Vv 60Elephant Mansion

– STORIES OF CELESTIAL MANSIONS

– B. CELESTIAL MANSIONS OF MALE DEITIES

– THE GREAT CHARIOT CHAPTER

5.10

BJT 962"Having mounted a noble elephant — white all over, flawless, tusked, powerful, of great speed, a noble elephant fit to be ridden, well prepared — you have come here through the air, in the sky.

BJT 963Lotus ponds with clear water, beautifully blooming with flowers, have been conjured forth upon the two tusks of the elephant; groups of musical instruments have resounded among the lotus blossoms; and these charming women are dancing.

BJT 964You have attained the supernormal powers of the devas, possessed of great might. What meritorious deed did you do when you were a human being? On account of what do you have such splendidly blazing power, and your complexion illumines all the directions?"

BJT 965That deity, delighted at being questioned by Venerable Moggallāna, being asked the question, explained of which kamma this was the fruit:

BJT 966"With confidence, I myself offered with my own hands at the stupa of the Great Sage Kassapa only eight flowers that had been dropped.

BJT 967On account of that, I have such a complexion. On account of that, things have been accomplished for me here. And on account of that, pleasurable enjoyments arise for me.

BJT 968Venerable monk of great might, I have explained to you the meritorious deed I performed when I was a human being. On account of that I have such splendidly blazing power, and my complexion illumines all the directions."

The Elephant Mansion.