94. Sucidāyaka (THA-AP96)

I was formerly a blacksmith
in the fine city Bandhumā.
I gave the gift of a needle
to Vipassi, the Sage so Great.

Due to such karma my knowledge
is now just like a top diamond.
I have no lust, I’m fully free;
I have attained arahantship.

With knowledge I learn everything
about all past existences
and present ones and future ones:
that is the fruit of needle-gifts.

In the ninety-first aeon thence
lived seven Vajirasamas,
wheel-turning kings with great power,
possessors of the seven gems.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Sucidāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Sucidāyaka 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.

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Prepared for SuttaCentral by Ayya Vimala.