342. {345.} Nalāgārika (THA-AP347)

Close to the Himalayan range,
there’s a mountain named Hārita.
The Self-Become One, Nārada,
dwelt at the roots of a tree then.

Having fashioned a house of reeds,
I covered it with grass as thatch,
and clearing a walkway I then
gave them to the Self-Become One.

In the fourteenth aeon ago
I delighted in the gods’ world,
and seventy-four times did I
exercise rule over the gods.

And seventy-seven times I
was then a wheel-turning monarch.
There was also much local rule,
innumerable by counting.

My dwelling-place was very tall,
rising up like Indra’s post.
One thousand-pillared, unsurpassed,
a mansion full of radiance.

Enjoying both accomplishments,
incited by my wholesome roots,
I went forth in the religion
of Gotama, the Blessed One.

Being one bent on exertion,
calmed, devoid of grounds for rebirth,
like elephants with broken chains,
I am living without constraint.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Nalāgārika Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Nalāgārika 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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