85. Raṁsisaññika (THA-AP87)

On a Himalayan mountain
I was residing formerly.
Wearing deer-leather outer robes
I dwelt upon that mountain then.

I saw the golden Sambuddha
who had gone into the forest.
He was like the hundred-rayed sun,
like a regal sal tree in bloom.

Having pleased my heart in the rays
of Vipassi, the Sage so Great,
pressing hands together, squatting,
I worshipped him bowing my head.

In the ninety-one aeons since
I did that good karma back then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of perceiving rays.

The four analytical modes,
and these eight deliverances,
six special knowledges mastered,
I have done what the Buddha taught!

Thus indeed Venerable Raṁsisaññaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Raṁsisaññaka 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.

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