213. Saccasaññaka (THA-AP215)

In that period Vessabhu
Honored by the monks’ Assembly,
is preaching the Four Noble Truths,
quenching the lust of the people.

Recipient of great mercy,
I went into that multitude.
Being seated there that I then
heard the Teaching of the Teacher.

After hearing his Teaching I
then went to the world of the gods.
For thirty thousand aeons I
dwelt there in the gods’ city.

In the thirty-one aeons since
I obtained that perception then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of perceiving truths.

In the twenty-sixth aeon hence
there was one lord of the people;
his name was Ekaphusita,
a wheel-turning king of great strength.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Saccasaññaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Saccasaññaka Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters.

Whitman College, 2017

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