Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, Budha said to the bhikshus, “If there are beings who know gratitude, such people are worthy of respect. They do not forget even small kindnesses, let alone great ones. Even if such a person were a thousand yojanas or a hundred thousand yojanas away from here, they would still be close to me, no different from being by my side. Why is this?
Bhikshus, you should know that I always praise and honour those who know gratitude. As for beings who do not know gratitude, they do not remember even great kindnesses, let alone small ones. They are not close to me, and I am not close to them. Even if such a person were to wear the monastic robe and stand by my side, they would still be far from me. Why is this? I never praise those who are ungrateful. Therefore, bhikshus, you should always remember gratitude and not be like those who are ungrateful. Thus, bhikshus, you should train yourselves.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.