Homage to the Blessed One, the Worthy One, the Perfectly Enlightened One
In the Minor Collection
Past Life Histories of the Elder Monks
(First Part)
1.
The Chapter on the Buddha
1.
The Past Life History of the Buddha
1.
"It seems there are those named omniscient Buddhas, by what causes do they come to be, O hero?"
2.
"Those who made aspirations under former Buddhas, who did not attain liberation in the Conqueror's Dispensations.
3.
Through the power of wisdom, those of sharp wisdom, attain the state of omniscience.
4.
Having become, by mind alone, a king of righteousness, innumerable times.
5.
Complete in the thirty perfections, kings of righteousness, innumerable.
6.
Having paid homage with ten fingers, I paid respect with my head.
7.
Those situated in the sky and those situated on the ground, all I brought together with my mind.
8.
Many-storied, made of jewels, lofty, rising up to the sky.
9.
With golden framework, adorned with sceptre-umbrellas.
10.
Strewn with lotuses and water-lilies, upon the excellent golden ground.
11.
With the radiance of the colour of red insects, the ground illuminates the directions.
12.
Four railings, lattices, and delightful garlands of fragrance.
13.
Endowed with excellent pinnacled buildings, adorned with the seven jewels.
14.
Strewn with constellations and stars, decorated with the moon and sun.
15.
The delightful golden wreaths chime with the force of the wind.
16.
Dyed with various colours, garlanded with raised flags.
17.
Made of jewels, made of ruby, made of emerald likewise;
Adorned with various beds, spread with smooth Kāsi cloth.
18.
All the various bedding, I prepared with my mind.
19.
Torches made of shining gems, holding them aloft, they stood well."
20.
Made of Jambu river gold and hardwood, and also made of silver.
21.
On both sides many full pitchers, combined with lotuses and waterlilies.
22.
Having created them with their disciples in their natural appearance and form.
23.
Seated on chairs entirely made of gold, the noble assemblies.
24.
And those existing in the past, all brought together to my dwelling.
25.
And those existing in the past, all brought together to my dwelling.
26.
Having gathered all the cloth, I clothe with the three robes.
27.
Having filled beautiful bowls made of gems, I gave.
28.
With sweet sugar and oil and honey-molasses.
29.
Having entered the jewelled chamber, like lions resting in a cave.
30.
Fully aware, having risen, on the bed they sat cross-legged.
31.
Some teach the teachings, others sport with supernormal power.
32.
They perform miraculous transformations, others in thousands.
33.
The profound, subtle state, they fully understand through wisdom.
34.
And having asked each other, they answer one another.
35.
Thus in their own delight, they find pleasure in the mansion.
36.
Surrounded by nets of pearls, let all bear them on their heads.
37.
Spread with variegated garlands, let all bear them on their heads.
38.
Surrounded by garlands of cloth, decorated with garlands of jewels.
39.
With five-finger marks of scent, covered with golden roofs.
40.
Golden in appearance, may they shine, covered with lotus pollen and dust.
41.
And having released their flowers by themselves, having gone, they scattered over the dwelling.
42.
May Indian cuckoos sing, flocks of birds all around.
43.
Let all the music play, all around the mansion.
44.
Great, endowed with radiance, unbroken, made of jewels.
45.
Let them become as one light, a succession of ten thousand.
46.
May various colours appear, all around the mansion.
47.
I raise up all the flags, variegated and of five colours.
48.
Paying homage with joined palms, they surrounded the mansion.
49.
By body, speech, and mind, well done, done in the Thirty-three heaven.
50.
May they all be partakers of the fruit of merit made by me.
51.
And those who do not know of it there, the gods having gone announced to them.
52.
May they all obtain delightful food, through my mind.
53.
Venerated were all the Self-awakened Ones, the Solitary Ones, and the disciples of the Conqueror.
54.
On discarding the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
55.
I know no other destination, the fruit of aspiration by mind.
56.
Endowed with beauty and auspicious marks, matchless in wisdom in existence.
57.
And various garments, from the sky quickly come to me.
58.
Wherever I stretch out my hand, divine foods come to me.
59.
Wherever I stretch out my hand, all jewels come to me.
60.
Wherever I stretch out my hand, all odours come to me.
61.
Wherever I stretch out my hand, all vehicles come to me.
62.
Wherever I stretch out my hand, all garlands come to me.
63.
Wherever I stretch out my hand, ornaments come to me.
64.
Wherever I stretch out my hand, all the maidens come to me.
65.
Wherever I stretch out my hand, honey and sugar come to me.
66.
Wherever I stretch out my hand, all sweet foods come to me.
67.
I give the excellent gift, for the attainment of the excellent enlightenment.
68.
Gladdening the world with its gods, I become a Buddha in the world.
69.
And in that region of direction, the Buddha-fields are innumerable.
70.
In between here a net of rays, abundant light would be.
71.
Let all conform to me, up to the dwelling of Brahmā.
72.
In between here let all people hear the sweet utterance.
73.
Those beings who are the lowest here, may they become stream-enterers.
74.
Having gone to the perfection of renunciation, I attained the highest enlightenment.
75.
Having gone to the perfection of patience, I attained the highest enlightenment.
76.
Having gone to the perfection of friendliness, I attained the highest enlightenment.
77.
Having become even-minded everywhere, I attained the highest enlightenment.
78.
Be those putting forth strenuous energy, this is the Buddha's instruction.
79.
Be united, be kindly in speech, this is the Buddha's instruction.
80.
Develop the eightfold path, this is the Buddha's instruction.
81.
Paying homage, venerate the Enlightened by themselves and Worthy Ones.
82.
For those with confidence in the inconceivable, the result is inconceivable."
Thus the Blessed One, extolling his own conduct as a Buddha, spoke this exposition of the Teaching called 'The Life History of the Buddha'.
The Life History of the Buddha is complete.
2.
The Life History of the Individually Enlightened Ones
Now hear the life history of the Individually Enlightened Ones -
83.
"It seems there are those named Individually Enlightened Ones, by what causes do they come to be, O hero?"
84.
"Those who made aspirations under former Buddhas, who did not attain liberation in the Conqueror's Dispensations.
85.
Even by a small object, attain individual enlightenment.
86.
I shall declare well this mere portion of praise of those great sages.
87.
Desiring the unsurpassed medicine, listen all with confident minds.
88.
The danger and the basis for dispassion, and how they attained enlightenment.
89.
Having abandoned obsessions, having conquered agitations, so too they attained enlightenment.
90.
With a mind of friendliness, compassionate for their welfare, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
91.
One should not wish for a son, whence a companion? One should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
92.
Seeing the danger born of affection, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
93.
Seeing this danger in intimacy, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
94.
Like a bamboo shoot, not clinging, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
95.
A wise man, seeing freedom, should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
96.
Seeing freedom that is not coveted, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
97.
Loathing separation from the beloved, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
98.
Enduring dangers, unafraid, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
99.
Having become unconcerned with others' children, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
100.
Having cut off, as a hero, the bonds of a layman, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
101.
Having overcome all dangers, one should wander with him, glad and mindful.
102.
Like a king abandoning a conquered kingdom, one should wander alone, like an elephant in the forest.
103.
Not having obtained these, eating blamelessly, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
104.
Two clashing together on the arm, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
105.
Seeing this danger in the future, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
106.
Having seen the danger in the types of sensual pleasure, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
107.
Having seen this danger in the types of sensual pleasure, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
108.
Having overcome all these, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
109.
Dwelling in the forest as long as one likes, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
110.
Having heard the words of the Kinsman of the Sun, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
111.
I am one with arisen knowledge, not to be led by others, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
112.
Having become desireless in the entire world, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
113.
One should not oneself resort to one attached and heedless, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
114.
Having understood the meanings, having removed uncertainty, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
115.
Abstaining from adornment, a speaker of truth, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
116.
Having abandoned sensual pleasures, each according to its limit, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
117.
Having known 'this is a hook,' the wise one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
118.
Like a fire not returning to what is burnt, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
119.
Not filled with desire, not being burnt, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
120.
Clothed in ochre robes, having gone forth, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
121.
With consciousness unbound from family to family, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
122.
Independent, having cut off the fault of affection, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
123.
Having attained equanimity, serenity, and purity, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
124.
With firm striving, possessed of strength and power, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
125.
Having thoroughly known the danger in existences, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
126.
One who has comprehended the teachings, fixed in destiny, possessed of striving, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
127.
Like a lotus, not soiled by water, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
128.
One should resort to remote lodgings, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
129.
Not opposing the whole world, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
130.
Not trembling at the extinction of life, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
131.
Unclean humans whose wisdom is for their own benefit, one should wander alone, like a rhinoceros horn.
132.
Gifted with introspection, seeing the distinction of phenomena, would understand the noble states comprising the path factors and the factors of enlightenment.
133.
Those wise ones who do not attain the state of a disciple, become Individually Enlightened Ones, self-become.
134.
With elated minds, seers of ultimate reality, like lions, like the horn of a rhinoceros.
135.
Lamps shining here and in the hereafter, the Individually Enlightened Ones are constantly for my welfare.
136.
Without doubt worthy of the world's finest offerings, the Individually Enlightened Ones are constantly satisfied to me.
137.
Having heard, those fools who do not act accordingly, they wander in sufferings again and again.
138.
Having heard, those who are devoted to practice, they become seers of truth, endowed with wisdom."
139.
They were proclaimed by the Lion of the Sakyans, the best of men, for the purpose of understanding the Teaching.
140.
For the purpose of increasing spiritual urgency, non-attachment, and wisdom, they were made known by the Self-Become Lion."
The Life History of the Individually Enlightened Ones is complete.
3-1.
The Life History of the Elder Sāriputta
Now hear the life histories of the elders -
141.
A hermitage was well made by me, a leaf-hut was well built.
142.
Strewn with very clean sand, not far from my hermitage.
143.
A small river flows there, beautifying my hermitage.
144.
They move about in the river there, beautifying my hermitage.
145.
Vaggaḷa fish leaping about, adorn my hermitage.
146.
Hanging down from both sides, they beautify my hermitage.
147.
Divine odours blow forth, in bloom in my hermitage.
148.
Divine odours blow forth, in bloom in my hermitage.
149.
Aṅkola trees and bimbijālā creepers, in bloom in my hermitage.
150.
Wafting divine fragrance, adorn my hermitage.
151.
Wafting divine fragrance, adorn my hermitage.
152.
Wafting divine fragrance, adorn my hermitage.
153.
Wafting divine fragrance, adorn my hermitage.
154.
Nourished by scented water, they bear fruits.
155.
Some lotuses have shed their petals, in bloom in the lake then.
156.
Strewn with water-chestnut leaves, they shine in the lake then.
157.
Divine odours blow forth, in bloom in the lake then.
158.
Saṃgulā fish and catfish too, dwell in the lake then.
159.
Pythons and boa constrictors too, dwell in the lake then.
160.
Cuckoos, parrots and mynas, live depending on that lake.
161.
Lapwings and young parrots, live depending on that lake.
162.
Lorises and pheasants, live depending on that lake.
163.
And great black birds, live depending on that lake.
164.
Rohicca deer and young parrots, live depending on that lake.
165.
Elephants in three-fold rut, live depending on that lake.
166.
Hunters and trappers, live depending on that lake.
167.
They constantly bear fruits, not far from my hermitage.
168.
They constantly bear fruits, not far from my hermitage.
169.
Jujubes, marking-nut trees, marmelos trees - they bear fruits.
170.
Jīvaka plants and sutaka plants too, are abundant in my hermitage.
171.
With clear water, with cool water, with good fords, delightful.
172.
Covered with mandālaka flowers, a divine fragrance blows forth.
173.
In the charming hermitage well-made, I dwelt then.
174.
Having attained the power of the five direct knowledges, an ascetic named Suruci.
175.
All these were brahmins, of good birth, famous.
176.
Skilled in verse and grammar, having reached perfection in their own teaching.
177.
On earth, on the ground, and in the sky, my pupils are well-trained.
178.
Content with gain and loss, they surround me always.
179.
Desiring nothingness, they surround me always.
180.
Moving through the sky, the wise ones surround me always.
181.
And aloof from society, those wise ones, my pupils, are difficult to approach.
182.
They spend the night, my pupils, difficult to approach.
183.
They do not become deluded towards what leads to infatuation, my pupils are difficult to approach.
184.
They cause the earth to tremble, difficult to approach through impetuosity.
185.
They bring fruit from the rose-apple tree, my pupils are difficult to approach.
186.
And some to Uttarakuru, difficult to approach in their search.
187.
By twenty-four thousand, the sky is covered.
188.
Some pounded with stone, eating fallen fruit.
189.
Performing ablution with water, my pupils are difficult to approach.
190.
Fragrant with the fragrance of morality, my pupils are difficult to approach.
191.
Having proclaimed their gains and losses, they then go into the sky.
192.
By the sound of antelope hides, the deities are joyful.
193.
Supported by their own power, they go wherever they wish.
194.
Of fierce radiance, hard to overcome, unshakeable like the ocean.
195.
Some eating fallen fruit, my pupils are difficult to approach.
196.
All not exalting themselves, they do not scoff at anyone.
197.
Difficult to approach like tigers, they come near me.
198.
Kumbhaṇḍas, titans and garuḷas, live depending on that lake.
199.
All moving through the sky, live depending on that lake.
200.
Among the twenty-four thousand, no sound of sneezing is found.
201.
Having approached, all of them would pay homage to me with their heads.
202.
I dwell there in the hermitage, a meditator, delighting in meditative absorption.
203.
With the fragrance of fruit of the fruit-bearing trees, the hermitage is fragrant.
204.
Exhorting my own pupils, I obtain even more joy.
205.
Divine odours blow forth, beautifying my hermitage.
206.
Having taken a carrying-pole burden, I entered the forest.
207.
The spell passage that was current, I remembered then.
208.
The Perfectly Enlightened One, desiring seclusion, approached the Himalayas.
209.
Folding his legs crosswise, the highest of men sat down.
210.
Like a blazing blue water-lily, like a burning fire.
211.
Like a fully blossomed king of sal trees, I saw the leader of the world.
212.
Having come to see him, one is freed from all suffering.
213.
Is he a Buddha or is he not a Buddha? Well then, let me see the one with vision.
214.
Having seen his characteristics, I came to a conclusion about the Truth-finder.
215.
Then having brought together flowers, I venerated the foremost Buddha.
216.
Having arranged my antelope skin on one shoulder, I paid homage to the leader of the world.
217.
That knowledge I will explain, listen to me as I speak.
218.
Having come to see you, they cross the stream of uncertainty.
219.
The ultimate goal and the support, the island and the best of bipeds.
220.
But your knowledge, O Omniscient One, it is not possible to measure.
221.
But your knowledge, O Omniscient One, it is not possible to hold.
222.
But your knowledge, O Omniscient One, it is not possible to measure.
223.
Taking the Buddha's knowledge, they cannot be compared by simile.
224.
These are caught within the net of your knowledge, O One with Vision.
225.
By that knowledge, O Omniscient One, you subjugated the adherents of other religions.'
226.
Having spread out his antelope skin, he sat down on the ground.
227.
Risen up just as much, is called the king of mountains.
228.
Crushed into atomic particles, into hundreds of thousands of crores.
229.
But your knowledge, O Omniscient One, it is not possible to measure.
230.
Whatever living beings are in the water, they would be caught within the net.
231.
Plunged into the thicket of views, deluded by adherence.
232.
These are caught within the net, they do not surpass your knowledge.
233.
Having risen from concentration, the Conqueror surveyed the direction.
234.
Surrounded by a hundred thousand, with peaceful minds, such ones.
235.
Having understood the Buddha's mind, he approached the leader of the world.
236.
Paying homage with joined palms, they descended near the Buddha.
237.
Having sat down in the community of monks, the Conqueror manifested a smile.
238.
Having arranged his robe on one shoulder, he asked the leader of the world.
239.
For Buddhas do not manifest a smile without cause.'
240.
Having sat down in the midst of the monks, spoke this verse.
241.
Him I will explain, listen to me as I speak.
242.
Wishing to hear the Good Teaching, they approached the Enlightened by himself.
243.
Wishing to hear the Good Teaching, they approached the Enlightened by himself.
244.
They will constantly surround me, this is the fruit of honouring the Buddha.
245.
They will constantly attend on me, this is the fruit of honouring the Buddha.
246.
Adorned with variegated garments and ornaments, wearing jewelled earrings.
247.
They will constantly surround me, this is the fruit of honouring the Buddha.
248.
A thousand times he will be a wheel-turning monarch, a king in the realm.
249.
Principality over a district, extensive, incalculable by counting.
250.
A brahmin woman named Sārī will carry him in her womb.
251.
By the name Sāriputta, he will be of sharp wisdom.
252.
Seeking the state of peace, he will wander this earth.
253.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
254.
By the name Sāriputta, he will be the chief disciple.
255.
Reaches the great ocean, satisfying the mighty sea.
256.
Having gone to the perfection of wisdom, he will satisfy living beings.
257.
Whatever sand is in between here, incalculable by counting.
258.
But for Sāriputta's wisdom, there will be no end.
259.
But for Sāriputta's wisdom, there will be no end.
260.
So too for Sāriputta's wisdom, there will be no end.
261.
Having gone to the perfection of wisdom, he will be the chief disciple.
262.
He will rightly keep it rolling, raining down showers of the Teaching.
263.
Having sat down in the community of monks, will establish him in the highest state.'
264.
For whom having done service, I have gone to perfection in all respects.
265.
Well released like the speed of an arrow, I burnt up the defilements.
266.
Examining all the sectarians, thus I wandered in existence.
267.
Having searched the entire forest, for release from disease.
268.
Uninterruptedly for five hundred, I went forth in the seer's going forth.
269.
Having gone to the perfection of direct knowledge, I went to the Brahma world.
270.
Whatever beings are wise, they become purified in the Conqueror's Dispensation.
271.
Seeking the unconditioned, I wandered among base fords.
272.
He would not find substance therein, for it is void of substance.
273.
Are void of the unconditioned, as a plantain is void of substance.
274.
Having abandoned great wealth, I went forth into homelessness.
The First Recitation Section.
275.
A brahmin named Sañcaya, at his root I dwelt.
276.
Difficult to approach, of risen radiance, was walking for almsfood then.
277.
With peaceful mind, the great elephant, like a fully blossomed lotus.
278.
The bull, the excellent, the hero, this one will become a Worthy One.'
279.
Tamed in the highest restraint, he will be one who sees the Deathless.
280.
He, when asked by me, will speak, I shall then ask in return.
281.
Waiting for an opportunity, to ask about the Deathless state.
282.
'What is your clan, O hero, whose pupil are you, dear sir?'
283.
'A Buddha has arisen in the world, I am his pupil, friend.'
284.
Please tell me well, dear friend."
285.
The destroyer of the dart of craving, the dispelling of all suffering.
286.
And whatever is their cessation, thus speaks the Great Ascetic."
287.
I was stainless and spotless, having heard the Conqueror's Dispensation.
288.
Having penetrated the Good Teaching, I spoke this verse.
289.
Unseen, passed by, for many myriads of aeons.'
290.
That purpose has been attained by me, this is not the time for me to be negligent.
291.
Seeking my friend, I went to the hermitage.
292.
Accomplished in deportment, spoke these words.
293.
Have you attained the Deathless, Nibbāna, the imperishable state?
294.
Like a tamed one, a tamer of the tamed, you are at peace, brahmin.
295.
You too will attain that, let us go to the presence of the Buddha.'
296.
Having taken hand with hand, having approached your presence.
297.
Having come to your teaching, we dwell without mental corruptions.
298.
Both of us having become as one, we adorn the Dispensation.
299.
Having come to see you, my intention has been fulfilled.
300.
Divine odours blow forth, pleasing all living beings.
301.
Having been established in your Dispensation, I shall seek the time to bloom.
302.
By obtaining the flower of liberation, I please all living beings.
303.
There is none equal in wisdom to your son, O One with Vision.
304.
Tamed in the highest restraint, they surround you always.
305.
Sages, accomplished in sagacity, they surround him always.
306.
Content with gain and loss, they surround him always.
307.
The wise, delighting in seclusion, surround him always.
308.
Seekers of the highest good, they surround him always.
309.
Non-returners and Worthy Ones, they surround him always.
310.
Those disciples of yours, many and all, surround you always.
311.
Engaged in right striving, they surround you always.
312.
Having attained perfection in wisdom, they surround him always.
313.
Difficult to approach, of fierce radiance, they surround you always.
314.
Terrified like the king of beasts, you shine like the king of stars.
315.
They reach full expansion, and they show forth fruit.
316.
Having been established in your Dispensation, they obtain the Deathless fruit.
317.
The Ganges and the Yamunā, the Sarabhū and also the Mahī.
318.
They give up their former name, and are known simply as 'ocean'.
319.
They give up their former name, and are known as 'sons of the Buddha'.
320.
Outshines all the hosts of stars in the world with its radiance.
321.
Having surpassed all these, you shine always.
322.
All touch the shore, and crushed, they scatter.
323.
Though wishing to dispute the teaching, they do not surpass that sage.
324.
Having approached your presence, they become as if crushed.
325.
Are smeared by water, and by mud and mire.
326.
Distressed by lust and hate, like a white water lily in mud.
327.
It is not stained by the water, for the lotus is pure.
328.
You are not tainted by the world, as a lotus by water.
329.
and they do not pass beyond that month — that is the season for their blooming;
330.
and they [disciples] do not transgress the Dispensation, just as the water-born lotus.
331.
and surrounded by other sal trees, it shines like a king of sal trees.
332.
and urrounded by the Community of monks, you shine like a king of sal trees.
333.
The abode of serpents and titans, and of deities.
334.
Possessing the threefold true knowledge and the six higher knowledges, having reached perfection in supernormal power.
335.
They find delight in the delight of the Teaching, they dwell in your Dispensation.
336.
Having looked around at the four directions,
Roars three times.
337.
For thus this one of pure birth, always terrifies the cattle.
338.
Those capable of being enlightened awaken, the hosts of Māra tremble.
339.
Like crows scattered from an army, like deer from the king of beasts.
340.
They teach the teaching handed down by tradition to the assembly.
341.
Having yourself awakened to the truths, the consummate aids to enlightenment.
342.
Having discerned the capable and incapable, you thunder like a great cloud.
343.
Of various views, considering, for the cutting off of their doubt.
344.
By speaking just one question, you cut off the doubt of living beings.
345.
All of them with joined palms would praise the leader of the world.
346.
They could not measure, immeasurable is the Truth-finder.
347.
Even those praising for ten million cosmic cycles, would praise in just the same way.
348.
Should intend to measure, he would only obtain vexation.
349.
Having gone to the perfection of wisdom, I dwell without mental corruptions.
350.
The General of the Teaching today, in the Sakyan son's Dispensation.
351.
Gladdened like the speed of an arrow, I burnt up my defilements.
352.
He would be afflicted by the burden, laden with burdens likewise.
353.
Laden with the burden of existence, as if a mountain were lifted up.
354.
All that was to be done has been done, in the Sakyan son's Dispensation.
355.
I am the foremost in wisdom, no one equal to me is found.
356.
If I wished, today I could create a thousand.
357.
He spoke the teaching to me, cessation is my bed.
358.
Devoted to right striving, delighting in the development of enlightenment factors.
359.
Having set aside the lord of the world, no one equal to me is found.
360.
Delighting in the development of enlightenment factors, I have reached the perfection of disciple qualities.
361.
Whose mind is held together by faith, always among fellows in the holy life.
362.
Like one who has laid aside conceit and arrogance, I approach the community with deep respect.
363.
This is the fruit of praising the knowledge of the Blessed One Anomadassī.
364.
I rightly conform to it, this is the fruit of praising knowledge.
365.
Of little learning, disrespectful, may he be met anywhere.
366.
Devoted to serenity of mind, let him even stand on my head.
367.
Be of few wishes, be content, meditators, always delighting in meditative absorption.
368.
He, the wise disciple named Assaji, was my teacher.
369.
Having attained perfection in all respects, I dwell without mental corruptions.
370.
In whatever direction he dwells, I make that my head-side.
371.
Having sat down in the community of monks, established me in the highest state.
372.
373.
The three true knowledges have been attained, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled.
374.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Sāriputta spoke these verses.
Thus he spoke.
The Life History of the Elder Sāriputta is first.
3-2.
The Life History of the Elder Mahāmoggallāna
375.
Dwelt in the Himalayas, honoured by a host of gods.
376.
Assuming forms at will, I perform transformations, I dwelling in the great ocean.
377.
Having surrounded the Enlightened by himself, the nymphs played music then.
378.
Having heard the sound of both, the Buddha too awoke.
379.
Having prepared a seat, I announced the time.
380.
Illuminating all directions, approached my dwelling.
381.
Together with the community of monks, I satisfied with food and drink then.
382.
Having sat down in the community of monks, he spoke these verses.
383.
By that confidence of mind, he will go to the heavenly world.
384.
Eight hundred times kingship on earth, he will inhabit the earth.
385.
Innumerable wealth will arise for him at that very moment.
386.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
387.
Kolita by name, he will be a kinsman of Brahma.
388.
Will be the second disciple of the Blessed One Gotama.
389.
Having fully understood all mental corruptions, he will attain nibbāna, without mental corruptions.'
390.
I had mother and father killed, with a corrupted mind.
391.
Endowed with evil deeds, I die with a broken head.
392.
Here too such will be for me at the time of death.
393.
Having fully understood all mental corruptions, I dwell without mental corruptions.
394.
I could shake with my left toe, having reached perfection in supernormal power.
395.
With reference to novices, I cultivate a respectful mind.
396.
That plane I have attained, I have attained the elimination of mental corruptions.
397.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Mahāmoggallāna spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Mahāmoggallāna is second.
3-3.
The Life History of the Elder Mahākassapa
398.
The Lord of the World was quenched, they make offerings to the Teacher.
399.
When religious emotion arose in them, rapture arose in me.
400.
The great hero has attained final Nibbāna, well then, let us make an offering.
401.
In the Buddha, the Lord of the World, we shall make an accumulation of merit.
402.
One and a half hundred cubits spread wide, a mansion rising up to the sky.
403.
Having gladdened one's own mind, worshipping the highest shrine.
404.
Like a rainbow in space, it illuminates the four directions.
405.
Having remembered my former action, I was reborn among the deities.
406.
My dwelling was lofty, risen up with seven stories.
407.
Shining with their own radiance, illuminating all directions.
408.
They too shine with radiance, all around the four directions.
409.
Made of gems too they shine, in the ten directions all around.
410.
I outshine all the gods, this is the fruit of meritorious action.
411.
Ruler of the four quarters, victorious, I dwelt on the earth.
412.
Devoted to my own deeds, a wheel-turning monarch of great power.
413.
Even there my dwelling rose up like a rainbow.
414.
A city named Rammaṇa, with strong walls and gateways.
415.
Crowded with multitudes of people, like the city of the Thirty-three.
416.
They knock against one another, it becomes crowded and entangled.
417.
Always filled with people, a delightful, excellent city.
418.
In my last existence, there was accomplishment of family.
419.
Having abandoned eighty crores of gold, I went forth.
420.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Mahākassapa spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Mahākassapa is third.
3-4.
The Life History of the Elder Anuruddha
421.
Dwelling withdrawn, the leader of the world.
422.
Having raised my joined palms, I requested the foremost Buddha.
423.
I shall show you a lamp, as you meditate at the root of a tree.
424.
Having pierced through the trees, I then prepared the machine.
425.
Having blazed for seven days, the lamps were extinguished for me.
426.
On discarding the human body, I was reborn in a mansion.
427.
It blazes all around, this is the fruit of giving a lamp.
428.
I outshine all the gods, this is the fruit of giving a lamp.
429.
No one looks down upon me, this is the fruit of giving a lamp.
430.
By day and by night I see all around for a yojana then.
431.
Having attained the divine eye, this is the fruit of giving a lamp.
432.
To him a lamp was given by me, with a clear mind.
433.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Anuruddha spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Anuruddha is fourth.
3-5.
The Life History of the Elder Puṇṇa Mantāṇiputta
434.
Honoured by my pupils, I approached the highest among men.
435.
Praised my action in brief, the great sage.
436.
Having raised my joined palms, I departed facing south.
437.
All the pupils were delighted, having heard me speaking;
Having dispelled their own view, they placed confidence in the Buddha.
438.
I who know the method of the higher teaching, for the purification of the points of controversy;
Having informed all, I dwell without mental corruptions.
439.
Accomplished with the seven treasures, lords of the four continents.
440.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Puṇṇa, son of Mantāṇī, spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Puṇṇa Mantāṇiputta is fifth.
3-6.
The Life History of the Elder Upāli
441.
With a store of eighty crores, abundant in wealth and grain.
442.
In the marks of a great man and in history, having reached perfection in his own teaching.
443.
Disciples of the Buddha.
Prowling creatures and hermits too, they roam upon the earth then.
444.
Many people venerate me, I venerate nothing.
445.
The word 'Buddha' does not exist, so long as the Conqueror does not arise.
446.
Having dispelled all darkness, the one with vision arose in the world.
447.
The Buddha then approached the city named after the swan.
448.
At that time the assembly was all around for a yojana then.
449.
As far as the Buddha's assembly extended, he covered it with flowers then.
450.
There was the full realisation of the teaching for a hundred thousand koṭis.
451.
When the eighth day arrived, the Conqueror praised Sunanda.
452.
Having become the most excellent of all, he will transmigrate through existences.
453.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
454.
Puṇṇa, son of Mantāṇī by name, will be a disciple of the Teacher.
455.
Gladdening all the people, showing his own power.
456.
Having done service to the Buddha, he purified his own destination.
457.
I too shall make an offering, according as I see Gotama.
458.
What action should I perform, in the unsurpassed field of merit.
459.
Is placed foremost in the monastic discipline, that state I aspire to."
460.
With that wealth, I would build a monastery for the Buddha.
461.
Having bought it for a hundred thousand, I had a monastery built for the Community.
462.
Having made walking paths well-made, I had a monastery built for the Community.
463.
Having built a bathing house, I gave to the community of monks.
464.
And monastery attendants and medicine, all this I gave.
465.
Let no one vex them, those of such peaceful minds.
466.
Having built that Vepulla, I offered it to the Enlightened by himself.
467.
I will hand it over to you, O hero, consent, O One with Vision.
468.
Having understood my thought, the Leader consented.
469.
Having prepared the food, I announced the time.
470.
With a thousand who eliminated the mental corruptions, approached my monastery.
471.
When he had finished eating, having understood the proper time, I spoke these words.
472.
The park named Sobhana, accept it, you sage.
473.
Being reborn in existence, I obtain what I wished for.
474.
Having sat down in the community of monks, the Perfectly Enlightened One spoke these words.
475.
Him I will explain, listen to me as I speak.
476.
They will constantly surround me, this is the fruit of a monastery for the Community.
477.
They will constantly surround me, this is the fruit of a monastery for the Community.
478.
Adorned with variegated garments and ornaments, wearing jewelled earrings.
479.
They will constantly surround me, this is the fruit of a monastery for the Community.
480.
A thousand times as lord of the gods, he will exercise divine kingship.
481.
Having become one of complete enjoyment, he will exercise divine kingship.
482.
Kingship over the earth, extensive, incalculable by counting.
483.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
484.
Upāli by name, will be a disciple of the Teacher.
485.
Upholding the Conqueror's Dispensation, he will dwell without mental corruptions.
486.
Having sat down in the community of monks, will establish him in the foremost position.
487.
That purpose has been attained by me, the elimination of all mental fetters.
488.
Finding no comfort on the stake, wishes only for release.
489.
Being impaled on the stake of action, afflicted by the feeling of thirst.
490.
I seek release, just as one punished by the king.
491.
He would seek medicine, for the destruction of poison and preservation of life.
492.
Having drunk that, he would be happy, through release from poison.
493.
and oppressed by ignorance, I seek the medicine of the Good Teaching.
494.
That is the highest of all medicines, the removal of all darts.
495.
I touched Nibbāna, the ageless, deathless, state of coolness.
496.
Would seek an exorcist, for release from the spirit.
497.
He would remove the spirit for him, and destroy it along with its root.
498.
I seek the light of knowledge, for release from darkness.
499.
He dispelled my darkness, like an exorcist dispels a spirit-possessed one.
500.
I uprooted all existence, like an exorcist from the root.
501.
All around for a hundred yojanas, it stirs up the great lake.
502.
Having taken it, the bird departs wherever it wishes.
503.
Seeking the unconditioned, I washed off hate.
504.
Having taken it, I dwell with this, just as a Garuḷa with a serpent.
505.
After a thousand years, one fruit arises from it.
506.
Thus dear to the gods is that Āsāvatī, the best of creepers.
507.
Morning and evening I pay homage, as the gods to the Āsāvatī creeper.
508.
Though I had come from afar, this moment did not fail me.
509.
Without clinging, free, at peace, I wander."
510.
So too, O great hero, am I in bloom through the Buddha's rays.
511.
When the clouds are thundering, they always conceive an embryo.
512.
They are released from the burden, when the cloud rains down.
513.
By the sound of the Teaching-cloud, I grasped the womb of the Teaching.
514.
I am not released from the burden, as long as the Teaching-cloud does not thunder.
515.
Thunder with the Teaching-cloud, I am released from the burden.
516.
And all the four fruits, thus I cognised the phenomena.
The Second Recitation Section.
517.
That purpose has been attained by me, the unsurpassed state of peace.
518.
There is no one equal to me, I uphold the Dispensation.
519.
Here I have no doubt, whether in letter or in phrase.
520.
In reinstatement and ordaining, having gone to perfection in all respects.
521.
Having disentangled from both sides, I would re-enter according to function.
522.
There is nothing unknown by me, I am the foremost in the Teacher's Dispensation.
523.
I dispel all uncertainty, I cut off all doubt.
524.
In the origin and the conclusion, I am skilled everywhere.
525.
Having won the battle, would build a city there.
526.
And various watchtowers, many he should have built in the city.
527.
He should have an assembly hall built there, for the judgment of benefit and harm.
528.
For the protection of the army, he appoints a general.
529.
'May my goods not perish,' he appoints him as a goods-keeper.
530.
is devoted to the king and wishes for his prosperity,
To him the king entrusts the administration of legal affairs, to proceed as a friend.
531.
A teacher, a bearer of Vedic charms, he appoints to the chaplaincy.
532.
They always protect the king, like a ruddy goose protects one in distress.
533.
You are called the king of righteousness in the the world including the gods.
534.
Having dispelled the darkness of ignorance, he established the city of the Teaching.
535.
Faith is your pillar, O hero, and restraint is the gatekeeper.
536.
And the bases for spiritual power are the four-way junction, the street of the Teaching is well built.
537.
The ninefold word of the Buddha, this is your hall of the Teaching.
538.
And imperturbability and cessation, this is your Teaching-hut.
539.
By the name Sāriputta, your generalissimo of the Teaching.
540.
Kolita by name, your chaplain, O sage.
541.
Foremost in the virtue of inculcating the ascetic practices, a judge for you, O sage.
542.
Ānanda by name, the safeguarding of the Teaching is yours, O sage.
543.
He gave me judgment, taught by the wise in the monastic discipline.
544.
There is no doubt in me about that, I speak that very meaning.
545.
In the monastic discipline there is none like me, whence will there be one greater?
546.
There is none equal to Upāli, in the monastic discipline and in the chapters."
547.
All that is grounded upon the Discipline,
For one who sees the Discipline as the root.
548.
Having sat down in the community of monks, established me in the foremost position.
549.
That purpose has been attained by me, having gone to perfection in the monastic discipline.
550.
Having abandoned that birth, I became a son of the great sage.
551.
Of infinite power, of immeasurable fame, a protector of the earth, of great riches.
552.
Stiffened by the vanity of birth, and by the vanity of fame and wealth.
553.
Mātaṅgas erupted in three ways, surround me always.
554.
Having mounted the elephant named Sirika, I departed from the city then.
555.
The Perfectly Enlightened One named Devala came before me.
556.
Thereupon, having become angry with me, that elephant does not raise his foot.
557.
Having harassed the Enlightened by himself, I went to the pleasure grove.
558.
I am burnt by fever, like a fish that has swallowed the hook.
559.
Having approached my father's presence, I spoke these words.
560.
Like an intoxicated tusked elephant, whom I, the Self-Become One, provoked.
561.
Before we all perish, we shall ask forgiveness of that sage.
562.
Within seven days, my country will be destroyed.
563.
Having offended the sages, they went to ruin together with their kingdoms.
564.
They destroy the world with its gods, with its oceans, with its mountains.
565.
For the purpose of confessing my transgression, I approached the Self-Become One.
566.
Having fallen at the Buddha's feet, they spoke these words.
567.
Dispel the fever, do not destroy our country.
568.
With an iron hammer, may they always split my head.
569.
A worm does not remain in medicine, irritation does not arise in a Buddha.
570.
And space is infinite, so the Buddhas are unshakeable.
571.
For the patient and forgiving ones, that wrong course is not found.
572.
In front of the great multitude, rose up into the sky then.
573.
Having transcended that birth, I entered the city of fearlessness.
574.
You dispelled the fever, and I asked forgiveness of the Self-Become One.
575.
You extinguished the three fires, and I attained coolness.
576.
I shall tell you the meaning, as the state has been seen by me.
577.
By that action I today, have been born in a low realm.
578.
Strive for your own welfare, the moment has been provided to you.
579.
For some a deadly poison, and for some a medicine.
580.
Medicine for those who have attained fruition, a field of merit for those seeking.
581.
A venomous snake whose poison kills by sight, thus it burns that man.
582.
Having opposed the Dispensation, one burns for ten million cosmic cycles.
583.
He crosses over the world with its gods, therefore they should not be opposed by you.
584.
The Buddhas are like the earth, therefore they should not be opposed by you.
585.
Towards Rāhula and Dhanapāla, the sage is equal to all.
586.
The Buddha is equal towards all, towards the murderer and his own son.
587.
Having made salutation with joined palms on the head, the banner of the sages should be venerated.
588.
By this emblem they are purified, therefore they are to be venerated.
589.
Paying homage to the discipline, I will dwell always.
590.
I make my home in the monastic discipline, the monastic discipline is my resort.
591.
Upāli pays homage at the feet of the Teacher, O Great Hero.
592.
Paying homage to the Enlightened by himself and to the good nature of the Teaching."
593.
All mental corruptions are utterly eliminated, there is now no more rebirth.
594.
The three true knowledges have been attained, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled.
595.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Upāli spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Upāli is sixth.
3-7.
The Life History of the Elder Aññāsikoṇḍañña
596.
Who had attained Buddhahood, I first saw.
597.
Having surrounded the Enlightened by himself, they venerate with joined palms.
598.
This Buddha has arrived, the dispeller of blinding darkness.
599.
'We shall burn up the defilements in the teaching of the Perfectly Enlightened One.'
600.
Joyful, with a joyful mind, I gave the first almsfood.
601.
Having sat down in the assembly of gods, spoke these verses.
602.
This is my first meal, sustenance for one practising the holy life.
603.
Him I will explain, listen to me as I speak.
604.
Having overcome all the gods, he will inhabit the celestial abode.
605.
A thousand times as a wheel-turning monarch, there he will exercise kingship.
606.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
607.
Having gone forth from home, he will dwell for six years.
608.
Koṇḍañña by name, will first realise it.'
609.
For the purpose of burning up the defilements, I went forth into homelessness.
610.
At Isipatana in the Deer Park, beat the drum of the Deathless for me.
611.
Having fully understood all mental corruptions, I dwell without mental corruptions.
612.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Aññāsikoṇḍañña spoke these
verses.
The Life History of the Elder Aññāsi Koṇḍañña is seventh.
3-8.
The Life History of the Elder Piṇḍolabhāradvāja
613.
In front of the Himalayas, at Cittakūṭa he dwelt then.
614.
Having heard his sound, many people become paralysed with fear.
615.
Upon the Buddha who had emerged from concentration, I placed it.
616.
Having gladdened my own mind, I roared the lion's roar.
617.
Having sat down on his own seat, he spoke these verses.
618.
The foremost of speakers has come, we shall listen to his Teaching.
619.
Praised my sound, the far-seeing great sage.'
620.
Him I will explain, listen to me as I speak.
621.
Endowed with the seven treasures, lord of the four continents.
622.
Paduma by name, a wheel-turning monarch of great power.
623.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
624.
Having gone forth from commitment to holy life, he will go forth at that very moment.'
625.
Having fully understood all mental corruptions, he will attain nibbāna, without mental corruptions.
626.
Having fully understood all mental corruptions, he will attain nibbāna, without mental corruptions.
627.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Piṇḍolabhāradvāja spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Piṇḍola Bhāradvāja is eighth.
3-9.
The Life History of the Elder Khadiravaniya Revata
628.
I was a boatman at a base ford, and I ferried people to the near shore.
629.
The master, with a hundred thousand, approached the bank of the Ganges.
630.
Having made a roof over the boat, I honoured the lord of men.
631.
The Teacher, standing in the middle of the water, spoke these verses.
632.
By that confidence of mind, he will delight in the heavenly world.
633.
A flower canopy in space, it will hold always.
634.
Ruler of the four quarters, victorious, will be a wheel-turning monarch.
635.
Like the rising sun, he shone with great power.
636.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
637.
Revata by name, he will be a kinsman of Brahma.
638.
He will go forth in the Dispensation of the Blessed One Gotama.
639.
Having fully understood all mental corruptions, he will attain nibbāna, without mental corruptions.'
640.
I bear my final body in the teaching of the Perfectly Enlightened One.
641.
Well released like the speed of an arrow, I burnt up my defilements.
642.
The great wise man declared me foremost among forest-dwelling monks.
643.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Revata of the Acacia Forest spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Revata of the Acacia Forest is ninth.
3-10.
The Life History of the Elder Ānanda
644.
Raining down the Deathless rain, he extinguished the great multitude.
645.
They surround the Enlightened by himself, like a shadow that does not depart.
646.
Having seen one of very beautiful form, joy arose in me.
647.
My jewel-made umbrella, I held over the Buddha, the foremost.
648.
Having set aside that talk, spoke these verses.
649.
Him I will explain, listen to me as I speak.
650.
He will experience success, honoured by the nymphs.
651.
As lord of power, eight hundred times, he will inhabit the earth.
652.
He will exercise extensive principality over a district upon the earth.
653.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
654.
Ānanda by name, the attendant of the great sage.
655.
Humble in conduct, not obstinate, he will be foremost among all reciters.
656.
Having fully understood all mental corruptions, he will attain nibbāna, without mental corruptions.
657.
Mātaṅgas erupted in three ways, with tusks as long as plough-poles, fully grown.
658.
May all of them not be in the aspiration of the Buddha-elephant."
659.
With a confident mind, glad at heart, I attended on the foremost Buddha.
660.
Having attained the fruition of stream-entry, skilled in the planes of the learner.
661.
That plane I have attained, established in the Good Teaching, unshakeable.
662.
The three true knowledges have been attained, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled.
663.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Ānanda spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Ānanda is tenth.
Its summary:
Kassapa and Anuruddha, the Elder Puṇṇa and Upāli.
Six hundred and fifty verses, all combined together.
In the Apadāna, the Chapter on the Buddha is first.
