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tha-ap.214 Thera Apadana

Pānadhidāyaka

One time I gave a pair of shoes
to a forest-dwelling rishi
who’d long practiced austerities,
grown old, with cultivated thought.

Because of that deed, Biped Lord,
Best in the World, O Bull of Men,
I enjoy every vehicle:
that is the fruit of past karma.

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 a pair of shoes.

Seventy-seven aeons hence
there were eight of the royal caste
known by the name of Suyāna,
wheel-turning monarchs with great strength.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Pānadhidāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Pānadhidāyaka Thera is finished

- Translator: Jonathan S. Walters

- Editor: Ayya Vimala