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tha-ap.71 Thera Apadana

Sumana

I was a garland-maker then,
known by the name of Sumana.
I saw the Buddha, Stainless One,
Sacrificial Recipient.

Having taken, with both my hands,
an exquisite jasmine flower,
I paid homage to the Buddha,
Sikhi, the Kinsman of the World.

By means of that flower-pūjā,
with intention and firm resolve,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of Buddha-pūjā.

In the thirty-one aeons since
I presented him that flower,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of Buddha-pūjā.

In the twenty-fifth aeon hence
there were four men of great glory;
all of them were wheel-turning kings,
possessors of the seven gems.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Sumana Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Sumana Thera is finished.

- Translator: Jonathan S. Walters

- Editor: Ayya Vimala