325. And the Lord said: “Ānanda, prepare a couch between these two sāl trees, for I am tired and wish to lie down.” So Ānanda did as the Lord asked, and then the Lord lay down on his right side, resting one foot on the other in the lion-like posture, mindful and clearly conscious. Then suddenly, the two sāl trees burst into full bloom out of season and the flowers rained down out of respect for the Tathāgata. Celestial blossoms and heavenly sandalwood powder rained down, and heavenly music and voices could be heard, all out of respect for the Tathāgata.
Then the Lord addressed Ānanda saying: “Behold these sāl blossoms and heavenly flowers, sandalwood powder, music and voices. Yet, it is not like this that the Tathāgata is respected, venerated, esteemed, worshipped and honored with the highest respect. Rather, the monk or the nun, the layman or the laywoman who abide by the Dhamma, walk the way of Dhamma and who practice the Dhamma, it is they who respect, venerate, esteem, worship and honor the Tathāgata with the highest respect. Therefore, abide by the Dhamma, walk the way of the Dhamma and practice the Dhamma. This is how you should train yourself.”
D.II,137 (DN 16)