340. {343.} Dhajadāyaka (THA-AP345)

The Teacher then was named Tissa,
the World’s Best One, the Bull of Men.
Having seen his passing away,
I hoisted a flag at that place.

Due to that karma done very well,
with intention and firm resolve,
discarding my human body,
I went to Tāvatiṁsa then.

And afterwards, three hundred times,
I ruled over the world of gods.
And furthermore five hundred times
I was a king who turned the wheel.

There was also much local rule,
innumerable by counting.
I experienced own-karma,
formerly well done by myself.

In the ninety-two aeons since
I did that good karma back then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of giving a flag.

Today, if I should wish for it,
the world with forests and mountains
is covered by a khoma cloth:
the fruit ofwhat I did back then.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Dhajadāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Dhajadāyaka 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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