446. {449.} Vedikāraka (THA-AP451)

Making a well-made railing for
the foot of the superb Bodhi
of Padumuttara Buddha,
I brought pleasure to my own heart.

Really excellent merchandise,
things man-made and things not man-made,
are raining on me from the sky:
that is the fruit of a railing.

Being jumped on from both sides when
threatening armies are massing,
I am not seeing frights or fears:
that is the fruit of a railing.

Discerning what I am thinking,
a good mansion gets made for me
with many very costly beds:
that is the fruit of a railing.

In the hundred thousand aeons
since I had that railing made then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that is the fruit of a railing.

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 Vedikāraka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Vedikāraka Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters.

Whitman College, 2017

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