444. {447.} Sīhāsanika (THA-AP449)

Happy, with pleasure in my heart,
I gave a lion-throne to him,
Padumuttara, Blessed One,
the Well-Wisher of All Creatures.

In the world of gods or of men,
wherever I am living then,
I’m receiving a huge mansion:
that’s the fruit of a lion-throne.

Many couches made out of gold,
made of silver, made of rubies,
made of gemstones, made of crystal,
are produced for me all the time.

Making a seat for the Bodhi
of the Buddha named “Best Lotus,”
I’m born in an exalted clan;
O! the Teaching’s propriety!

In the hundred thousand aeons
since I made him that lion-throne,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of a lion-throne.

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 Sīhāsanika Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Sīhāsanika Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters.

Whitman College, 2017

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