The Brahmin Pingiya

At one time The Blessed One was living in the gabled hall in the Great Forest in Vesali. At that time about five hundred Licchavis were attending on The Blessed One. Some of the Licchavis were dressed and adorned in blue, some in yellow, some in red and others in white. Among them The Blessed One shone more and more brightly in fame and beauty.

Then the Brahmin Pingiya got up from his seat, arranged the shawl on one shoulder, clasped his hands towards The Blessed One and said: Blessed One I should say something.

The Blessed One said: Say it Pingiya.

Then the Brahmin Pingiya eulogized The Blessed One saying this meaningful verse.
Like the Kokanada lotus, blooming in the morning and pervading the scent,
Look at the shining Angirasa (one sweet in every limb)
Like the sun spreading radiance in the sky.

Then those five hundred Licchavis put their five hundred shawls in front of the Brahmin Pingiya. Then the Brahmin Pingiya put those five hundred shawls in front of The Blessed One.

Then The Blessed One said to those Licchavis:

Licchavis, the arising of five jewels are rare in the world. What five?

The arising of the Thus Gone One, worthy and rightfully enlightened, is rare in the world.

Those who preach the Teaching and discipline proclaimed by the Thus Gone One are rare in the world. Those who understand the Teaching and discipline of the Thus Gone One when it is taught are rare in the world. Those who understand the Teaching and discipline of the Thus Gone One and fall to that method, are rare in the world. A grateful person who shows gratitude is rare in the world. Licchavis, the arising of these five jewels are rare in the world.