[260] 3. Bhikkhus, these three sounds of the devas (devasadda) resound among the devas from time to time, according to the occasion. What three?
(1) Bhikkhus, when a noble disciple (ariyasāvaka) intends to shave off his hair and beard, clothe himself in the ochre robes (kāsāya), and go forth (pabbajjā) from the household life into homelessness, on that occasion a sound of the devas resounds among the devas: "This noble disciple intends to do battle with Māra." This, bhikkhus, is the first sound of the devas that resounds among the devas from time to time, according to the occasion.
(2) Again, bhikkhus, when a noble disciple dwells devoted to the practice of developing the seven qualities that partake of awakening (bodhipakkhiyā dhammā), on that occasion, bhikkhus, a sound of the devas resounds among the devas: "This noble disciple is doing battle with Māra." This, bhikkhus, is the second sound of the devas that resounds among the devas from time to time, according to the occasion.
(3) Again, bhikkhus, when a noble disciple, through the destruction of the taints (āsava), has realized for himself with direct knowledge (abhiññā), in this very life, the taintless deliverance of mind (cetovimutti) and deliverance by wisdom (paññāvimutti), and, having entered upon it, dwells therein, on that occasion, bhikkhus, a sound of the devas resounds among the devas: "This noble disciple, victorious in battle, having conquered the very forefront of the battle, abides in possession of it." This, bhikkhus, is the third sound of the devas that resounds among the devas from time to time, according to the occasion.
These, bhikkhus, are the three sounds of the devas that resound among the devas from time to time, according to the occasion.
Having seen the disciple of the Fully Self-Enlightened One (sammāsambuddha),
victorious in battle, the great one free from diffidence,
even the deities pay homage to him:
"Homage to you, O thoroughbred among men (purisājañña)!
You have overcome what is hard to overcome;
having defeated the army of Death (maccu),
you are unobstructed through liberation (vimokkha)."
Thus indeed do the deities pay homage to him,
the one whose mind has attained its goal;
for they see nothing in him
by which he might go under the sway of Death.
The Third.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.