179. Tikicchaka (THA-AP181)

In the city, Bandhumatī,
I was a well-trained physician,
bringing many folks happiness
when patients suffered great illness.

Having seen a monk who was sick,
but moral as too very bright,
with a pleased heart and happy mind,
I gave him some medicine then.

That monk with well-guarded senses
became healthy because of that.
He was Vipassi’s attendant,
known by the name of Asoka.

In the ninety-one aeons since
I gave him medicinal herbs,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that is the fruit of medicine.

In the eighth aeon after that
the one known as Sabbosadha
was a wheel-turner with great strength,
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 Tikicchaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Tikicchaka 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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