116. Citakapūjaka (THA-AP118)

When Sikhi the Blessed One, the
Kinsman of the World, passed away,
I then lived in the royal sphere,
with the ministers and servants.

Happy, and with a happy heart,
I went to the shrine built for him.
Having turiya-drums played there
I laid a garland of flowers.

Having done pūjā at that shrine
and worshipping the shrine itself,
happy, and with a happy heart
I then returned to my own house.

Having entered my residence,
I called to mind that shrine-pūjā.
Through that deed for the Biped-Lord,
the World’s Best One, the Bull of Men,

having enjoyed great happiness
among humans and also gods,
I’ve attained the unshaking state
beyond all conquest and defeat.

In the thirty-one aeons since
I offered that flower to him,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that is the fruit of shrine-pūjā.

In the twenty-ninth aeon thence
there were sixteen different kings then,
all known by the name Uggata,
wheel-turning monarchs with great strength.

The four analytical modes,
and these eight deliverances,
six special knowledges mastered,
I have done what the Buddha taught!

Thus indeed Venerable Citakapūjaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Citakapūjaka Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters.

Whitman College, 2017

Legends of the Buddhist Saints (Apadāna) is released under the Attribution, Non-Commercial, Share Alike license.

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