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tha-ap.426 Thera Apadana

Sattakadambapupphiya

In the Himalayan region,
there’s a mountain named Kadamba.
There were seven Buddhas living
there on the side of the mountain.

Seeing a kadam tree in bloom,
pressing both my hands together,
taking seven of its flowers,
I placed them, thinking of merit.

Due to that karma done very well,
with intention and firm resolve,
discarding my human body,
I went to Tāvatiṁsa then.

In the ninety-four aeons since
I did that good karma back then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of Buddha-pūjā.

My defilements are now burnt up;
all new existence is destroyed.
Like elephants with broken chains,
I am living without constraint.

Being in Best Buddha’s presence
was a very good thing for me.
The three knowledges are attained;
I have done what the Buddha taught!

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

Thus indeed Venerable Sattakadambapupphiya Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Sattakadambapupphiya Thera is finished.

- Translator: Jonathan S. Walters

- Editor: Ayya Vimala