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This was said by the Lord...
"Bhikkhus, these three persons
appearing in the world appear for the welfare of many people, for the happiness
of many people, out of compassion for the world, for the good, welfare, and
happiness of devas and humans. What three?
"Here, bhikkhus, a Tathagata
appears in the world, an Arahant, a Fully Enlightened One, possessing perfect
knowledge and conduct, a sublime one, a world-knower, an unsurpassed leader of
persons to be tamed, a teacher of devas and humans, an enlightened one, a Lord.
He teaches Dhamma that is good at the outset, good in the middle, and good at
the end, with its correct meaning and wording, and he proclaims the holy life
in its fulfillment and complete purity. This, bhikkhus, is the first person
appearing in the world who appears for the welfare of many people, for the
happiness of many people, out of compassion for the world, for the good, welfare,
and happiness of devas and humans.
"Next, bhikkhus, there is a
disciple of that teacher, an arahant, one whose taints are destroyed, the holy
life fulfilled, who has done what had to be done, laid down the burden,
attained the goal, destroyed the fetters of being, and is completely released
through final knowledge. He teaches Dhamma... and he proclaims the holy life in
its fulfillment and complete purity. This, bhikkhus, is the second person
appearing in the world... for the good, welfare, and happiness of devas and
humans.
"And next, bhikkhus, there is a
disciple of that teacher, a learner who is following the path, who has learned
much and is of virtuous conduct. He teaches Dhamma... and he proclaims the holy
life in its fulfillment and complete purity. This, bhikkhus, is the third
person appearing in the world... for the good, welfare, and happiness of devas
and humans.
"These, bhikkhus, are the three
persons appearing in the world who appear for the welfare of many people, for
the happiness of many people, out of compassion for the world, for the good,
welfare, and happiness of devas and humans."
The teacher, the great sage,
Is the first in the world;
Following him is the disciple
Whose composure is perfected;
And then the learner training on the path,
One who has learned much and is virtuous.
These three are chief amongst devas
and humans:
Illuminators, preaching Dhamma,
Opening the door to the Deathless,
They free many people from bondage.
Those who follow the path
Well taught by the unsurpassed
Caravan-leader, who are diligent
In the Sublime One's dispensation,
Make an end of suffering
Within this very life itself
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