[212] And thereupon, venerable sir, the gods of Tāvatiṃsa, having heard the eight genuine praises (yathābhucca vaṇṇa) of the Blessed One, were pleased to an even greater measure, gladdened, filled with rapture (pīti) and joy. Therein, venerable sir, some gods spoke thus: "Oh, dear sirs (mārisā), that four Fully Awakened Ones (sammāsambuddha) might arise in the world and teach the Dhamma, just as the Blessed One does! That would be 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 gods and human beings."
Some gods spoke thus: "Let four Fully Awakened Ones be set aside, dear sirs. Oh, dear sirs, that three Fully Awakened Ones might arise in the world and teach the Dhamma, just as the Blessed One does! That would be 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 gods and human beings."
Some gods spoke thus: "Let three Fully Awakened Ones be set aside, dear sirs. Oh, dear sirs, that two Fully Awakened Ones might arise in the world and teach the Dhamma, just as the Blessed One does! That would be 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 gods and human beings."
When this was said, venerable sir, Sakka, lord of gods, said this to the gods of Tāvatiṃsa: "It is impossible, dear sirs, there is no opportunity, that two Arahants, Fully Awakened Ones, should arise in a single world-system (lokadhātu) neither before nor after one another; such a thing cannot be found. Oh, dear sirs, may that Blessed One, with little affliction and little ailment, remain for a long time, for a long stretch of time! That would be 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 gods and human beings."
Then, venerable sir, when the gods of Tāvatiṃsa had thought over the matter and deliberated on the matter for the sake of which they were seated assembled together in the Sudhammā hall, the Four Great Kings both had been addressed regarding that matter and had also received detailed instruction regarding that matter; and they remained at their own respective seats without departing.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.