[263] 5. "Bhikkhus, these three persons, arising in the world, arise for the welfare of many people, for the happiness of many people, out of compassion for the world, for the good, the welfare, and the happiness of devas and human beings. Which three?
(1) Here, bhikkhus, a Tathāgata arises in the world: an Arahant, fully self-enlightened, perfect in true knowledge (vijjā) and conduct, the Well-Gone One, knower of the world, unsurpassed trainer of persons to be tamed, Teacher of devas and human beings, the Enlightened One, the Blessed One. He teaches the Dhamma that is good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, with its meaning and its phrasing; he proclaims the holy life utterly complete and pure. This, bhikkhus, is the first person who, arising in the world, arises for the welfare of many people, for the happiness of many people, out of compassion for the world, for the good, the welfare, and the happiness of devas and human beings.
(2) Furthermore, bhikkhus, a disciple of that very Teacher is an Arahant, one whose taints (āsava) are destroyed, who has lived the holy life, done what had to be done, laid down the burden, reached his own goal, utterly destroyed the fetters (saṃyojana) of existence, and is liberated through final knowledge. He too teaches the Dhamma that is good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, with its meaning and its phrasing; he proclaims the holy life utterly complete and pure. This, bhikkhus, is the second person who, arising in the world, arises for the welfare of many people, for the happiness of many people, out of compassion for the world, for the good, the welfare, and the happiness of devas and human beings.
(3) Furthermore, bhikkhus, a disciple of that very Teacher is a trainee (sekha) practicing the way (pāṭipada), of great learning, endowed with virtue and observances. He too teaches the Dhamma that is good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, with its meaning and its phrasing; he proclaims the holy life utterly complete and pure. This, bhikkhus, is the third person who, arising in the world, arises for the welfare of many people, for the happiness of many people, out of compassion for the world, for the good, the welfare, and the happiness of devas and human beings.
These, bhikkhus, are the three persons who, arising in the world, arise for the welfare of many people, for the happiness of many people, out of compassion for the world, for the good, the welfare, and the happiness of devas and human beings."
The Teacher, the Great Seer, is indeed the first in the world;
following after him, the disciple whose self is developed;
and then another, a trainee still practicing the way,
of great learning, endowed with virtue and observances.
These three, supreme among devas and human beings,
bringers of light, proclaiming the Dhamma,
throw open the door of the Deathless (amata);
they release many people from the yokes (yoga).
Those who follow along the path (magga) well taught
by the unsurpassed caravan leader,
they make an end of suffering (dukkha) right here —
those who are heedful in the dispensation of the Well-Gone One.
The Fifth.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.