At one time the Buddha was staying in the land of the Magadhans at Andhakavinda.
Now at that time the Buddha was meditating in the open during the dark of night, while a gentle rain drizzled down.
Then, late at night, the glorious divinity Sahampati, lighting up the entirety of Andhakavinda, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and recited these verses in the Buddha’s presence:
“One should frequent secluded lodgings, and practice to be released from fetters. If you don’t find enjoyment there, live in the Saṅgha, self-protected and mindful.
Walking for alms from family to family, with senses guarded, alert and mindful. One should frequent secluded lodgings, free of fear, freed in the fearless.
Where dreadful reptiles slither, where the lightning flashes and the heavens thunder in the dark of the night; there meditates a mendicant, free of goosebumps.
For this is ever seen by me, it isn’t just the testament of hearsay. Within a single spiritual dispensation there are a thousand conquerors of Death.
And of trainees, more than five hundred, and ten times ten tens, are all stream-enterers, freed from rebirth in the animal realm.
And as for the rest of folk who I think have shared in merit—I couldn’t even number them, for fear of speaking falsely.”