Vv 82Mansion of Many Colors

– STORIES OF HEAVENLY MANSIONS

– B. HEAVENLY MANSIONS OF MALE DEITIES

– THE CHAPTER ON WELL-PLACED

7.8

BJT 1200"Having attained the heavenly mansion adorned in many ways, of many colors, with the destruction of vexation and sorrow, you are attended by a retinue of celestial nymphs, rejoicing like Sunimmita, the lord of beings.

BJT 1201There is none comparable to you in such a way; moreover, from where could one come who surpasses you in fame, merit, and spiritual power?

BJT 1202And all the devas, the assemblies in the realm of the Thirty-Three, having gathered together, will pay homage to you, just as the devas pay homage to the moon. And you have these celestial nymphs dancing, singing, and performing entertainments all around you.

BJT 1203You have attained the spiritual powers of the devas, with great might. What meritorious deed did you perform when you were a human being? On account of what do you have such power, shining brilliantly like this, and your complexion illuminating all the directions?"

BJT 1204That deity, delighted at being questioned by the Venerable Moggallāna, being asked the question, explained what karma this result belonged to:

BJT 1205"Venerable sir, in the past I was a disciple of the Victor named Sumedha. I was still an ordinary person, not yet enlightened; I had gone forth for seven years.

BJT 1206When the Victor, the Teacher Sumedha, who had crossed over the floods in such a manner, attained final Nirvana, I, having paid homage to the mass of jewels covered by a net of gold, made the mind serene with confidence in the stupa of treasures.

BJT 1207I had no gift to give; I had nothing to offer. Nevertheless, at that place I encouraged others, saying: 'Please make an offering to those relics of the one worthy of offering; by doing so, it is said you will go from here to the heavenly realm.'

BJT 1208It was that very wholesome karma that was created by me. And I enjoy the happiness belonging to the heavenly realm by my own self. I rejoice among the assembly of the Thirty-Three. I have not yet come to the exhaustion of that merit."

The Mansion of Many Colors.