Tha Ap 416Madhumaṁsadāyaka

– Therāpadāna

– The Legends of the Theras

411. {414.} Madhumaṁsadāyaka

Walt 4373 In the city, Bandhumatī,

I was a pork-seller back then .

Having cooked the spleen and lungs,

I poured honey over that meat. Verse 1

Walt 4374 Having gone to a gathering,

I took hold of a single bowl.

Filling up that bowl with meat , I

gave it to the monks’ Assembly. Verse 2

Walt 4375 The monk there who was most senior

then assigned the merit to me:

“due to filling this bowl with meat ,

he will receive great happiness. Verse 3

Walt 4376 Receiving the two attainments,

incited by his wholesome roots,

during his last going around,

he will destroy the defilements.” Verse 4

Walt 4377 Bringing pleasure to my heart there,

I then went to Tāvatiṁsa.

Eating as well as drinking there,

I do receive great happiness. Verse 5

Walt 4378 In a pavilion or tree-root,

recalling previous karma,

a downpour of both food and drink

is raining on me all the time. Verse 6

Walt 4379 This is the final time for me;

my last rebirth is proceeding.

Even here both food and drink are

raining on me all of the time. Verse 7

Walt 4380 Because of having given meat,

transmigrating in existence,

knowing well all the defilements,

I am living without constraint. Verse 8

Walt 4381 In the ninety-one aeons since

I gave that offering back then,

I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:

that is the fruit of giving meat. Verse 9

Walt 4382 My defilements are now burnt up;

all new existence is destroyed.

Like elephants with broken chains,

I am living without constraint. Verse 10

Walt 4383 Being in Best Buddha’s presence

was a very good thing for me.

The three knowledges are attained;

I have done what the Buddha taught! Verse 11

Walt 4384 The four analytical modes,

and these eight deliverances,

six special knowledges mastered,

I have done what the Buddha taught! Verse 12

Thus indeed Venerable Madhumaṁsadāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Madhumaṁsadāyaka Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters .

Whitman College, 2017

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