45. Pañcahatthiya (THA-AP47)

The Sambuddha named Sumedha
was traveling through the bazaar
with downcast eyes, speaking few words,
mindful, with his sense-doors guarded.

Then they brought me—for my top-crest—
five handfuls of water lilies.
I did Buddha-pūjā with them
feeling well- pleased by my own hands.

Then those flowers that I had placed
became the Teacher’s canopy.
They flocked to the Great Elephant
like students to a good teacher.

In the thirty thousand aeons
since I offered him that flower,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of Buddha-pūjā.

One hundred twenty aeons hence
there were five different kṣatriyans.
All of them were named Hatthiya,
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 Pañcahatthiya Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Pañcahatthiya 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.

For more information, visit apadanatranslation.org

Prepared for SuttaCentral by Ayya Vimala.