26. Dhūpadāyaka (THA-AP28)

I gave the incense for the hut
of Siddhattha, the World’s Best One,
the Blessed One, the Neutral One,
with a mind that was very clear.

In whichever womb I’m reborn,
whether it’s human or divine,
I am beloved of them all:
that’s the fruit of giving incense.

In the ninety-four aeons since
I gave him that incense back then
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of giving incense.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Dhūpadāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Dhūpadāyaka 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.

For more information, visit apadanatranslation.org

Prepared for SuttaCentral by Ayya Vimala.