Tha Ap 57Opavuyha

– Therāpadāna

– The Legends of the Theras

55. Opavuyha

Walt 1290 To Padumuttara Buddha

I gave a fine thoroughbred horse .

Assigning it to the Buddha,

I then went back to my own house. Verse 1

Walt 1291 The Teacher’s top follower was

the monk whose name was Devala.

Worthy heir to the best Teaching

he came into my presence then . Verse 2

Walt 1292 “The Blessed One bears his own bowl;

he will not use a thoroughbred.

The Eyeful One accepted it

because he had discerned your thoughts.” Verse 3

Walt 1293 I got the price for that wind-quick

speed vehicle that came from Sindh.

Then I gave a suitable gift

to Padumuttara Buddha. Verse 4

Walt 1294 In whichever womb I’m reborn,

whether it’s human or divine,

suitable, and variegated

Sindh-horses then arise for me. Verse 5

Walt 1295 The gain for them is well-received

who undergo ordination.

If a Buddha’s born in the world

then they should serve him constantly. Verse 6

Walt 1296 I was a king with great power

twenty-eight different times back then ,

lord of the grove of rose-apples,

victorious on all four sides. Verse 7

Walt 1297 This is the final time for me;

my last rebirth is proceeding.

I’ve attained the unshaking state

beyond all conquest and defeat. Verse 8

Walt 1298 Thirty-four thousand aeons thence

there was a king of great power,

a wheel-turner who had great strength,

possessor of the seven gems. Verse 9

Walt 1299 The four analytical modes,

and these eight deliverances,

six special knowledges mastered,

I have done what the Buddha taught! Verse 10

Thus indeed Venerable Opavuyha Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Opavuyha Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters .

Whitman College, 2017

Legends of the Buddhist Saints (Apadāna) is released under the Attribution, Non-Commercial, Share Alike license.

This is the first-ever complete translation of Apadāna into a Western language.

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