[170] On one occasion the Venerable Ānanda was dwelling at Kosambī, in Ghosita's Park. Then the Venerable Bhaddaji approached the Venerable Ānanda; having approached, he exchanged greetings with the Venerable Ānanda, and when the courteous and memorable talk was concluded, he sat down at one side. As the Venerable Bhaddaji was sitting at one side, the Venerable Ānanda said this to him: "Friend Bhaddaji, what is the best of sights? What is the best of things heard? What is the best of happinesses? What is the best of perceptions? What is the best of existences?"
"There is, friend, Brahmā — the overlord, unvanquished, the all-seer, the wielder of mastery. One who sees that Brahmā — this is the best of sights. There are, friend, the devas called those of Streaming Radiance (Ābhassarā), suffused and steeped in happiness; from time to time they utter this exclamation: 'Oh, the happiness! Oh, the happiness!' One who hears that sound — this is the best of things heard. There are, friend, the devas called those of Steady Aura (Subhakiṇhā): contented, they experience only peaceful happiness — this is the best of happinesses. There are, friend, the devas who have arrived at the sphere of nothingness (ākiñcaññāyatana) — this is the best of perceptions. There are, friend, the devas who have arrived at the sphere of neither perception nor non-perception (nevasaññānāsaññāyatana) — this is the best of existences."
"This statement of the Venerable Bhaddaji agrees with that of the multitude."
"The Venerable Ānanda is of great learning; let it become clear to the Venerable Ānanda himself."
"Then, friend Bhaddaji, listen and attend closely; I will speak." "Yes, friend," the Venerable Bhaddaji replied to the Venerable Ānanda. The Venerable Ānanda said this: "In whatever way one sees, friend, such that immediately afterward the destruction of the taints (āsava) occurs — this is the best of sights. In whatever way one hears such that immediately afterward the destruction of the taints occurs — this is the best of things heard. In whatever way one is happy such that immediately afterward the destruction of the taints occurs — this is the best of happinesses. In whatever way one perceives such that immediately afterward the destruction of the taints occurs — this is the best of perceptions. In whatever way one exists such that immediately afterward the destruction of the taints occurs — this is the best of existences."
The Second Chapter: On Resentment (Āghātavagga).
Its summary:
Two on the removal of resentment, discussion, one sharing the celibate life, question,
Asking, cessation, reproving, virtue, attentiveness, and Bhaddaji.
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The Third Chapter: On Lay Followers (Upāsakavagga)
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.