[240] Then the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, for the most part the deities (devatā) in ten world-systems (lokadhātu) have gathered to see the Tathāgata and the Saṅgha of bhikkhus. Bhikkhus, as for those who in the past were Arahants, Perfectly Enlightened Ones (arahanto sammāsambuddhā), for those Blessed Ones too the deities that gathered were at most just this many, exactly as for me now. Bhikkhus, as for those who in the future will be Arahants, Perfectly Enlightened Ones, for those Blessed Ones too the deities that will gather will be at most just this many, exactly as for me now. I shall announce, bhikkhus, the names of the hosts of deities (devakāya); I shall proclaim, bhikkhus, the names of the hosts of deities; I shall teach, bhikkhus, the names of the hosts of deities. Listen to it and attend carefully; I shall speak." "Yes, venerable sir," those bhikkhus replied to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said this:
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.