dn19:44.0 6.3. A Discussion With the Divinity
dn19:44.1 And then the divinity Sanaṅkumāra, knowing the Great Steward’s train of thought, as easily as a strong person would extend or contract their arm, vanished from the realm of divinity and reappeared in the Great Steward’s presence.
dn19:44.2 At that, the Great Steward became frightened, scared, his hair standing on end, as he had never seen such a sight before.
dn19:44.3 So he addressed the divinity Sanaṅkumāra in verse:
dn19:44.4 “Who might you be, sir,
dn19:44.5 so beautiful, glorious, majestic?
dn19:44.6 Not knowing, I ask—
dn19:44.7 how am I to know who you are?”
dn19:44.8 “In the realm of divinity they know me
dn19:44.9 as ‘The Eternal Youth’.
dn19:44.10 All the gods know me thus,
dn19:44.11 and so you should know me, Steward.”
dn19:44.12 “A Divinity deserves a seat and water,
dn19:44.13 foot-salve, and sweet cakes.
dn19:44.14 Sir, I ask you to please accept
dn19:44.15 these gifts of hospitality.”
dn19:44.16 “I accept the gifts of hospitality
dn19:44.17 of which you speak.
dn19:44.18 I grant you the opportunity
dn19:44.19 to ask whatever you desire—
dn19:44.20 about welfare and benefit in this life,
dn19:44.21 or happiness in lives to come.”


