So It Was Said 82

The Book of the Threes

Chapter Four

The Cry of the Angels

iti82:1 This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

iti82:2 “Mendicants, these three cries are uttered among the angels on occasion. What three? When a noble disciple shaves off their hair and beard, dresses in ocher robes, and goes forth from the lay life to homelessness, the angels cry out: ‘This noble disciple intends to join battle with Satan!’ This is the first occasion a cry is uttered among the angels.

iti82:3 Furthermore, when a noble disciple meditates pursuing the development of the seven qualities on the side of awakening, the angels cry out: ‘This noble disciple is joining battle with Satan!’ This is the second occasion a cry is uttered among the angels.

iti82:4 Furthermore, when a noble disciple realizes the undefiled freedom of heart and freedom by wisdom. And they live having realized it with their own insight in this very life due to the ending of defilements, the angels cry out: ‘This noble disciple has won victory in battle, establishing himself as foremost in battle!’ This is the third occasion a cry is uttered among the angels. These are the three cries that are uttered among the angels on occasion.” The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

iti82:5 “Seeing the winner of the battle— a disciple of the Buddha, great of heart, intrepid— even the angels honor them:

iti82:6 ‘Homage to you, O thoroughbred! You won a battle hard to win! Having defeated the army of death, your liberation is unhindered.’

iti82:7 And so the angels honor the one, who has achieved their heart’s desire. For they see nothing in them by means of which they might fall under the sway of Death.”

iti82:8 This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.