[187] On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park. Then, while the Blessed One was in seclusion, gone into solitary retreat, a reflection arose in his mind thus: "The qualities that bring liberation to maturity (vimuttiparipācaniyā dhammā) have ripened in Rāhula. Suppose I were to lead Rāhula on further, to the destruction of the taints (āsava)."
Then, in the morning, the Blessed One dressed, and taking bowl and robe, entered Sāvatthī for alms. Having walked for alms in Sāvatthī, after the meal, on returning from the alms round, he addressed the Venerable Rāhula: "Take a sitting cloth, Rāhula; we shall go to the Andhavana for the day's abiding."
"Yes, venerable sir," the Venerable Rāhula replied to the Blessed One, and taking a sitting cloth, he followed close behind the Blessed One.
Now on that occasion many thousands of deities were following the Blessed One, thinking: "Today the Blessed One will lead the Venerable Rāhula on further, to the destruction of the taints."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.