At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain in the Boar’s Cave. Then the Buddha said to Venerable Sāriputta:

“Sāriputta, considering what benefit does a mendicant with defilements ended, while still alive, continue to show utmost devotion for the Realized One or his instructions?”

“Sir, it is considering the supreme sanctuary that a mendicant with defilements ended, while still alive, continues to show utmost devotion for the Realized One or his instructions.”

“Good, good, Sāriputta! For it is considering the supreme sanctuary that a mendicant whose defilements are ended, while still alive, continues to show utmost devotion for the Realized One or his instructions.

And what is that supreme sanctuary?”

“It’s when a mendicant with defilements ended develops the faculties of faith, energy, mindfulness, immersion, and wisdom, which lead to peace and awakening. It is considering this supreme sanctuary that a mendicant with defilements ended, while still alive, continues to show utmost devotion for the Realized One or his instructions.”

“Good, good, Sāriputta! For this is that supreme sanctuary.

And what is that utmost devotion that a mendicant with defilements ended, while still alive, continues to show towards the Realized One or his instructions?”

“It’s when a mendicant with defilements ended maintains respect and reverence for the Teacher, the teaching, the Saṅgha, the training, and immersion. This is that utmost devotion.”

“Good, good, Sāriputta! For this is that utmost devotion that a mendicant with defilements ended, while still alive, continues to show towards the Realized One or his instructions.”