265. Biḷālidāyaka (THA-AP267)

In the Himalayan region,
there’s a mountain named Romasa.
At the foot of that mountain lived
a monk with senses well-controlled.

Having gathered tuberous roots,
I donated them to that monk.
The Great Hero rejoiced in that,
the Self-Become, Unconquered One:

“Tuberous roots you’ve given me
with a mind that is very clear.
Transmigrating in existence
the fruit will be reborn for you.”

In the ninety-four aeons since
I gave him those tuberous roots,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of tuberous roots.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Biḷālidāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Biḷālidāyaka 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.

This is the first-ever complete translation of Apadāna into a Western language.

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Prepared for SuttaCentral by Ayya Vimala.