348. {351.} Saddasaññaka (THA-AP353)

I was a deer-hunter back then,
within a grove in the forest.
There I saw the Sambuddha once,
honored by the gods’ assembly.

While preaching the Four Noble Truths
he ferried many folks across.
I also heard his honeyed speech
like the song of a cuckoo bird.

Having pleased my heart in the sound
of Sikhi Buddha, World’s Kinsman,
the Sage, Divine Sound Intoner,
I attained my arahantship.

In the thirty-one aeons since
I did that good karma back then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of feeling pleasure.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Saddasaññaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Saddasaññaka Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters.

Whitman College, 2017

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