458. {461.} Sālakusumiya (THA-AP463)

When the Blessed One passed away—
the one whose name was “Best Lotus”—
when the funeral pyre was raised,
I offered a sal-flower there.

In the hundred thousand aeons
since I presented that flower,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of worshipping pyres.

My defilements are now burnt up;
all new existence is destroyed.
Knowing well all the defilements,
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 Sālakusumiya Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Sālakusumiya Thera is finished.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters.

Whitman College, 2017

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