87. Phaladāyaka (THA-AP89)

On a Himalayan mountain,
wearing a rough deer-leather robe,
with fruit in hand, I saw Phussa,
Best Victor, and gave him the fruit.

That fruit which I gave to him then
with a mind that was very clear,
came into being as fruit for me
transmigrating in existence.

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

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

Thus indeed Venerable Phaladāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Phaladāyaka 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.