Saṁyutta Nikāya — Discursos Conectados — 2.21 — With Shiva

1So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.

2Then, late at night, the glorious godling Shiva, lighting up the entire Jeta’s Grove, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and recited these verses in the Buddha’s presence:

3“Associate only with the virtuous!
Try to get close to the virtuous!
Understanding the true teaching of the good,
things get better, not worse.

4Associate only with the virtuous!
Try to get close to the virtuous!
Understanding the true teaching of the good,
wisdom is gained—but not from anyone else.

5Associate only with the virtuous!
Try to get close to the virtuous!
Understanding the true teaching of the good,
you grieve not among the grieving.

6Associate only with the virtuous!
Try to get close to the virtuous!
Understanding the true teaching of the good,
you dazzle among your relatives.

7Associate only with the virtuous!
Try to get close to the virtuous!
Understanding the true teaching of the good,
sentient beings go to a good place.

8Associate only with the virtuous!
Try to get close to the virtuous!
Understanding the true teaching of the good,
sentient beings live happily.”

9Then the Buddha replied to Shiva in verse:

10“Associate only with the virtuous!
Try to get close to the virtuous!
Understanding the true teaching of the good,
you’re released from all suffering.”