3.
The Chapter on Subhūti
1.
The Life History of the Elder Subhūti
1.
A hermitage was well made by me, a leaf-hut was well built.
2.
Alone, without a companion, I dwell on Nisabha then.
3.
Living on what had fallen, well-dropped, I subsisted at that very moment.
4.
I satisfy my own mind, I avoid wrong way of earning.
5.
I myself review it, fully focused I tame it.
6.
You become deluded towards what leads to infatuation, depart from the forest, you.
7.
Do not defile the pure, depart from the forest, you.
8.
Do not fail in both, depart from the forest, you.
9.
Neither in the village nor in the forest, for it is not considered as timber.
10.
Released from both today, depart from the forest, you.
11.
You bear the burden of faith for me, and for one abundant in idleness.
12.
Having dragged you away, the sages will always accuse you.
13.
Not obtaining communal life, how will you live?
14.
A powerful serpent, having approached, leads the elephant away from the herd.
15.
One becomes afflicted and displeased, brooding one trembles.
16.
Having departed from them, you will not obtain happiness and comfort.
17.
You are burnt by fever, like an elephant departed from the herd.
18.
So you, devoid of morality, will not shine anywhere.
19.
Neither maternal nor paternal, there is no deposited wealth for you.
20.
Thus you will live in the house, good, that does not please you.
21.
Having given various talks on the Teaching, I restrained the mind from evil.'
22.
Thirty thousand years passed for me in the forest.
23.
The Fully Enlightened Padumuttara came to my presence.
24.
The Buddha, unequalled in form, walked in the sky then.
25.
The Buddha, unequalled in knowledge, walked in the sky then.
26.
Haughty like the king of elephants.
Graceful like the king of tigers, he walked in the sky then.
27.
Like a gem with luminous essence, he walked in the sky then.
28.
Like the midday sun, he walked in the sky then.
29.
'Is this being a god, or is this a human being?
30.
There is even a spell passage, this one will be the Teacher.'
31.
Various flowers and odours, I gathered then.
32.
I spoke these words to the foremost trainer of men.
33.
Gladdening my mind, sit down upon this flower seat.'
34.
For seven nights and days the Buddha, upon the excellent flower seat.
35.
Having risen from concentration, the Teacher, unsurpassed in the world,
Praising my action, spoke these words.
36.
Having developed this mindfulness, you will fulfil your mental state.
37.
Eighty times as lord of the gods, you will exercise divine kingship;
A thousand times you will be a wheel-turning monarch, a king in the realm.
38.
You will experience all that, the fruit of recollection of the Buddha.
39.
There is no deficiency in your wealth, the fruit of recollection of the Buddha.
40.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
41.
You will go forth in the Dispensation of the Blessed One Gotama.
42.
Subhūti by name, will be a disciple of the Teacher.
43.
And in the non-conflict abiding, will establish him as foremost in both.'
44.
The hero rose up into the sky, like a king of swans in the firmament.
45.
Always joyful, I develop the supreme recollection of the Buddha.
46.
On discarding the human body, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
47.
A thousand times I was a king, a universal monarch.
48.
I experience excellent success, the fruit of recollection of the Buddha.
49.
There is no deficiency in my wealth, the fruit of recollection of the Buddha.
50.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of recollection of the Buddha.
51.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Subhūti spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Subhūti is first.
2.
The Life History of the Elder Upavāna
52.
Having blazed like a great mass of fire, the Perfectly Enlightened One attained final Nibbāna.
53.
Having made a well-constructed pyre, they placed the body upon it.
54.
All together with gods and humans, they made a stupa for the Buddha.
55.
The third was made of silver, the fourth was made of crystal.
56.
The sixth was of emerald, above all made of jewels.
57.
The stupa was entirely made of gold, rising upward for a yojana.
58.
'We too shall build a monument, for the Protector of the World, such a one.'
59.
For this Buddha monument, we shall build a mantle.
60.
The stupa, two yojanas in height, dispelled the darkness.
61.
Humans and gods, they made a stupa for the Buddha.
62.
'We too shall build a monument, for the Protector of the World, such a one.'
63.
Having gathered them together as one, they covered the Buddha's stupa.
64.
Rising up three yojanas high, it was light-producing then.
65.
Humans, gods, and serpents, they made a stupa for the Buddha.
66.
We too shall build a monument, for the Protector of the World, such a one."
67.
They too extended the Buddha shrine by a yojana in length.
68.
It illuminates all directions, like the risen sun.
69.
Humans and gods, and serpents and garuḷas likewise.
Each made a supreme stupa for the Buddha, the foremost.
70.
We too shall build a monument, for the Protector of the World, such a one;
We shall cover with jewels, the extended Buddha shrine."
71.
Rising up five yojanas, the stupa shone forth then.
72.
Humans, gods, and serpents, garuḷas and kumbhaṇḍakas.
73.
"May we not be heedless, diligent together with the gods.
74.
We shall cover with crystals, the extended Buddha shrine."
75.
Rising up six yojanas, the stupa shone forth then.
76.
'Men, deities, serpents, garuḷas, and pot-demons.
77.
We too shall build a monument, for the Protector of the World, such a one."
78.
An entirely golden monument, the gandhabbas had built then.
79.
Night and day are not discerned, there is light always.
80.
All around for a hundred yojanas, even a lamp does not blaze.
81.
They do not ascend the monument, they are lifted up into the sky.
82.
He raises up further a flag or a garland of flowers.
83.
Thus having seen, those going, all go to a good destination.
84.
Wishing to see a miracle, humans venerate the monument.
85.
Having seen the rejoicing people, thus I thought then.
86.
And this populace, satisfied, making offerings, is not devoted to another.
87.
His heir in the teachings, I shall be in the future.'
88.
Having attached it to the top of a bamboo, I raised it as a flag in the sky.
89.
Having seen the flag moved by the wind, I generate even more joy.
90.
Having paid respect to that monk, I asked about the result of the emblem.
91.
'You will always experience the result of that flag.
92.
They will constantly surround you, this is the fruit of giving a banner.
93.
They will constantly surround you, this is the fruit of giving a banner.
94.
Adorned with variegated garments and ornaments, wearing jewelled earrings.
95.
They will constantly surround you, this is the fruit of giving a banner.
96.
Eighty times as lord of the gods, you will exercise divine kingship.
97.
Principality over a district, extensive, incalculable by counting.
98.
Gotama by name, by clan, the Teacher in the world will be.
99.
Connected with meritorious action, you will become a kinsman of Brahma.
100.
You will go forth in the Dispensation of the Blessed One Gotama.
101.
By the name Upavāna, you will be a disciple of the Teacher."
102.
Well released like the speed of an arrow, I burnt up my defilements.
103.
For three yojanas all around, flags always stand raised.
104.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of giving a banner.
105.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Upavāna spoke these verses.
The Life History of the Elder Upavāna is second.
3.
The Life History of the Elder Tisaraṇagamaniya
106.
My mother and father were blind, I supported them then.
107.
While nourishing my mother and father, I do not obtain the going forth.
108.
When such an existence has arisen, there is no great leader.
109.
It is possible to uplift oneself, by a being who desires merit.
110.
By that well-done action, I am released from the unfortunate realm.
111.
Having approached him, I took the going for refuge.
112.
For that long, I guarded the going for refuge completely.
113.
By that well-done action, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
114.
Whatever region I am reborn in, I obtain eight causes.
115.
All the gods conform to me, I obtain immeasurable wealth.
116.
I am unshakeable to friends, my glory has arisen.
117.
I experienced divine happiness, honoured by the nymphs.
118.
Principality over a district, extensive, incalculable by counting.
119.
Formerly I was born in Sāvatthī, in a very wealthy great household.
120.
Endowed with laughter and play, I approached the monastery.
121.
He expounded the Teaching to me, and gave me refuge.
122.
Having sat down on one seat, I attained arahantship.
123.
The Buddha, the one with vision, gave me full ordination, having understood my virtues.
124.
From that, my well-done action showed its fruit to me here.
125.
Having experienced all fame, I have attained the unshakeable state.
126.
I will tell you the state seen by myself.
127.
The deathless drum has been sounded, the dispeller of the dart of sorrow.
128.
You should make an aspiration, you will see the final bliss.
129.
Having gladdened the mind in the Buddha, you will make an end of suffering.
130.
Before long, all of you will attain arahantship.
131.
Your disciple, O Great Hero, with conflict, pays homage to the Teacher.'
132.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of going for refuge.
133.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Tisaraṇagamaniya spoke these verses.
The life history of the Elder Tisaraṇagamaniya is the third.
4.
The Life History of the Elder Pañcasīlasamādāniya
134.
Engaged in working for others, I do not obtain the going forth.
135.
By what means indeed might I become unbound from existence?
136.
What if I were to observe the five precepts, fulfilling them completely.
137.
Having approached him, I undertook the five training rules.
138.
For that long I guarded the five precepts completely.
139.
'A chariot yoked with a thousand is ready for you, dear sir.'"
140.
By that well-done action, I went to Tāvatiṃsa.
141.
I experienced divine happiness, honoured by the nymphs.
142.
Principality over a district, extensive, incalculable by counting.
143.
Formerly I was born in Vesālī, in a very wealthy great household.
144.
My mother and father too, took the five training rules.
145.
Having sat down on one seat, I attained arahantship.
146.
The Buddha, the one with vision, gave me full ordination, having understood my virtues.
147.
Immeasurable cosmic cycles from now, I do not go to the nether world.
148.
Even praising for ten million cosmic cycles, I would praise only a portion.
149.
I become long-lived, of great wealth, and of sharp wisdom.
150.
Having wandered in the round of rebirths from existence to existence, I obtain these states.
151.
If they were to find pleasure in existences, what kind of result would there be.
152.
By that morality I today, released myself from all bondage.
153.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of the five precepts.
154.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Pañcasīlasamādāniya spoke these verses.
The life history of the Elder Pañcasīlasamādāniya is the fourth.
5.
The Life History of the Elder Annasaṃsāvaka
155.
Resembling a golden arch, possessing the thirty-two excellent characteristics.
156.
I obtained supreme joy, having seen the tamed one, the resplendent.
157.
The greatly compassionate one in the world gave thanks to me then.
158.
Having gladdened my mind in the Buddha, I rejoiced in heaven for a cosmic cycle.
159.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of giving almsfood.
160.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Annasaṃsāvaka spoke these verses.
The life history of the Elder Annasaṃsāvaka is the fifth.
6.
The Life History of the Elder Dhūpadāyaka
161.
Incense for the hut was given by me, with a clear mind.
162.
I am dear to all of them, this is the fruit of giving incense.
163.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of giving incense.
164.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Dhūpadāyaka spoke these verses.
The life history of the Elder Dhūpadāyaka is the sixth.
7.
The Life History of the Elder Pulinapūjaka
165.
Having removed the old sand, I strewed pure sand.
166.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of the gift of sand.
167.
By the name Mahāpulina, a wheel-turning monarch of great power.
168.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Pulinapūjaka spoke these verses.
The life history of the Elder Pulinapūjaka is the seventh.
8.
The Life History of the Elder Uttiya
169.
Engaged in my own feeding ground, I went to the river ford.
170.
He, wishing to cross the river, approached the river ford.
171.
Having approached the Enlightened by himself, I uttered these words.
172.
My paternal domain, have compassion, O great sage.'
173.
Joyful, with a joyful mind, I helped the leader of the world across.
174.
Consoled me there, 'You will attain the Deathless.'
175.
I experienced divine happiness, honoured by the nymphs.
176.
Three times a wheel-turning monarch, I was lord of the earth.
177.
I bear my final body in the teaching of the Perfectly Enlightened One.
178.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of crossing over.
179.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Uttiyo spoke these verses.
The life history of the Elder Uttiya is the eighth.
9.
The Life History of the Elder Ekañjalika
180.
Vipassī, the foremost caravan leader, the excellent among men, the guide.
181.
Having seen him, devoted, glad at heart, I made a single salutation with joined palms.
182.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of the salutation with joined palms.
183.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Ekañjalika spoke these verses.
The life history of the Elder Ekañjalika is the ninth.
10.
The Life History of the Elder Khomadāyaka
184.
By that very means I support my wife, I cultivate the accomplishment of seeds.
185.
One linen cloth was given by me, for the welfare of the Teacher.
186.
I do not know of an unfortunate realm, this is the fruit of giving linen.
187.
Endowed with the seven treasures, lord of the four continents.
188.
The six higher knowledges have been realised, the Buddha's teaching has been fulfilled."
Thus the Venerable Elder Khomadāyaka spoke these verses.
The life history of the Elder Khomadāyaka is the tenth.
Its summary:
Annasaṃsāvaka and Khomadāyī, ten only in the third group;
One hundred and eighty-five verses spoken, all combined together.
The Subhūti Chapter is the third.
The fourth recitation section.
