416. {419.} Patthodanadāyaka (THA-AP421)

Back then I traveled the forest,
doing regular forest work.
Taking half a pint of cooked rice,
I went to work in the forest.

There I saw him, the Sambuddha,
the Self-Become, Unconquered One,
gone out from the forest for alms.
Having seen him, my heart was pleased.

“I’m bound to working for others,
and no merit exists for me.
I have this half-pint of cooked rice;
I will feed it to the Great Sage.”

Taking that half-pint of rice, I
gave it to the Self-Become One.
While I meditated on him,
the Sage then consumed that cooked rice.

Due to that karma done very well,
with intention and firm resolve,
discarding my human body,
I went to Tāvatiṁsa then.

Thirty-six times the lord of gods,
I exercised divine rule there.
Thirty-three times I was a king,
a king who turns the wheel of law.

There was also much local rule,
innumerable by counting.
I’m always happy and famous:
the fruit of half a pint of rice.

Transmigrating from birth to birth,
I receive wealth without limit.
I have no lack of possessions:
the fruit of half a pint of rice.

Possessions come to be for me,
resembling a river stream;
I cannot even measure them:
the fruit of half a pint of rice.

People say, “Eat this,” “enjoy this,”
“lit down to sleep in this good bed.”
Due to that I’m always happy:
the fruit of half a pint of rice.

In the ninety-four aeons since
I gave him that gift at that time,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
the fruit of half a pint of rice.

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 Patthodanadāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Patthodanadāyaka Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters.

Whitman College, 2017

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