Tha Ap 189Ekacintita

– Therāpadāna

– The Legends of the Theras

187. Ekacintita

Walt 2185 When according to his lifespan,

a god falls from the world,

three sayings get emitted then,

in the rejoicing of the gods. Verse 1

Walt 2186 “From here, sir, go to a good state,

in the company of people.

Becoming human do obtain

great faith in the Excellent Truth. Verse 2

Walt 2187 “Having established that, your faith,

in the well-known Excellent Truth,

well- fixed, born of those happy roots,

be steadfast as long as you live. Verse 3

Walt 2188 “Doing good deeds with your body,

and doing much good with your speech;

doing good with your mind as well,

be free of hate and attachment. Verse 4

Walt 2189 “Thus exalting the life you live ,

doing merit with much giving,

make other men also enter

the chaste life and Excellent Truth.” Verse 5

Walt 2190 When gods know that a god’s falling,

filled with this sort of compassion,

they rejoice about his rebirth :

“O god come back repeatedly.” Verse 6

Walt 2191 I was moved when at that time the

assembly of gods had gathered,

“Well now then to what womb should I

go when I have fallen from here?” Verse 7

Walt 2192-2193 Padumuttara’s follower,

known by the name of Sumana,

a monk with senses well- controlled,

realizing that I was moved

and desiring to lift me up,

did come into my presence then

and stirred me up instructing me

in the meaning and the Teaching. Verse 8-9

Walt 2194 Having listened to his words, I

made my heart pleased in the Buddha.

Having saluted that wise monk,

I then passed away on the spot. Verse 10

Walt 2195 I was reborn right then and there,

incited by those happy roots.

For one hundred thousand aeons

I was not born in a bad state. Verse 11

Walt 2196 The four analytical modes,

and these eight deliverances,

six special knowledges mastered,

I have done what the Buddha taught! Verse 12

Thus indeed Venerable Ekacintita Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Ekacintita Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters .

Whitman College, 2017

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