156. Kadambapupphiya (THA-AP158)

In the Himalayan region,
there’s a mountain named Kukkuṭa.
At the foot of that same mountain,
seven Lonely Buddhas dwelt then.

Seeing a kadam tree in bloom,
like the risen king of all lamps,
taking blossoms with both my hands
I placed them upon the Buddhas.

In the ninety-four aeons since
I did that flower-pūjā then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of Buddha-pūjā.

In the ninety-second aeon
seven named Phullanāyaka
were wheel-turning kings with great strength,
possessors of the seven gems.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Kadambapupphiya Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Kadambapupphiya 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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