Tha Ap 518Ajjunapupphiya

– Therāpadāna

– The Legends of the Theras

513. {516.} Ajjunapupphiya

Walt 5484 On Candabhāgā River’s bank,

I was a kinnara back then.

I saw the Buddha, Stainless One,

the Self-Become, Unconquered One. Verse 1

Walt 5485 Happy, with pleasure in my heart,

awe-struck, with hands pressed together,

taking an arjuna flower,

I worshipped the Self-Become One. Verse 2

Walt 5486 Due to that karma done very well,

with intention and firm resolve,

leaving my kinnara body,

I went to Tāvatiṁsa then . Verse 3

Walt 5487 Thirty-four times the lord of gods,

I exercised divine rule there .

And ten times a wheel-turning king,

I exercised overlordship. Verse 4

Walt 5488 There was also much local rule,

innumerable by counting.

Like a seed sown in a good field

is mine in the Self-Become One. Verse 5

Walt 5489 Wholesome karma exists for me;

I went forth into homelessness.

Today I’m worthy of homage

in the Buddha’s dispensation. Verse 6

Walt 5490 My defilements are now burnt up;

all new existence is destroyed.

Like elephants with broken chains,

I am living without constraint. Verse 7

Walt 5491 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 8

Walt 5492 The four analytical modes,

and these eight deliverances,

six special knowledges mastered,

I have done what the Buddha taught! Verse 9

Thus indeed Venerable Ajjunapupphiya Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Ajjunapupphiya Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters .

Whitman College, 2017

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