414. {417.} Ucchaṅgapupphiya (THA-AP419)

In the city, Bandhumatī,
I was a gardener back then.
Having filled my lap with flowers,
I went to the bazaar with them.

The Buddha in that period,
Honored by the monks’ Assembly,
the World-Leader, was going by,
through his enormous majesty.

Having seen the Lamp of the World,
Vipassi, Crosser of the World,
taking a flower from my lap,
I offered it to Best Buddha.

In the ninety-one aeons since
I offered a flower back then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of Buddha-pūjā.

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 Ucchaṅgapupphiya Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Ucchaṅgapupphiya Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters.

Whitman College, 2017

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