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tha-ap.497 Thera Apadana

Upaḍḍhadussadāyaka

Named Sujāta, the follower
of Padumuttara Buddha,
searching for a robe made of rags,
is always going through the trash.

In the city, Haṁsavatī,
I was the hireling of others.
Having given him half a cloth,
I saluted him with my head.

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

Thirty-three times the lord of gods,
I exercised divine rule there.
Seventy-seven times I was
a king who turns the wheel of law.

There was also much local rule,
innumerable by counting.
Because of giving half a cloth,
I rejoice with nothing to fear.

And today if I am wishing,
in the woods or on a mountain,
I am covered in khoma-cloth:
that is the fruit of half a cloth.

In the hundred thousand aeons
since I gave that donation then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that is the fruit of half a cloth.

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 Upaḍḍhadussadāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Upaḍḍhadussadāyaka Thera is finished.

- Translator: Jonathan S. Walters

- Editor: Ayya Vimala