Bv 2Sumedha’s Wish

– BUDDHAVAMSA

2. The Section on Sumedha:

Inda-bh 1Four incalculable aeons and one hundred thousand kalpas ago, there was a city named Amara, lovely to behold and beautiful.

Inda-bh 2This city was abundantly supplied with food and drink and was bustling with ten kinds of sounds such as the sounds of elephants, of horses, of drums, of conch shells, of carriages; and invitations concerning food and drink were proclaimed: "Please eat, please drink."

Inda-bh 3The city was complete in all its constituent elements and accomplished in all manner of trades and crafts, endowed with all seven kinds of precious gems, teeming with people of every class, prosperous like a city of the gods, and the abode of those who had acquired meritorious kamma.

Inda-bh 4In the city of Amaravatī there was a brahmin named Sumedha, who had accumulated many koṭis of wealth and was richly endowed with property and grain.

Inda-bh 5He was one devoted to recitation, master of spells, versed in the three Vedas, and had attained perfection in astrology, in legend, and in primary duties.

Inda-bh 6At that time, having seated myself in a secluded place, I reflected thus: "Rebirth and the dissolution of the body are suffering. Delusion, death, and the affliction of old age are suffering.

Inda-bh 7And while there ever remains the condition of birth, the condition of old age, the condition of sickness, I will seek out the unaging, the undying, the secure — Nirvana.

Inda-bh 8Or should I abandon this foul body, replete with every manner of waste, and become one unencumbered, free of longing?

Inda-bh 9That path exists and will appear. That path cannot be without its source. I will seek out that path in order to be fully liberated from existence.

Inda-bh 10Just as when suffering is found, that which is called happiness is likewise found, so in the same way when existence is found, non-existence is also something to be desired.

Inda-bh 11Just as when heat is found, the other — coolness — is likewise found, so in the same way when the three fires of greed, hatred, and delusion are found, Nirvana is also something to be desired.

Inda-bh 12Just as when the unwholesome is found, the wholesome is likewise found, so in exactly the same way when birth is found, non-birth is also something to be desired.

Inda-bh 13Just as a person smeared with filth who sees a full lake of water and yet does not approach that lake — in that case the fault lies not with the lake.

Inda-bh 14In the same way, when the lake of the Deathless is found for the cleansing of the defilements of the passions, one who does not approach that lake — the fault lies not with the lake of the Deathless.

Inda-bh 15Just as a person surrounded on all sides by enemies, when a path of escape is found but does not flee — in that case the fault lies not with the path.

Inda-bh 16In the same way, one who is wholly beset by the defilements, when the noble path is found but does not seek out that path — the fault lies not with the noble path.

Inda-bh 17Just as a person who is ill, when a physician is found but does not allow that physician to treat the illness — in that case the fault lies not with the physician.

Inda-bh 18In the same way, one afflicted by suffering, tormented wholly by the diseases of the defilements, yet who does not seek out a teacher — the fault in that case lies not with the guiding teacher.

Inda-bh 19Just as a person who, having cast away the loathsome corpse hanging about his neck, may attain happiness and live freely, at will.

Inda-bh 20In exactly the same way, having abandoned this foul body, the accumulation of every kind of waste, I may become one unencumbered, free of longing.

Inda-bh 21Just as men or women, having discharged filth in the latrine, depart unencumbered and free of longing.

Inda-bh 22In exactly the same way, having abandoned this body that is stuffed full of every manner of waste, I shall depart just as one who, having used the latrine, leaves the privy.

Inda-bh 23Just as owners, having cast away an old, decayed, and leaking boat, depart with no further encumbrance and no longing.

Inda-bh 24In exactly the same way, having abandoned this body with its nine orifices that continually discharge impurities, I shall depart just as the owners who discard a vessel that has fallen apart.

Inda-bh 25Just as a person carrying goods who travels in the company of robbers, upon perceiving the danger of having the goods seized, separates himself and goes on his way.

Inda-bh 26In exactly the same way, this body being comparable to a great robber, I shall renounce this body and depart, freed from the fear of being robbed of wholesome states."

Inda-bh 27Having reflected thus, I distributed wealth amounting to hundreds of koṭis to those who had a refuge and to those who had none, and then departed for the Himalayas.

Inda-bh 28Not far from the Himalayas, on a mountain named Dhammaka, a hermitage well-constructed for me had a leaf-hut well-built therein.

Inda-bh 29There I laid out a walking-path free from five faults. I attained the power of higher knowledge endowed with eight qualities.

Inda-bh 30In that place I cast away the cloak associated with nine faults. I wore garments of bark possessed of twelve virtues.

Inda-bh 31I abandoned the leaf-hut connected with eight faults. I went to dwell at the foot of a tree possessed of ten virtues.

Inda-bh 32I entirely abandoned grain that had been sown and grown. I subsisted upon fallen fruit endowed with innumerable virtues.

Inda-bh 33In that place, I applied diligent effort to sitting, standing, and walking in meditation. I attained the power of higher knowledge within the space of seven days.

Inda-bh 34Thus, when I had attained accomplishment in the five higher knowledges and become accomplished in the practice of the ascetic discipline, the Conqueror named Dīpaṅkara, the Leader of the World, arose.

Inda-bh 35Absorbed in the delight of meditation, I had not witnessed the four portents concerning his descent into the womb, his birth, his enlightenment, and his proclamation of the Dharma.

Inda-bh 36The people of the surrounding region, having invited the Tathāgata, cleared the path of his coming with minds full of joy.

Inda-bh 37At that time, having left my own hermitage, I, while traveling through the air, was adjusting my garments of bark.

Inda-bh 38Seeing the people brimming with excitement, elated, rejoicing, and glad, I descended from the air and immediately asked the people:

Inda-bh 39"Why are so many people elated, rejoicing, glad, and brimming with excitement? For whom has the road, the path, the way, the thoroughfare been cleared?"

Inda-bh 40When asked by me, they replied: "The Buddha, the Supreme One in the world, the Conqueror, the Leader of the World named Dīpaṅkara has arisen. The road, the path, the way, the thoroughfare has been cleared for him."

Inda-bh 41Upon hearing the word "Buddha," a rapture of the Dharma arose in me immediately. I expressed that joy and uttered the words: "The Buddha! The Buddha!"

Inda-bh 42Standing there, with a mind exhilarated and elated, I thought: "I shall plant wholesome roots here before the Buddha. Surely this moment must not be allowed to pass," and said:

Inda-bh 43"If you are clearing the way for the Buddha, please give me a section. I too will clear the road, the way, the thoroughfare."

Inda-bh 44Then they gave me a section of the road to clear. At that time I cleared the road while keeping in mind "The Buddha! The Buddha!"

Inda-bh 45While my section was not yet finished, the Great Sage, the Conqueror Dīpaṅkara, together with four hundred thousand Āsavakkhīṇas — those free of defilements, possessed of six higher knowledges — such was the company that stepped upon the road.

Inda-bh 46Many people moved from the opposite direction, beating and sounding the drums. Gods and humans, filled with joy, uttered the cry of "Sādhu!"

Inda-bh 47The gods gazed upon the humans, and the humans likewise gazed upon the gods. Both of those groups, with hands joined in reverence, followed after the Tathagata.

Inda-bh 48The gods with the musical instruments of the celestial realm, and humans with the musical instruments of the human world — both those groups played music as they followed after the Tathagata.

Inda-bh 49The gods, moving through the sky in the expanse of space, scattered māndārava flowers, lotuses, and coral blossoms of the heavenly realm in every direction.

Inda-bh 50Humans, moving upon the surface of the earth, flung campaka blossoms, salala flowers, nīpa flowers, nāga blossoms, punnāga, and ketaka flowers in all directions.

Inda-bh 51There, having loosened my hair, I spread out my garment of bark and animal skin upon the muddy ground, and then I lay face down, saying:

Inda-bh 52"May the Buddha step upon me. May he, together with his disciples, proceed. May they not walk there through the mud; this will bring benefit to me."

Inda-bh 53While lying upon the ground, this thought arose in me: "If I so wished, I could burn away my defilements this very day.

Inda-bh 54What would I gain by here realizing the Dharma in a manner without renown? I should attain the fruit of Omniscience and become a Buddha in the world together with its gods.

Inda-bh 55What would I gain by being one who knows his own power yet crosses over only alone? I should attain the fruit of Omniscience and help the world together with its gods to cross over.

Inda-bh 56By means of this superior deed of mine performed toward the Supreme Person, I shall attain the fruit of Omniscience and shall help the multitude of beings to cross over.

Inda-bh 57Having cut off the stream of saṃsāra and destroyed the three realms of rebirth, I shall board the vessel of the True Dharma and shall help the world together with its gods to cross over."

Inda-bh 58The making of a resolution is accomplished through a combination of eight factors: being a human being, having attained the male faculty, possessing the supporting conditions, having seen the Teacher, being one who has gone forth, being endowed with virtue, having performed a superior deed, and possessing the aspiration.

Inda-bh 59The World-Knower Dīpaṅkara, the receiver of offerings, stood close by the crown of my head and spoke these words:

Inda-bh 60"Behold this matted-haired ascetic of the highest austerities. After an incalculable number of aeons from this very moment, he shall become a Buddha in the world.

Inda-bh 61Having departed from the beautiful city named Kapila, the Tathagata shall strive with effort and perform the deed that is difficult to perform.

Inda-bh 62Having sat down at the foot of the tree of the goatherds, the Tathagata shall receive the milk-rice there, and then shall go to the Nerañjarā river.

Inda-bh 63At the bank of the Nerañjarā river, that Conqueror shall eat the milk-rice and then proceed to the Bodhi tree by the noble path that has been prepared.

Inda-bh 64Thereupon, having circumambulated the precinct of the Bodhi tree, the Supreme One of great renown shall attain enlightenment at the foot of the Assattha tree.

Inda-bh 65The mother who gives birth to him shall bear the name Māyā. The father shall be named Suddhodana. He shall be Gotama.

Inda-bh 66Kolita and Upatissa, free from all āsavas, with craving relinquished, their minds serene and composed, shall be the foremost pair of male disciples.

Inda-bh 67The attendant named Ānanda shall serve that Conqueror. Khemā and Uppalavaṇṇā shall be the foremost pair of female disciples.

Inda-bh 68Free from all āsavas, with craving relinquished, their minds serene and composed. The Bodhi tree of that Blessed One shall be known by the name 'Assattha.'

Inda-bh 69Citta and Haṭṭhāḷavaka shall be the foremost pair of male lay supporters. Uttarā and Nandamātā shall be the foremost pair of female lay supporters. The lifespan in the age of that renowned Gotama shall be one hundred years."

Inda-bh 70Having heard these words of the incomparable Great Sage, the gods and humans rejoiced, thinking: "He is the seed and sprout of the Buddhas."

Inda-bh 71They burst into cries of rejoicing, clapped their hands, and broke into smiles. The ten-thousand worlds, together with their gods, joined their hands in homage and said:

Inda-bh 72"If we fail with the teaching of this Leader of the World, then we shall encounter that one in the far distant future.

Inda-bh 73Just as those who cross a river and do not reach the opposite bank will cross the great river after reaching the bank further downstream —

Inda-bh 74In just the same way, if all of us miss the opportunity with this Conqueror, then we shall encounter that one in the far distant future."

Inda-bh 75The World-Knower Dīpaṅkara, the receiver of offerings, having proclaimed my deed, then circumambulated me.

Inda-bh 76The Sakyan disciples who were present there circumambulated me. The gods, humans, and asuras paid homage to me and departed.

Inda-bh 77When the Leader of the World, together with his assembly, had passed beyond my sight, I then rose up from my reclining position and folded myself into the cross-legged posture.

Inda-bh 78Then I was suffused with ease by that ease, and gladdened by that gladness, and while being filled with the joy of the Dharma, I settled into the cross-legged posture.

Inda-bh 79Having sat down in the cross-legged posture, I then reflected thus: "Being master in the practice of meditation, I have attained perfection in the higher knowledges.

Inda-bh 80Among the sages throughout a thousand worlds, there is none equal to me. There is none equal in the supranormal powers. I have attained such ease as this."

Inda-bh 81At my sitting in the cross-legged posture, the inhabitants of the ten-thousand worlds raised a resounding cry: "Surely he shall become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 82Whatever auspicious omens were formerly manifested when bodhisattvas sat down in the noble cross-legged posture — those same things are manifested this very day.

Inda-bh 83The cold has vanished and the heat has subsided. Those things are manifested this very day; surely he shall become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 84The ten-thousand worlds are without sound and undisturbed. Those things are manifested this very day; surely he shall become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 85The great winds have ceased to blow, the flowing streams have ceased to flow. Those things are manifested this very day; surely he shall become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 86The flowers growing on the land and growing in the water, all have instantly burst into bloom. All those flowers likewise have blossomed forth this very day; surely he shall become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 87And as for creeping vines and trees, they instantly became heavy with fruit. All those trees likewise have borne fruit this very day; surely he shall become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 88In the sky above and upon the earth, jewels instantly shone brilliantly. Those jewels likewise shine brilliantly this very day; surely he shall become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 89The musical instruments of humans and of the celestial realm instantly sounded forth. Both those kinds of instruments likewise play music this very day; surely he shall become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 90Flowers of every kind instantly rained down from the sky. These things likewise are manifested this very day; surely he shall become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 91The great ocean drew back, the ten worlds shook and trembled. Both those things likewise resounded this very day; surely he shall become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 92The ten-thousand fires in the hells were instantly extinguished. Those fires likewise have been extinguished this very day; surely he shall become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 93The sun was unobscured, all the stars could be seen. Those things likewise are manifested this very day; surely he shall become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 94Even without rain, water instantly gushes up from the earth. That water also gushes up from the earth this very day; surely you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 95The constellations and stars shine brilliantly in the vault of the sky. The constellation Visākhā is conjoined with the moon; surely you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 96The beasts of dens and the beasts of hollows have left their dwellings. They too have abandoned their dwellings this very day; surely you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 97There is no discontent among beings; they instantly become joyful. All of them are likewise joyful this very day; surely you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 98Illness is diminished and famine is dispelled. These things too are manifest this very day; surely you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 99At that time, lust becomes feeble, and hatred and delusion are dispelled. All these things have likewise vanished this very day; surely you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 100At that time, fear is not present. That too is manifest this very day. By this sign we know with certainty that you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 101Dust does not rise upward. That too is manifest this very day. By this sign we know with certainty that you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 102Unpleasant odors have vanished. The fragrance of the celestial realm wafts forth. That fragrance too is spreading this very day; surely you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 103All the devas are manifest, save for those of the formless realms. All of them too are seen this very day; surely you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 104Even the places called hells are all instantly visible. All those places too are seen this very day; surely you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 105At that time, walls, doors, and boulders are no longer obstacles. This very day they too have all become open space; surely you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 106Death and rebirth do not occur at that moment. They are not seen this very day; surely you will become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 107Strive on with resolute and unwavering effort. Do not turn back; advance forward. We too know this clearly; surely you will become a Buddha."

Inda-bh 108Hearing the words of both the Buddha and the devas of the ten thousand world-systems, I then became joyful, elated, and glad, and I reflected thus:

Inda-bh 109"The Buddhas, those Victorious Ones, do not speak with a double tongue, nor do they speak foolishly. The Buddhas are without falsehood; I shall surely become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 110Just as a clod of earth hurled into the air will certainly fall back to the ground, so too the words of the Buddhas are certain and well-founded. The Buddhas are without falsehood; I shall surely become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 111Just as the death of all beings is certain and well-founded, so too the words of the supreme Buddhas are certain and well-founded. The Buddhas are without falsehood; I shall surely become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 112Just as at the end of the night the rising of the sun is certain, so too the words of the supreme Buddhas are certain and well-founded. The Buddhas are without falsehood; I shall surely become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 113Just as the roar of the lion upon leaving its lair is certain, so too the words of the supreme Buddhas are certain and well-founded. The Buddhas are without falsehood; I shall surely become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 114Just as the giving birth of women in labor is certain, so too the words of the supreme Buddhas are certain and well-founded. The Buddhas are without falsehood; I shall surely become a Buddha.

Inda-bh 115Now, let me examine from here and from there, above and below and in all directions, the qualities that constitute Buddhahood, down to the very nature of those qualities."

Inda-bh 116Then, in the course of that examination, I recognized the first quality: the perfection of giving (dāna-pāramī), the noble path that had been practiced by the great sages of former times.

Inda-bh 117Lay hold of and maintain this first quality. Attain the perfection of giving if you wish to achieve Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 118Just as a filled jar, when turned upside down by anyone, pours out its water leaving nothing behind, retaining nothing whatsoever within—

Inda-bh 119—so too, upon seeing those who come to beg, whether lowly, noble, or middling, pour forth your gift without holding back, like a jar turned upside down.

Inda-bh 120Yet the qualities that constitute Buddhahood will not be only these; I shall examine others that are likewise qualities which ripen enlightenment.

Inda-bh 121Then, in the course of that examination, I recognized the second quality: the perfection of virtue, which had been practiced and embraced by the great sages of former times.

Inda-bh 122Lay hold of and maintain this second quality. Attain the perfection of virtue if you wish to achieve Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 123Just as a bull with a splendid tail, should that tail become entangled in anything, would rather accept death on that very spot than allow the tail to be torn off—

Inda-bh 124—so too, fulfill the precepts in all four domains, and guard the moral rules with complete integrity at all times, even as the bull protects its tail.

Inda-bh 125Yet the qualities that constitute Buddhahood will not be only these; I shall examine yet others that are likewise qualities which ripen enlightenment.

Inda-bh 126Then, in the course of that examination, I recognized the third quality: the perfection of renunciation, which had been practiced and embraced by the great sages of former times.

Inda-bh 127Lay hold of and maintain this third quality. Attain the perfection of renunciation if you wish to achieve Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 128Just as a person who has long dwelt in a prison, tormented and afflicted, arises no longing for that place but seeks only freedom—

Inda-bh 129—so too, regard all the realms of rebirth—the realm of sensual desire, the form realm, the formless realm—as prisons. Turn toward renunciation, aiming at complete liberation from those realms.

Inda-bh 130Yet the qualities that constitute Buddhahood will not be only these; I shall examine yet others that are likewise qualities which ripen enlightenment.

Inda-bh 131Then, in the course of that examination, I recognized the fourth quality: the perfection of wisdom, which had been practiced and embraced by the great sages of former times.

Inda-bh 132Lay hold of and maintain this fourth quality. Attain the perfection of wisdom if you wish to achieve Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 133Just as a bhikkhu going on alms-round does not pass by families whether lowly, noble, or middling, and thus obtains his livelihood in that way—

Inda-bh 134—so too, by questioning the wise at all times, you will attain the perfection of wisdom and will achieve the state of Omniscience.

Inda-bh 135Yet the qualities that constitute Buddhahood will not be only these; I shall examine yet others that are likewise qualities which ripen enlightenment.

Inda-bh 136Then, in the course of that examination, I recognized the fifth quality: the perfection of energy, which had been practiced and embraced by the great sages of former times.

Inda-bh 137Lay hold of and maintain this fifth quality. Attain the perfection of energy if you wish to achieve Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 138Just as the lion, the king of beasts, whether sitting, standing, or moving to and fro, exerts effort without weariness and maintains a vigilant mind at all times—

Inda-bh 139In the very same way, in all realms of rebirth, strive with unwavering energy; having attained the perfection of energy, you shall achieve the fruit of Supreme Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 140Yet the qualities that constitute Buddhahood are not only these; I shall examine yet further qualities that also ripen enlightenment.

Inda-bh 141Then, in the course of my examination, I recognized the sixth quality: the perfection of patience, which the great sages of former times practiced and adhered to.

Inda-bh 142Strengthen yourself in and uphold this sixth quality. With a mind unshaken therein, you shall achieve the fruit of Supreme Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 143Just as the earth endures all things cast upon it, both the clean and the foul, showing neither displeasure nor delight—

Inda-bh 144In the very same way, accept with equanimity the reverence or contempt of all beings; having attained the perfection of patience, you shall achieve the fruit of Supreme Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 145Yet the qualities that constitute Buddhahood are not only these; I shall examine yet further qualities that also ripen the fruit of Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 146Then, in the course of my examination, I recognized the seventh quality: the perfection of truthfulness, which the great sages of former times practiced and adhered to.

Inda-bh 147Strengthen yourself in and uphold this seventh quality. Without speaking with a double tongue in this quality, you shall achieve the fruit of Supreme Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 148Just as the star Osadhī maintains a state of constancy throughout the world, including all the celestial realms, never deviating from its course at any time of year or season—

Inda-bh 149In the very same way, do not deviate from the path of truth; having attained the perfection of truthfulness, you shall achieve the fruit of Supreme Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 150Yet the qualities that constitute Buddhahood are not only these; I shall examine yet further qualities that also ripen enlightenment.

Inda-bh 151Then, in the course of my examination, I recognized the eighth quality: the perfection of resolution, which the great sages of former times practiced and adhered to.

Inda-bh 152Strengthen yourself in and uphold this eighth quality. Having become unshakeable in this quality, you shall achieve the fruit of Supreme Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 153Just as a rocky mountain, well-formed and solid, stands firm in its very place, unshaken by violent winds—

Inda-bh 154In the very same way, be ever unwavering in your resolution; having attained the perfection of resolution, you shall achieve the fruit of Supreme Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 155Yet the qualities that constitute Buddhahood are not only these; I shall examine yet further qualities that also ripen enlightenment.

Inda-bh 156Then, in the course of my examination, I recognized the ninth quality: the perfection of loving-kindness, which the great sages of former times practiced and adhered to.

Inda-bh 157Strengthen yourself in and uphold this ninth quality. Be one who is unequalled in loving-kindness, if you desire to attain the fruit of Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 158Just as water cleanses away dust and impurities, and brings coolness equally to the virtuous and the wicked alike—

Inda-bh 159In the very same way, develop loving-kindness equally toward friend and foe; having attained the perfection of loving-kindness, you shall achieve the fruit of Supreme Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 160Yet the qualities that constitute Buddhahood are not only these; I shall examine yet further qualities that also ripen enlightenment.

Inda-bh 161Then, in the course of my examination, I recognized the tenth quality: the perfection of equanimity, which the great sages of former times practiced and adhered to.

Inda-bh 162Strengthen yourself in and uphold this tenth quality. Being balanced and having become steadfast, you shall achieve the fruit of Supreme Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 163Just as the earth remains impassive toward the clean and the foul that are cast upon it, committing neither to anger nor to favor toward either of them—

Inda-bh 164In the very same way, always maintain a state of balance toward pleasure and pain; having attained the perfection of equanimity, you shall achieve the fruit of Supreme Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 165The qualities that ripen enlightenment in this world are only these and no others beyond them. Establish yourself firmly in these qualities.

Inda-bh 166As I was reflecting upon these qualities with respect to their nature, characteristics, and distinctive marks, by the power of these qualities the earth and ten thousand world-systems trembled.

Inda-bh 167The earth shook and roared as a sugarcane press is shaken when stirred. Just as an oil press with its wheel is set in motion and vibrates, so the earth trembled in that manner.

Inda-bh 168Even the assembly of people gathered at the place of offering food to the Buddha, while trembling, were overcome with dizziness and fell prostrate upon the ground at that very spot.

Inda-bh 169Thousands of water jars and many hundreds of clay pots collided with one another, were shattered, and were broken to pieces at that very place.

Inda-bh 170With minds filled with anxiety, fear, alarm, agitation, and confusion, the people assembled and went to meet the Blessed One Dīpaṅkara, asking:

Inda-bh 171"What is happening in the world? Is it something good or something ill? The entire world is in turmoil — O One of Vision, pray dispel this!"

Inda-bh 172Then the great sage Dīpaṅkara explained clearly to them: "Be at ease. Do not be alarmed by this earthquake.

Inda-bh 173The one whom I have today proclaimed will become a Buddha in this world — he is reflecting upon the Dhamma practiced by the Victorious Ones of the past.

Inda-bh 174While he is reflecting upon the Dhamma that is the foundation of all Buddhas, flawless and complete, therefore this earth together with ten thousand world-systems and all the devas has trembled."

Inda-bh 175Upon hearing the words of the Buddha, their minds were instantly calmed. All drew near to me and paid homage once again.

Inda-bh 176Having taken to heart the virtues of the Buddhas and having made firm my resolve, I then bowed in reverence to the Blessed One Dīpaṅkara and rose from my seat.

Inda-bh 177With flowers — both devas and human beings alike — scattered flowers of the heavenly and human realms upon Sumedha as he rose from his seat.

Inda-bh 178And both those devas and those human beings uttered words of auspicious blessing: "Your aspiration is truly great. May you attain it according to your wish.

Inda-bh 179May all misfortunes be averted. May sorrow and sickness be extinguished. May no danger befall you. May you swiftly attain Supreme Enlightenment.

Inda-bh 180Just as a tree bursts into bloom when its season arrives, in the very same way, O Heroic Buddha, may you bloom with the wisdom of a Buddha.

Inda-bh 181Just as all those who are Fully Enlightened have fulfilled the perfections of the ten qualities, in the very same way, O Great Hero, may you fulfill the perfections of the ten qualities.

Inda-bh 182Just as all those who are Fully Enlightened have awakened at the seat of the Bodhi tree, in the very same way, O Great Hero, may you awaken at the Bodhi tree of the Victorious One.

Inda-bh 183Just as all those who are Fully Enlightened have set the Wheel of the True Dhamma in motion, in the very same way, O Great Hero, may you set the Wheel of the True Dhamma in motion.

Inda-bh 184Just as the moon on the full-moon night is pure and radiant, in the very same way, you who are now perfectly complete — may you illuminate the ten thousand world-systems."

Inda-bh 185Just as the sun, freed from the god Rāhu, shines with exceeding brilliance and radiance, in the same way, after being freed from the world, may you shine forth with glory.

Inda-bh 186Just as all rivers flow downward toward the great ocean, in the same way, the worlds together with the devas flow in the presence of you."

Inda-bh 187Then, praised and extolled by them, he undertook the ten qualities. And while fulfilling those qualities completely, he entered the deep forest.

Here ends the account of Sumedha.