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tha-ap.118 Thera Apadana

Citakapūjaka

When Sikhi the Blessed One, the
Kinsman of the World, passed away,
I then lived in the royal sphere,
with the ministers and servants.

Happy, and with a happy heart,
I went to the shrine built for him.
Having turiya-drums played there
I laid a garland of flowers.

Having done pūjā at that shrine
and worshipping the shrine itself,
happy, and with a happy heart
I then returned to my own house.

Having entered my residence,
I called to mind that shrine-pūjā.
Through that deed for the Biped-Lord,
the World’s Best One, the Bull of Men,

having enjoyed great happiness
among humans and also gods,
I’ve attained the unshaking state
beyond all conquest and defeat.

In the thirty-one aeons since
I offered that flower to him,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that is the fruit of shrine-pūjā.

In the twenty-ninth aeon thence
there were sixteen different kings then,
all known by the name Uggata,
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 Citakapūjaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Citakapūjaka Thera is finished.

- Translator: Jonathan S. Walters

- Editor: Ayya Vimala