SN3.12 — Pañcarājasutta
At Sāvatthi.
At that time, the five kings led by Pasenadi were enjoying the five strands of sensual pleasures and were equally endowed and engaged in their service. A discussion arose among them: What is the highest form of sensual pleasures?
Some said, Form is the highest of sensual pleasures.
Others said, Sound is the highest of sensual pleasures.
Some said, Smell is the highest of sensual pleasures.
Others said, Taste is the highest of sensual pleasures.
Some said, Tangible objects are the highest of sensual pleasures.
Since the kings could not convince each other, King Pasenadi of Kosala said to them, Let us go to the Blessed One and ask him about this matter. We will accept whatever the Blessed One explains.
Indeed, the kings agreed to King Pasenadi's proposal.
Then the five kings, led by Pasenadi, went to the Blessed One. After paying homage, they sat on one side. King Pasenadi of Kosala then addressed the Blessed One, explaining the discussion that had arisen among them about the highest form of sensual pleasures, with some advocating for form, others for sound, smell, taste, or tangible objects as the highest.
What, venerable sir, is the highest of sensual pleasures?
The Blessed One replied, Great king, I declare the highest of the five strands of sensual pleasures to be whatever is most pleasing to someone. For some, certain forms are pleasing, while those same forms are displeasing to others. For one who is satisfied and content with certain forms, he does not seek any other form that is superior or more sublime. Those forms are the highest for him. Similarly, this applies to sounds, smells, tastes, and tangible objects. Whatever is most pleasing in each category is considered the highest for that individual.
At that time, a lay follower named Candanaṅgalika was sitting in the assembly. Rising from his seat, he adjusted his robe on one shoulder, raised his joined palms towards the Blessed One, and said, It appears to me, Blessed One, it appears to me, Well-Gone One.
Let it appear to you, Candanaṅgalika, the Blessed One replied.
Then Candanaṅgalika, in the presence of the Blessed One, recited a verse in praise:
Just as a lotus, a water lily, fragrant and delightful,
Blooms in the morning, untouched by water;
See the Radiant One shining forth,
Like the blazing sun in the sky.
Then the five kings covered Candanaṅgalika, the lay follower, with five upper robes. Candanaṅgalika then covered the Blessed One with those five upper robes.