"And as all things originate from one essence, so they develop according to one law, and are destined to one aim, which is Nirvana."
THE STORY OF THE CELESTIAL DEVA.
It is told that a celestial deva (spirit, or messenger) once came to Buddha in the shape of a Brahmin, dressed in white garments.
The deva asked: "What is the sharpest sword? What is the deadliest poison? What is the fiercest fire? What is the darkest night?"
The Teacher replied: "A word spoken in anger is the sharpest sword; greed is the deadliest poison; passion is the fiercest fire; ignorance is the darkest night."
The deva said: "Who gains the greatest benefit? Who loses most? What armor is invulnerable? What is the best weapon?"
The Teacher replied: "He is the greatest gainer who helps others; he loses most who greedily receives; patience is the invulnerable armor; wisdom is the best weapon."
The deva said: Who is the greatest thief? What is the most precious treasure? Who is the most successful in gaining possessions? What is the securest reward?"
The Teacher replied: "Evil thought is the greatest thief; virtue is the most precious treasure; the mind is the most successful in gaining possessions; Nirvana is the securest reward."
