38. Āyāgadāyaka (THA-AP40)

When the World’s Protector had died,
Sikhi Buddha, Best Debater,
I worshipped his superb stupa,
happy, and with a happy heart.

Having spoken with the workmen
I provided the capital;
I constructed an eating hall,
happy, and with a happy heart.

After that I lived among gods
for eight aeons without a break.
In the remaining aeons I
transmigrated in a mixture.

Poisons don’t enter my body,
enemies are not hurting me,
I do not sink down in water:
that’s the fruit of an eating hall.

A massive cloud rains heavy rain
whenever I may wish for it.
Even gods visit my dwelling;
that is the fruit of good karma.

Thirty times as wheel-turning kings,
possessors of the seven gems;
no one at all despises me:
that is the fruit of good karma.

In the thirty-one aeons since
I had that hall for eating made,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of an eating hall.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Āyāgadāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Āyāgadāyaka 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.