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tha-ap.347 Thera Apadana

Nalāgārika

Close to the Himalayan range,
there’s a mountain named Hārita.
The Self-Become One, Nārada,
dwelt at the roots of a tree then.

Having fashioned a house of reeds,
I covered it with grass as thatch,
and clearing a walkway I then
gave them to the Self-Become One.

In the fourteenth aeon ago
I delighted in the gods’ world,
and seventy-four times did I
exercise rule over the gods.

And seventy-seven times I
was then a wheel-turning monarch.
There was also much local rule,
innumerable by counting.

My dwelling-place was very tall,
rising up like Indra’s post.
One thousand-pillared, unsurpassed,
a mansion full of radiance.

Enjoying both accomplishments,
incited by my wholesome roots,
I went forth in the religion
of Gotama, the Blessed One.

Being one bent on exertion,
calmed, devoid of grounds for rebirth,
like elephants with broken chains,
I am living without constraint.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Nalāgārika Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Nalāgārika Thera is finished.

- Translator: Jonathan S. Walters

- Editor: Ayya Vimala