇五）

Thus have I heard:

Once, the Buddha was at Anāthapiṇḍada's Park in the Jeta Grove near Śrāvastī. At that time, a god named Susīma, together with his retinue of five hundred, came to where the Buddha was, bowed their heads at the Buddha's feet, and sat to one side. At that time, the World-Honored One told Ānanda, "If there is anyone in the world who can speak truthfully, they should say: 'The bhikṣu Śāriputra upholds the precepts, has much learning, few desires, knows concentration, delights in solitude, diligently cultivates concentration, has great mindfulness, accomplishes wisdom, has swift wisdom, sharp wisdom, well knows the means of liberation, deeply understands the vehicle of liberation, and is fully endowed with true wisdom.'"

Ānanda said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One! It is truly as the Sage teaches. If one speaks truthfully, one should say: 'The bhikṣu Śāriputra upholds the precepts and has much learning, is foremost, and so forth, up to accomplishing true wisdom.'"

At that time, the gods heard the Tathāgata and Ānanda praising Śāriputra. Their heavenly appearances became even more dignified, their bodies' radiance became even more extraordinary, illuminating the Jeta Grove with a great bright light.

At that time, the god Śrīmati, his appearance and radiance becoming even more radiant, joined his palms towards the Buddha and spoke a verse:

Śāriputra is learned, all praised as greatly wise
upholding precepts, well-disciplined, praised by the World-Honored One.

The World-Honored One again replied in verse:

Śāriputra is learned, all praised as greatly wise, upholding precepts, well-disciplined, praised by
the World-Honored One, attaining birthlessness and tranquility, destroying Māra, dwelling in the last body.

At that time, when Susīma heard the Buddha's teaching, he was delighted, bowed his head to the Buddha's feet, and returned to the heavenly palace.