173. Rattipupphiya (THA-AP175)

I was a deer-hunter back then,
within a grove in the forest.
I saw Vipassi Buddha then,
the God of Gods, the Bull of Men.

Having seen red flowers blooming
on a winter cherry tree then,
having taken them with their stems,
I offered them to the Great Sage.

In the ninety-one aeons since
I offered those flowers to him,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of giving flowers.

And in the eighth aeon ago,
I was a monarch with great strength,
with the name of Suppasanna,
possessor 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 Rattipupphiya Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Rattipupphiya 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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