buddha daily wisdom image

tha-ap.297 Thera Apadana

Gosīsanikkhepa

I laid down golden sandalwood
for exiting the ashram door.
I now enjoy my own karma:
that is the fruit of past karma.

Thoroughbreds, those fast like the wind,
horses from Sindh, fast vehicles:
I am enjoying all of that:
that is the fruit of sandalwood.

O! my deed, an ultimate deed,
done well in a fine arena.
None but deeds done for the monks
has the slightest bit of value

In the ninety-four aeons since
I laid down that sandalwood there,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of laying down wood.

In the seventy-fifth aeon
hence was a greatly powerful
wheel-turner who had mighty strength,
whose name was Suppatiṭṭhita.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Gosīsanikkhepa Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Gosīsanikkhepa Thera is finished.

- Translator: Jonathan S. Walters

- Editor: Ayya Vimala