411. {414.} Madhumaṁsadāyaka (THA-AP416)

In the city, Bandhumatī,
I was a pork-seller back then.
Having cooked the spleen and lungs,
I poured honey over that meat.

Having gone to a gathering,
I took hold of a single bowl.
Filling up that bowl with meat, I
gave it to the monks’ Assembly.

The monk there who was most senior
then assigned the merit to me:
“due to filling this bowl with meat,
he will receive great happiness.

Receiving the two attainments,
incited by his wholesome roots,
during his last going around,
he will destroy the defilements.”

Bringing pleasure to my heart there,
I then went to Tāvatiṁsa.
Eating as well as drinking there,
I do receive great happiness.

In a pavilion or tree-root,
recalling previous karma,
a downpour of both food and drink
is raining on me all the time.

This is the final time for me;
my last rebirth is proceeding.
Even here both food and drink are
raining on me all of the time.

Because of having given meat,
transmigrating in existence,
knowing well all the defilements,
I am living without constraint.

In the ninety-one aeons since
I gave that offering back then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that is the fruit of giving meat.

My defilements are now burnt up;
all new existence is destroyed.
Like elephants with broken chains,
I am living without constraint.

Being in Best Buddha’s presence
was a very good thing for me.
The three knowledges are attained;
I have done what the Buddha taught!

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

Thus indeed Venerable Madhumaṁsadāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Madhumaṁsadāyaka Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters.

Whitman College, 2017

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