36. Adhimutta (THA-AP38)

When the World-Chief Atthadassi,
the Ultimate Man, passed away,
with a mind that was very clear
I summoned the monks’ Assembly.

Inviting the Assembly-gem
which was upright and well-settled,
and having built a pavilion,
I fed sugar cane to those monks.

In whichever womb I’m reborn,
whether it’s human or divine,
I surpass all other creatures;
that is the fruit of good karma.

In the eighteen hundred aeons
since I gave him that gift back then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of sugar-cane gifts.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Adhimutta Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Adhimutta 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.

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Prepared for SuttaCentral by Ayya Vimala.