39. Dhammacakkika (THA-AP41)

On the front of the lion-throne
of Siddhattha, the Blessed One,
a Dhamma-wheel was placed by me,
well-fashioned, and praised by the wise.

I shine, a charming gold color;
have vehicles, army and mounts.
Many people attached to me
are waiting on me, constantly.

I am always attended by
sixty thousand instruments,
beautified by my retinue:
that is the fruit of good karma.

In the ninety-four aeons since
I established that Dhamma-wheel
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of a Dhamma-wheel.

Eleven aeons after that
there were eight lords over countries;
all were named Sahassarāja,
wheel-turning kings with great power.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Dhammacakkika Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Dhammacakkika 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.