[208] Seated to one side, the Great King Vessavaṇa said this to the Blessed One: "Venerable sir, there are eminent yakkhas (yakkha) who have no confidence in the Blessed One; there are eminent yakkhas who have confidence in the Blessed One. There are middling yakkhas who have no confidence in the Blessed One; there are middling yakkhas who have confidence in the Blessed One. There are low yakkhas who have no confidence in the Blessed One; there are low yakkhas who have confidence in the Blessed One. But for the most part, venerable sir, the yakkhas have no confidence in the Blessed One. Why is that? Because, venerable sir, the Blessed One teaches the Dhamma for abstaining from the destruction of life, teaches the Dhamma for abstaining from taking what is not given, teaches the Dhamma for abstaining from sexual misconduct, teaches the Dhamma for abstaining from false speech, teaches the Dhamma for abstaining from wines, liquors, and intoxicants that are a basis for heedlessness. But for the most part, venerable sir, the yakkhas do not abstain from the destruction of life, do not abstain from taking what is not given, do not abstain from sexual misconduct, do not abstain from false speech, do not abstain from wines, liquors, and intoxicants that are a basis for heedlessness; and that is disagreeable and displeasing to them. Venerable sir, there are disciples of the Blessed One who resort to remote lodgings in the forest, in woodland thickets — quiet, with little noise, with an atmosphere of seclusion, hidden from people, fit for retreat — and there dwell eminent yakkhas who have no confidence in this dispensation (pāvacana) of the Blessed One. So that they may gain confidence, venerable sir, may the Blessed One learn the Āṭānāṭiya protection (rakkhā), for the guarding, protection, freedom from harm, and comfortable abiding of the bhikkhus (bhikkhu), bhikkhunīs, laymen (upāsaka), and laywomen (upāsikā)."
The Blessed One consented by remaining silent. Then the Great King Vessavaṇa, knowing the Blessed One's consent, on that occasion recited this Āṭānāṭiya protection:
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.