Vv 31Couch Mansion

– VIMĀNA STORIES

– A. FEMALE CELESTIAL MANSIONS

– THE PĀRICCHATTAKA CHAPTER

3.3

BJT 308"O goddess of great power, upon the finest couch adorned with maṇi-gems and gold, upon a lofty resting place strewn with flowers, you dwell there, manifesting diverse supernatural transformations high and low.

BJT 309And these celestial nymphs dance, sing, and perform entertainments all around you. O lady of great power, you have attained the supernormal powers of the gods. What meritorious deed did you perform when you were a human being? Through what cause do you possess such power, blazing in splendor, and does the complexion of your skin illuminate all directions?"

BJT 310"I, when I was a human being in the realm of humankind, was a daughter-in-law in a wealthy household. I was without anger, obedient to my husband's wishes, and not neglectful on Uposatha days.

BJT 311As a human being, young and without malice, with a mind of pure confidence, I pleased my husband. With cheerful conduct by day and by night, I was one who had previously kept the precepts.

BJT 312Being one who abstained from the taking of life, not a thief, entirely pure in bodily conduct, practicing the virtue of chastity, free from the drinking of intoxicants, and speaking no false words, I was one who practiced the training rules fully and completely.

BJT 313On the fourteenth, the fifteenth, the eighth day of each fortnight, and on the additional days of the fortnight, with a mind of pure confidence, practicing in accordance with the Dhamma, with a joyful mind, I observed the Uposatha consisting of eight factors.

BJT 314And having undertaken this noble, holy, blissful good Dhamma of eight factors, a comely woman obedient to her husband's wishes, I was a female disciple of the Accomplished One in a past age.

BJT 315Having thus created wholesome kamma in that life, I am a woman who has obtained a share in awakening. At the dissolution of the body, in the next existence, I attained the supernormal powers of the gods and arrived at a happy realm.

BJT 316In the lofty mansion of a celestial abode, delightful and pleasing, attended by a throng of celestial nymphs, I possess my own radiance. I have come to the mansion of the gods, possessing long life; the assemblies of gods bring me delight."

The Vimāna of the Couch.