buddha daily wisdom image

tha-ap.517 Thera Apadana

Nāgapupphiya

I gave an ironwood flower
to the Gold-Colored Sambuddha,
Sacrificial Recipient,
who had entered onto the road.

In the ninety-one aeons since
I gave him that flower back then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that is the fruit of giving fruit.

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 Nāgapupphiya Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Nāgapupphiya Thera is finished.

- Translator: Jonathan S. Walters

- Editor: Ayya Vimala