187. Ekacintita (THA-AP189)

When according to his lifespan,
a god falls from the world,
three sayings get emitted then,
in the rejoicing of the gods.

“From here, sir, go to a good state,
in the company of people.
Becoming human do obtain
great faith in the Excellent Truth.

“Having established that, your faith,
in the well-known Excellent Truth,
well-fixed, born of those happy roots,
be steadfast as long as you live.

“Doing good deeds with your body,
and doing much good with your speech;
doing good with your mind as well,
be free of hate and attachment.

“Thus exalting the life you live,
doing merit with much giving,
make other men also enter
the chaste life and Excellent Truth.”

When gods know that a god’s falling,
filled with this sort of compassion,
they rejoice about his rebirth:
“O god come back repeatedly.”

I was moved when at that time the
assembly of gods had gathered,
“Well now then to what womb should I
go when I have fallen from here?”

Padumuttara’s follower,
known by the name of Sumana,
a monk with senses well-controlled,
realizing that I was moved
and desiring to lift me up,
did come into my presence then
and stirred me up instructing me
in the meaning and the Teaching.

Having listened to his words, I
made my heart pleased in the Buddha.
Having saluted that wise monk,
I then passed away on the spot.

I was reborn right then and there,
incited by those happy roots.
For one hundred thousand aeons
I was not born in a bad state.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Ekacintita Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Ekacintita 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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