When Sakka sets out on a pleasure jaunt, he begins by lifting his joined palms to the Buddha. His charioteer Mātali points out that Sakka is venerated by gods and men, and asks who he is venerating. Sakka replies that he venerates the Buddha, the perfected mendicants as well as trainees on the path.Near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove. “Once upon a time, mendicants, Sakka, lord of gods, addressed his charioteer Mātali, ‘My dear Mātali, harness the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds. We will go to a park and see the scenery.’ ‘Yes, lord,’ replied Mātali. He harnessed the chariot and informed Sakka, ‘Good sir, the chariot with its team of a thousand thoroughbreds has been harnessed. Please go at your convenience.’ Then Sakka descended from the Palace of Victory, raised his joined palms, and revered the Buddha. So Mātali the charioteer addressed Sakka in verse: ‘Gods and men worship you, Vāsava. So what’s the name of the spirit that you worship, Sakka?’ ‘It’s the fully awakened Buddha, the Teacher of peerless name in this world with its gods—that’s who I worship, Mātali. Those who have discarded greed, hate, and ignorance, the perfected ones with defilements ended—they're who I worship, Mātali. The trainees who take pleasure in decreasing suffering, diligently pursuing the training for getting rid of greed and hate, and going past ignorance—they’re who I worship, Mātali.’ ‘Those who you worship seem to be the best in the world, Sakka. I too will worship those who you worship, Sakka.’ After saying this, Maghavā the chief, king of gods, Sujā’s husband, having worshipped the Buddha, climbed into his chariot.”