146. Anulepadāyaka (THA-AP148)

I made the Bodhi-railing of
the Great Sage, Anomadassi.
After giving balls of plaster,
I did all of the work by hand.

Anomadassi, the Best Man,
the Teacher, seated with the monks,
having seen that work so well done,
then uttered this verse about me:

“Because of this plastering work,
and his intention and resolve,
after enjoying happiness,
he’ll make an end to suffering.”

My complexion shows my pleasure;
I’m tranquil and well-self-controlled.
I am bearing my last body
in the Buddha’s dispensation.

When the hundredth aeon ago
and no less had been completed,
I was named King Sabbagghana,
a wheel-turner with great power.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Anulepadāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Anulepadāyaka 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.

This is the first-ever complete translation of Apadāna into a Western language.

For more information, visit apadanatranslation.org

Prepared for SuttaCentral by Ayya Vimala.