SA 587（五八七） 天女

Thus have I heard:

At one time the Buddha was staying at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park in the Jeta Grove near Śrāvastī.

At that time, a god with an extremely handsome appearance came to where the Buddha was in the latter part of the night. He bowed his head at the Buddha’s feet, and his entire body emitted a bright light that illuminated Anāthapiṇḍada’s Park.

At that time, the god spoke a verse, saying:

Surrounded by a host of celestial maidens, like the host of
Viśeṣa, how can one escape from the forest of delusion and confusion?

At that time, the World-Honored One spoke a verse in reply,

The path of uprightness and equality, the place free from fear, riding
the chariot of silence, with the thought of the Dharma as a
dense covering, with a sense of shame as a long rein, with
right mindfulness as a bridle, a wise and skillful driver, with right
view as the guide, such a wonderful vehicle, ridden by men and
women, born from the forest of birth and death, attaining a place
of peace and happiness.

At that time, the heavenly being spoke another verse,

Long have I seen the brāhmaṇa attain parinirvāṇa, all
fears have passed, forever transcending worldly affection and love.

At that time, the heavenly being, having heard the Buddha's teaching, rejoiced and was delighted. He bowed his head at the Buddha's feet and then disappeared.