555. Vajjīputta (THA-AP557)

The Blessed One, Thousand-Rayed One,
the Self-Become, Unconquered One,
rising up from his solitude,
went forth in order to seek food.

Holding fruit in my hand, I saw
the Bull of Men who had approached.
Happy, with pleasure in my heart,
I gave him fruit with stems attached.

In the ninety-four aeons since
I gave him that fruit at that time,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that is the fruit of giving fruit.

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 Vajjīputta Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Vajjīputta Thera, the fifth.

Translated by Jonathan S. Walters.

Whitman College, 2017

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