352. {355.} Daṇḍadāyaka (THA-AP357)

Plunged into the forest, the woods,
I cut down some bamboo back then.
Having taken a walking stick,
I gave it to the Assembly.

Due to the pleasure in my heart,
honored with, “happiness to you!,”
having given that walking stick,
I departed, facing the north.

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

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

Thus indeed Venerable Daṇḍadāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Daṇḍadāyaka 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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