The Life of the Victorious Buddha

The Life of the Victorious Buddha translated by ânandajoti Bhikkhu

Published for Free Distribution Only

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery Dharma Propagation Division Awaken Publishing and Design 88 Bright Hill Road Singapore 574117 Tel: (65) 6849 5342 E-mail: publication@kmspks.org Website: www.kmspks.org

1st Edition, March 2011 ISBN: 978-981-08-7861-0 EVIC-0101-0111 Š Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery Illustrations: Yen Chua Although reprinting of our books for free distribution is encouraged as long as the publication is reprinted in its entirety with no modifications, including this statement of the conditions, and credit is given to the author and the publisher, we require permission to be obtained in writing, to ensure that the latest edition is used.

Printed by: Ee Tai Press Pte Ltd Tel: (65) 6744 8238 Fax: (65) 6744 8397

Please pass this book around should you feel that you do not need it anymore.

As the Buddha taught, the gift of Truth excels all other gifts!

May all have the chance to know the Dharma.

It is very, very rare for one to have a precious human life and still be able to encounter the Buddha-Dharma, therefore please handle this book with utmost respect and care.

The Life of the Victorious Buddha A Simplified Translation of Ven. Medhaïkara’s Jinacaritaü translated by ânandajoti Bhikkhu (version 2.2, June 2007)

For Free Distribution Only Not For Sale

Dear Reader, If you wish to share the production costs of this and many other beautiful Dharma Books, CDs and magazines for free distribution, so that more people can be touched by the beauty of Dharma and be inspired to live a happy and meaningful life, please photocopy the sponsorship form at the back of this book, fill in your particulars and return it to us.

“The gift of Dharma excels all gifts�

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND DEDICATION

î ‡ I am very grateful to Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery for undertaking this publication, and especially to its Abbot Ven. Kwang Sheng who has been doing so much for the propagation of the Dharma.

I am also very thankful to the Supervising Venerable of Awaken Publishing & Design, and to its editor Sis. Esther Thien, who has supported the publication of this book from the time she first saw it, and has organised the whole project.

I am particularly indebted to Sis. Yen Chua, an awardwinning artist, who has graced the book with 30 evocative and inspiring drawings, which help to bring the poetry of the text alive.

î ‡ I would like to dedicate this book to my good friend Ven. Dharmakirti, who during his short life, was able to bring the Dharma to many people in his native India - may his future abiding be in peace, and may he be back in touch with the Dharma he loved so greatly.

Anandajoti

CONTENTS

TRANSLATOR’S INTRODUCTION

[vv. 1-7] HOMAGE TO THE THREE TREASURES

19

PART ONE: [VV. 8-69] THE FAR DISTANT PAST

21

[vv. 8-19] Sumedha [vv. 20-31] The Going-Forth [vv. 32-45] Buddha Dãpaïkara [vv. 46-59] The Resolution

[vv. 60-69] The Perfections

21 25 27 30 33

PART TWO: [VV. 70-267] THE NOT-SO-DISTANT PAST

36

[vv. 70-81] The Conception [vv. 82-96] The Birth [vv. 87-117] The 32 Wonders [vv. 118-128] The Ascetic Kàladevala [vv. 129-135] The Ploughing Festival [vv. 136-141] The Palaces

36 40 44 49 52 55

8

[vv. 142-158] [vv. 159-173] [vv. 174-203] [vv. 204-211] [vv. 212-219] [vv. 220-241] [vv. 242-266] [vv. 267-271]

The Signs The Great Renunciation The Departure Ràjagaha Sujàtà The Bodhi Tree The Defeat of Màra The Perfect Awakening

PART THREE: VV. 272-457] THE PRESENT TIME

[vv. 272-280] [vv. 281-303] [vv. 304-327] [vv. 328-338] [vv. 339-355] [vv. 356-373] [vv. 374-391] [vv. 392-404] [vv. 405-422] [vv. 423-435]

[vv. 436-457] The Rain’s Residences

[VV. 458-472] CONCLUSION

The Seven Weeks The Divine Request The Rolling of the Dhamma Wheel King Bimbisàra Kàludàyã The Visit to the Sàkiyas King Suddhodana Yasodharà, Ràhula, and Nanda The Purchasing of Jeta’s Wood The Donation of Jeta’s Wood

58 62 65 70 73 76 80 85

88 88 91 96 101 104 108 112 116 120 124 128 134

TR ANSL ATOR’S INTRODUCTION

8

 THE STORY 

This work tells in a concise form the inspiring story of the Bodhisatta’s aspiration for Awakening, its fulfilment at the foot of the Bodhi Tree, and the Early Ministry of the Buddha in the newly founded Sàsana as it has come down to us in the Theravàda tradition.

The author Ven. Medhaïkara follows for the most part the story as it is found in the Jàtakanidànaÿ, but he leaves out a number of matters which are present in his model,¹ and concentrates on the main story which gives his narrative greater concision and thrust.

The story opens with the youth Sumedha gaining insight into the nature of reality following the passing away of his parents, which is followed by his renunciation of the home life and very successful spiritual practice in the Himàlayas.

He then comes into contact with a true spiritual teacher, the Buddha Dãpaïkara, and being inspired by the meeting, he gives up the chance of liberation then and there, and makes his aspiration to attain

¹ Noticeably the confirmation of the Bodhisatta’s vow under the intervening Buddhas; and a number of the early conversions are omitted.

Translator’s Introduction

9

Buddhahood himself, in order to help all living beings cross the great flood of Saüsàra.

Such a high calling is not so easily fulfilled, of course, and he spends many aeons in self-sacrificial actions in order to fulfil all the moral perfections that make one fit to establish a Sàsana.

After being reborn in Heaven, he is urged by the Gods to take birth once more on Earth, and finally fulfil his mission. Having ensured that all the right conditions prevail, he descends and is born on Earth into a virtuous and prosperous family, who nurture and protect him until he reaches maturity.

Although in his new existence he is surrounded by all the material pleasures that his position can provide he is dissatisfied, and parallel to the youth Sumedha, he retires to the forest for spiritual practice.

After a number of dead-ends and intense, but ultimately futile, practice he overcomes all temptations and defilements, personified by the wicked Màra and his daughters, and attains Complete Awakening at the foot of the Bodhi Tree.

His story could have finished there and then, in that glorious liberation from the sorry round of birth and death, but if it had he would not have been the Sambuddha of his aspirations.

10

Translator’s Introduction

Instead, being inspired by his realisation that he could help others also to attain the liberation he had gained, he began his ministry, which was to last for forty-five long years, selflessly teaching beings how to escape from the unsatisfactory nature of existence, both by word and example.

The story continues with the Buddha’s first teaching, the fulfilment of his promise to teach King Bimbisàra at Ràjagaha, and his journey back to his home town of Kapilavatthu, and the conversion of his close family and other clan members.

The last event related in the story in any detail, as in the Jàtakanidànaÿ is the Buddha’s meeting with the rich merchant Anàthapiõóika, and his journey to Sàvatthã, where the merchant purchases and donates Jeta’s Wood to the Saïgha with the Buddha at its head, by which time the Sàsana is firmly establishing in the Middle Regions of India.

There is then a synoptic section which Ven. Medhaïkara adds to what is found in his source relating where the Buddha spent the Rains Retreats during the 45 years of his teaching career, and indicating the main events that took place during the first twenty of those Retreats.

The poem concludes with the author making an extraordinary wish to have the chance to meet the coming Buddha Metteyya and then make his own

Translator’s Introduction

11

aspiration for Buddhahood under Him, and getting it confirmed by the future Buddhas.²

 ST YLE 

Ven. Medhaïkara manages to tell this beautiful story in a concise, vivid and quick-moving poem, that is at once informative and inspiring. Along the way there are many lyrical passages where the poet, who is a true wordsmith, describes the ancient cities and countryside against which the main drama unfolds. See for instance the following description of the road to Kapilavatthu in the Springtime: The season of Spring has produced colourful and delightful buds and foliage, a thousand delightful branches together with glorious, and deep-green coloured leaves, trees crowded with various extraordinarily fragrant and variegated blossoms, many very beautiful animals, and flocks of birds singing in the excellent groves.

2 In the Theravàda tradition it is understood that a Bodhisatta vow can only be made in front of a living Buddha who must then confirm it. Ven. Medhaïṅ k ara is therefore making an aspiration to have the chance to make a Bodhisatta vow, something I haven't seen elsewhere

12

Translator’s Introduction

There are now countless delightful lakes, full of very blue and agreeable waters, which are decorated with very fragrant blue, white, copper-coloured, and red lotuses, having unstained and extremely pearly white sandbanks, with a multitude of sweetsounding grey geese, and a variety of trees along the banks.

The banks themselves are resplendent with rows of flowers and blossoms, having plains covered with fresh and very green lawns, as though covered with pleasing lapis-lazuli, and skies full of light breezes. [vv. 347-351] There are also numerous deft pen-portraits of the main characters involved in the story, and their appearance and character come to life as we read. Witness the Bodhisatta on alms-round in Ràjagaha: Because of the Bodhisatta’s radiance the walls and gates, which were made of sapphire rock, appeared like a golden mountain. The mass of the people having seen him, became greatly excited, and asked: “Who is this? Is it a God, a Supreme Divinity, a Devil, or a Demon?” and so forth.

Translator’s Introduction

13

Having entered the city and gathered just enough food for sustenance, looking just a yoke’s distance ahead of him he went along the Royal Highway. The people were disturbed by him, just as the ocean that was churned with Mount Meru as a churning stick was disturbed. [vv. 204-206] Or see how he describes the effect the Buddha had on his wife, whom he was meeting for the first time since the Awakening: Queen Yasodharà, known as Bimbà, whose body was resplendent with rays of light like one powdered with realgar, whose lips were as red as the Bimba fruit, trembling like a golden creeper approached the Teacher. The touch of the Teacher’s feet, like supremely cool water, extinguished the great fiery grief burning in the fuel of her heart. [vv. 395-396] The poem is full of such vivid and memorable scenes, which, as with all true works of art, remain in the mind long after one has put down the book.

14

Translator’s Introduction

 THE PRESENT TRANSL ATION 

The original poem is written in High Medieval Pàëi which has been inf luenced by the Sanskrit literature of mainland India. Both the metres (chanda) and the decorations (alaïkàra) are at a high state of development, and the grammar of the work is often very involved, with complex sentences sometimes drawn out over a number of verses.

In simplifying this translation of Jinacaritaü my aim has been to make the text more presentable to an English reader. This has mainly entailed cutting down on the use of adjectives and adjectival phrases, which are often piled up in the Pàëi; and simplifying the sentence structure, especially in the use of infinitives where we would normally use finite verb forms in English.

On the other hand I have also occasionally filled in quotations that were only hinted at in the original, and spelled out some references which may not now be clear. While making these changes I have endeavoured to remain as faithful as possible to the original, while making it more accessible to an English reading audience.

In preparing this edition of the work I have divided it into three sections in accordance with the

Translator’s Introduction

15

Jàtakanidànaÿ, which covers the Far Distant Past, the Not-so-Distant Past, and The Present Time. I have further added in Chapter Titles to help outline the progress of the story and the subject matter that is covered.

For a more literal line-by-line translation together with the Pàëi text itself, please see Jinacaritaü The Life of the Victorious Buddha in the Texts and Translations section of my website Ancient Buddhist Texts (www.ancient-buddhist-texts.net); and for the establishment of the text itself, complete with metrical analysis, see Jinacaritaü in the Buddhist Texts and Studies section. In the Audio section of the website you can now find a reading of the complete English text which I have recently published.

 A NOTE ON THE AUTHOR 

Nothing for certain is known about the historical life of Ven. Medhaïkara, the author of Jinacaritaü.

In the colophon to the work he merely states that he is living in a residence built by, and named after, King Vijayabàhu, and no further information is given. He doesn’t mention his teachers or pupils (if

16

Translator’s Introduction

he had any), and he doesn’t say he is the author of any other work.

Malalasekera (DPPN, pg. 230) may be right in identifying him with the author of Payogasiddhi, as the author of that treatise states that he was living in the Jambuddoõi âvàsa. But Malalasekera then identifies the vihàra with the one mentioned in Mhv. 81.58, which was built at Wattalagama.³ However, Medhaïkara is a common name and it seems to me to be significant that neither work refers to the other, which is what we might expect if their author was one and the same person.

Given the style and content of the work, however, it seems reasonable to assume that the historians are right is believing that the work was composed during the late 12th or early 13th centuries, which, under the influence of the Sanskrit literature which was flourishing on the mainland, saw a great renaissance in learning and the arts in Śrã Laïkà.

ânandajoti Bhikkhu June, 2007

3 We learn from Mhv. 81.51, that King Vijayabàhu III also built a vihàra called Vijayasundara, and from Mhv. 85.90 that that very vihàra was in Jambuddoõi, so it seems that this is the more likely residence referred to.

Translator’s Introduction

17

THE LIFE OF THE VICTORIOUS BUDDHA

Reverence to Him, the Gracious One, the Worthy One, the Perfect Sambuddha

18

vv. 1-7 HOMAGE TO THE THREE TREASURES

I worship the Great Seer’s supreme lotus feet with my head, which give sweet Emancipation to good men, like honey gives sweetness to bees; and the sun-like Dhamma, which arose from the Immoveable King of Dhamma, which now by its splendour dispels the great darkness of ignorance in the world; and the moon-like Saïgha, with its refulgent and glorious virtue, which awakens faith in the minds of the people. I will now tell in short the life of the Victorious Buddha, which is of widespread benefit both near and far, the value of which I always remember.

To those who remember it, the excellent, rare, and safe state of Nibbàna becomes not so rare, so

Homage to the Three Treasures

19

why speak about the acquisition of wealth? Those good people who listen, who constantly wish for that which is free from old-age and death, should enjoy my poem, which is made in lovely verses and orderly lines, which are beautiful, sweet, and pure, and bring pleasure to the ears of those who listen.

20

Homage to the Three Treasures

1

PART vv. 8-69 THE FAR DISTANT PAST

vv. 8-19 SUMEDHA

At a time of four immeasurables and a hundred thousand aeons ago there was a city where meritorious people lived: it was endowed with jewels, crowded with people, full of beautiful shops, and adorned with decorated towers. It had the ten sounds, and was like the city of Sakka, the Lord of the Gods - it was a brilliant, excellent city named Amaravati.

A brahmin was born in that place, who was greatly honoured by the whole world. He was one of great compassion and wisdom, he was handsome and delightful, a youth named Sumedha, who had learned the Vedas.

Part 1: The Far Distant Past

21

That Budding Victor, after the death of his parents, was shown the immeasurable wealth of his inheritance by the councillor who managed the estate, and after surveying that mass of wealth in the countless hundreds of storerooms, and piling it up, he said: “Alas! My father and the rest of my relatives have gone to the gods and have not taken even one cent with them!” That Mine of Virtue became anxious, and reflected thus: “Although I have received this valuable wealth, I am bound to die.”

Then sitting down in seclusion in his own beautiful home, while surveying the faults in the body, he advised himself thus: “Painful is the breakup of the body, painful also is its arising again – I am subject to death, old age, and sickness.”

Having thus seen the countless faults in the body, and informing the king, he had drums beaten in the city, and for seven days thereafter he satisfied the beggars who gathered at the sound of the drum with a flood of gifts, just as bees gather and are satisfied with the sweet scent of a multitude of blossoms.

22

Part 1: The Far Distant Past

The Sound of the Drum

23

Entering the Great Himalayas 24

Part 1: The Far Distance Past

vv. 20-31 THE GOING-FORTH

Having seen that just as a lotus grove does not go to destruction by the falling of snowflakes so his treasures did not go to destruction through his supreme generosity, like a lordly elephant from a raging forest fire, he departed from his crying relatives and from his delightful home.

The Champion then went to the Great HimĂ layas, which are perfumed with yellow sandalwood, camphor, and aloe; adorned with blossoming Champa, Asoka, and trumpet-flower trees; and embellished with Areca Palms, PunnĂ ga, and Ironwood trees. They are crowded with various animals, such as lions, tigers, hyenas, elephants, leopards, monkeys and horses, and filled with the

Part 1: The Far Distant Past

25

sounds of mynahs, swans, geese, herons, parrots, doves, cuckoos and blue jays.

They are frequented by Divinities, Gods, and Angels, and by Adepts and Wizards. They shine with charming realgar and sapphire mountain ranges, and places having uncountable silver and gold deposits. They have innumerable lakes and tanks with golden and jewelled staircases and have hundreds of waterfalls covered with cool mist, with countless Goddesses playing in the clearings. They shimmer with delightful and colourful semi-divine birds and snakes, and have peacocks dancing in the groves. There are arbours of vine adorned with enclosures covered with white sand. It has countless stores of treasures, with gold, jewels, pearls, and so on - the HimĂ layas are an abode for people who are longing for merit, just as bees are longing for flowers-blossoms.

26

Part 1: The Far Distant Past

vv. 32-45 BUDDHA DäPAðK ARA

That Hero entered into that region, and seeing there the requisites for a sage inside an excellent leaf-hut that had been made by Sakka, the ThousandEyed One, put on the dress of a sage. Then, within seven days, he attained the eightfold blissful states of concentration and the five deep knowledges, and lived on there intent on meditation.

One day when the Sage, the Great Ascetic Sumedha, was flying through the air, he saw people clearing the road, and descended from the sky, and asked them: “Why are you clearing the road?”

“Do you not know, Sumedha? The Buddha Dãpaïkara, after attaining Supreme Awakening and setting rolling the unsurpassed Dhamma Wheel,

Part 1: The Far Distant Past

27

while teaching the Dhamma to the world, has come to our fair city named Delight, and is residing here in the Beautiful Monastery. We have invited that Sole Leader of the World and four hundred thousand pure monks for alms. Visionary One! We are clearing the path for his arrival.” So the people spoke, bringing pleasure to his ears.

His mind upraised with joy, that Mine of Virtue, having heard the word ‘Buddha’, was not able to restrain his emotion. Therefore the Hero begged for a small section of the road to clear, and having received an uneven spot, he began to even it out. But before that place was prepared, the Sole Protector of the World, who is worshipped by men and gods, the Benefitter of the World, the Great Seer, entered the path along with the monks. Having seen the Realised One with his bright six-coloured halo blazing forth entering that place, he thought rejoicing: “What if I were to lie down in the mud, having made a bridge of my very self for that Hero, that Great Seer, together with his Saïgha,” and realising that would be for his benefit and happiness for a long time, the Budding Victor Sumedha lay down.

28

Part 1: The Far Distant Past

Sumedha Flying through the Air

Part 1: The Far Distance Past

29

vv. 46-59 THE RESOLUTION

The Firm One, while lying in that place, after raising his charming lotus-like eyes, and once more contemplating the Buddha Dãpaïkara, thought thus: “If I so wished, after bringing to an end the endless battle of existence today, and becoming a novice in the Saïgha, I could enter the excellent city of Nibbàna. But what is there for me in ordination, or in the destruction of the defilements? Like this Buddha, Complete Emancipation is best for me only after becoming a supreme Buddha myself and carrying the people across the ocean of existence with the boat of the Dhamma, and bringing them to the City of Nibbàna.” After reflecting thus he lay there in the mud radiating beautifully.

30

Part 1: The Far Distant Past

The Aspiration for Awakening

Part 1: The Far Distance Past

31

So the Hero, after seeing the pleasing and Fortunate Buddha Dãpaïkara with his mind detached and his six-coloured rays, with his heart uplifted with joy, thus made his aspiration for Complete Awakening.

After approaching the place where the sage was lying in the mud, and seeing him making a bridge out of himself, Dãpaïkara, the Realised One, the Hero, the World’s Sole Eye, the World’s Sole Bridge, stood near his head and announced: “In the future he will be a Sambuddha known by the name of Gotama,” and he spoke about his disciples, his city, and so on. Having said this, that Buddha of Lovely Virtue, together with his Saïgha, circumbulated him, and worshipped him with eight handfuls of flowers. Having done this, the Leader of the World, together with the Saïgha, entered into the city called Delight, which has fair pleasure gardens and dwelling places.

Sumedha, the great ascetic, having great wisdom, and controlled senses, after hearing the Buddha’s pronouncement, rejoiced, arose from the mud, folded his legs crosswise, and sat down on the flower-seat, and was worshipped by the assembly of Gods with flowers and so on. Rejoicing, the Gods from the ten thousand world-systems praised the Hero who was sitting on the flower-seat.

32

Part 1: The Far Distant Past

vv. 60-69 THE PERFECTIONS

Then, while sitting there, Sumedha examined above, below, and in the main and intermediate directions what things go to make one a Buddha, and he examined all the elements of the Dhamma in this way. The first thing he saw in his mind was the perfection of giving, and when he had understood it fully, he sought out the next perfection.

In this way he saw by himself with the eye of knowledge all the perfections, and enduring a great deal of suffering in the rolling on of SaĂźsĂ ra, seeking the peaceful, the deathless, he fulfilled the perfection of giving by giving to all beings, like a wish-fulfilling tree or a wish-fulfilling jewel, and

Part 1: The Far Distant Past

33

The Perfections, from Giving to Wisdom

34

Part 1: The Far Distance Past

gave whatever they desired, beginning with excellent food and so forth.

After doing a good many other things, as many as the stars in the sky, gladly the Hero, tore out his charming eyes and gave them to beggars. He also gave his body’s flesh, more than the dust on the earth; and his blood, more than the waters in the ocean. After giving away his diadem-adorned heads countless times, while making the earth shake, he even gave away his wife and children.

Thus after fulfilling all the perfections of generosity, morality, renunciation, wisdom, energy, patience, truthfulness, resolution, friendliness, and equanimity, he was born as Vessantara. From that life he passed away and re-arose in the Tusita Heaven, the beautiful abode of the Gods, and for a very long time he dwelt there enjoying endless blessings.

Part 1: The Far Distant Past

35

2

PART vv. 70-267 THE NOT-SO -DISTANT PAST

vv. 70-81 THE CONCEPTION

The Gods, with their hands held in reverential salutation, begged the Supreme Man, saying: “Great Champion, it’s time for your Complete Awakening”.

After examining the time and understanding it was indeed the time for his Awakening, he gave his promise to the assembly of Gods, and went to the Nandana Grove with them, and there he heard them say: “Having passed away from here, pass on to a good state of being.”

The Wise One passed away and in this existence arose in the beautiful city called Kapilavatthu, which was a crowded city having great horses with decorated limbs and delightfully tall lordly

36

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

elephants. It had various beautiful shops rich in wares, towers adorned with a mass of flags, great houses decorated with watchtowers, lovely city gates, beautiful women’s houses, a city more joyful than the Lord of the Gods’ city Purindada.

He was born to King Suddhodana, who was an excellent Master of Men, a protector of those without protection, the pride of the family descended from King Okkàka, a pure dwelling place of countless virtues, whose lotus-like feet were served by bejeweled princes, as many as a swarm of bees.

The Bodhisatta, after showing himself in a dream as a beautiful, noble elephant as white as the moon, with an excellent white lotus in his lovely pure white trunk, which was like a silver chain, descended to the womb of Queen Màyà, who had very red lips, eyes like blossoming lotuses, eyebrows like delightful rainbows, a noble face like a pure and pleasing full moon, charming breasts, hands and feet which were as lovely as lotus shoots, beautiful skin and body, and was adorned with countless good qualities such as virtue and so forth.

At the moment he was conceived countless wonders arose, and afterwards he was taken care of by gods and men. Like a delightful golden image sitting in a pleasing red lotus, the golden-skinned Lord of Men sat cross-legged in his mother’s womb,

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

37

and like a red thread strung through a clear jewel, the Hero enlightened his mother’s mind.

38

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

The Birth Signs, the Elephant and Lotus 39

vv. 82-96 THE BIRTH

At the end of ten months the Queen said to the King: “Your Majesty! I wish to go to my relatives’ house.” She received permission from the King, and while going along a smooth road - like a heavenly road - under the protection of a great retinue of her own clan, she saw the Lumbini Grove, an extensive, delightful abode, having Sal groves decorated with bunches of fragrant flowers, with the sound of rapt bees humming.

She was summoned, as it were, by flocks of birds who led her on, and after delighting in her charming play in that place, which was like the play of a young immortal, she went to the root of an excellent blossoming Sal tree, and grasped a branch which

40

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

bent itself down for her, and at that time she was shaken by the pangs of childbirth. The people threw a screen around the Queen and retreated from that place and stood around guarding her.

Standing there hanging on to the branch with her cotton-soft lotus-like hands, which had beautiful fingers with copper-coloured nails, which were adorned with charming golden bracelets, she gave birth to the Hero.

He descended from the unequalled womb of his mother, with his golden-skinned, beautiful body and delightful eyes, and with his delightful hands and feet stretched forth, like a golden goose from a lotus. The Supreme Divinities, after taking a priceless, golden net, approached and caught him as he was born, and stood in front of her, saying: “Rejoice, Your Majesty, an excellent son has been born to you.”

Other men are born with their limbs smeared with impurities, but this excellent Lord of Men was born pure, like a priceless jewel deposited on exceedingly soft, spotless silk. Then two streams of water fell from the sky, making his body and his Mother’s body cool and pleasing on that auspicious occasion.

From the Supreme Divinities’ delightful hands the Gods, having approached, took him on an

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

41

The Pure Unsullied Birth

42

antelope skin mat, and from their hands noblemen received that Champion Lion of a Man, with a pillow made of silk, and from their hands, like a delightful spotless moon, having placed his broad wheelmarked feet on the plains of the earth, he looked to the easterly direction with his long lotus-like eyes.

Then countless hundreds of universes became clear to him, with their men and gods worshipping him with perfumes and so on, and to the Hero they said this: “Sage! There is not even one man here who is your equal, how to say greater?”

In this way the Protector of the World, looking in all directions, and not seeing one who was his equal, having taken seven steps in the northerly direction said this: “I am the greatest in the world, I am the elder in the world, I am the best in the world.

This is my last birth, There is no more rebirth for me”. (from DN 14)

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

43

vv. 87-117 THE 32 WONDERS

At this supreme, rare and extraordinary sound the Supreme Divinities and other Gods worshipped the Lord of Men, and a great number of people, taking the Lord of Men, went to the beautiful city called Kapilavatthu. Although strong enough to bear the great weight of the forests, the King of mountains Meru, and all the waters of the ocean, the Earth, as though unable to bear the weight of the virtues of that most excellent being, at the moment of his birth trembled. And at that time 32 wonders arose: Dogs sported with deer, crows with owls, snakes with birds, and gangs of cats sported with rats. Just as parents associate with their children, so animals

44

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

associated with lions, which are known as the Lords of Animals.

Just as the teacher Sarabhaïga’s arrow returned to him, so ships which had gone to foreign lands returned to their home lands; the great ocean was decorated with variously coloured lotuses; the foaming waves became peaceful, and its waters became exceedingly sweet. The sky became crowded with hanging lotuses in full bloom; the birds abandoned their flight through the air; the rivers stood still, and did not flow.

As a bride becomes supremely beautiful through loving intercourse, so the Earth became supremely beautiful through a meeting with an out-of-season cloud, and it was adorned with countless flowers which rained down as if sent by the Gods. Lordly trees were surrounded by creepers and slender women bearing delightful blooming flowers. The clearings in all directions were resplendent, and the sky was filled with fragrant blossoms; the whole sky, being scented with fragrant perfumes, was most delightful.

The Gods and Demons clad in festive clothes went about joined together in song. All people spoke kindly, and it became clear in all directions.

Elephants trumpeted, lions roared, and there was the neighing of horses. Flutes, lutes, and the drums

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

45

The Dance of the Lame

46

of the Gods in the sky each let loose their charming sounds. The various world-elements with their lordly mountains were pervaded by delightful and great rays of light. A pleasing, fragrant, soft, cool breeze blew pleasantly over all the people.

People oppressed in their limbs with countless diseases and so on were freed therefrom and became happy. The worlds were aroused and became delightful with an immeasurable covering of light, and the waters having broken free from the earth flowed along. The limbs of cripples were straightened out, the blind saw the lame dancing and sporting, and the deaf heard the delightful songs of the dumb.

Even as far as the fires of hell all became cool, and those born in water rejoiced, and the creatures of the earth made merry. For Hungry Ghosts who were overwhelmed with hunger and thirst there was food. In the unbroken darkness of space there was light, and in the sky the multitude of stars, the moon, and the sun shone surpassingly bright, as also the treasures hidden in the earth.

Large blossoming lotuses, having the five variegated colours, after breaking through the surface of the earth, sprang up one on top of the other. Without being played upon or struck, kettledrums, ornaments and so on let loose an endlessly sweet sound on earth. Men bound with chains and so

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

47

forth were loosened therefrom. The doors and windows in the various abodes in the world opened by themselves, and because of that the rejoicing hosts of Gods in the Heavens went around sporting, throwing up their clothes and so forth.

48

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

vv. 118-128 THE ASCETIC K âL ADEVAL A

The ascetic Kàladevala, who had supernatural power and great wisdom, was the family advisor of the devout King Suddhodana. At the end of his meal, he went to Heaven and sat down to spend the day there. He saw that the Gods had put on festive clothes and were sporting around, and he asked them the reason for their great joy, and they answered him: “In the city of Kapilavatthu there is born to King Suddhodana a son, who, near the Bodhi Tree, will become a Buddha.” After hearing about this, with his mind joyful and elated he instantly departed from there and entered King Suddhodana’s dwelling. While sitting on the prepared seat, the seer said: “It seems, Great King,

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

49

an unsurpassed and sagacious son has been born to you, I long to see him”.

The King, summoned the Prince, and approached to make him pay his respects to Kàladevala, but instantly, by the power of the Prince’s virtues, his delightful lotus-like feet turned about and were placed on the ascetic’s head - in that life there was no one in the three realms of existence the Supreme Man should pay respects to. If the head of the Protector of the Three Worlds had been placed at the ascetic’s feet the ascetic’s head would surely have split asunder. And so with his hands raised in reverential salutation to the Hero, Kàladevala thought: “It is not suitable to destroy myself.”

The Lord of Men Suddhodana, the God beyond all Gods, having seen that wonder, was satisfied, and paid great respect to his son’s tender, beautiful, wheel-marked lotus feet.

50

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

The Lotus-Like Feet Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

51

vv. 129-135 THE PLOUGHING FESTIVAL

When it was time for the King’s Ploughing Festival, the city was decked out like a city in Heaven, and the delighted people in their finery assembled at King Suddhodana’s supreme residence.

With his body adorned, at the head of the people, having taken his son, who was adorned with many adornments, like Sakka the Lord of the Gods at play, that Master of Men went to the Ploughing Festival.

Having laid the Bodhisatta at the root of a certain Rose Apple tree, which was surrounded with a glorious and charming screen, the nurses went outside to watch the Festival. While sitting on that pleasant couch at the root of that glorious, canopied Rose Apple tree, which was resplendent with golden

52

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

In the Shade of the Tree

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

53

stars and so on, taking the opportunity, the Hero attained meditative absorption.

Having seen him sitting there like a golden statue, and the Rose Apple tree’s shadow standing still, the nurses said to the King: “Such is the wonderful nature of your son.” After hearing this about him whose face shone like a clear moon, and whose eyes were like lotuses, he announced: “This is the second time I pay my respects to him”, and with his head he paid his respects at his son’s feet.

This and countless other wonders occurred in the world, but through fear of extending this book, I have shown only a few, and in brief.

54

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

vv. 136-141 THE PAL ACES

In that place there were three palaces decorated with variegated jewels, having manifold lodgings with decorated canopies. They were many-storied, adorned with rows of stairs, decked out and suitable for the three seasons. There were a multitude of rays around their turrets, which in their glory put the eternal rays around the turrets of the Palaces of the Gods to shame, and as the rays of the sun illumine the lotus-groves, so these illuminated the lotus-like faces of the people.

Near the many bejewelled walls, the women ornamented their slender bodies, without the help of mirrors. There was a decorated, whitewashed rampart enclosure similar to Mount Kailash, which

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

55

brought pleasure to the eyes, and moats, which always had countless lotuses, like large sapphire bracelets adorned with many treasures.

Therein the Sole Seer of the Three Worlds lived and, after attaining maturity and enjoying pleasant sensual pleasures, one day he went along the main path to play in the garden.

56

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

The Sensual Pleasures

57

vv. 142-158 THE SIGNS

W hile going along the path, he saw an old man, a sick man, and a dead man, and he lost his attachment to the three realms of existence.

On the fourth occasion he saw the delightful form of a renunciant, and delighting in it the Famous One went to a beautiful and delightful garden, which, like the Nandana Wood in TĂ vatiĂźsa Heaven, was adorned with many blossoming trees, and the birdsong of a multitude of peacocks and so on.

There the Lord of Men, like the Lord of the Gods Sakka at play, delighted in the sensual pleasures of the delightful music, dance and song of the beautiful Feminine Divinities. While sitting on his radiant

58

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

The Great Signs

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

59

seat, after crossing his legs, he thought about how he would be able to adorn his body.

Then the Master of the Gods Sakka, having understood his thoughts, said this to Vissakamma: “Please go and adorn Siddhattha.” Hearing that command Vissakamma approached him and wrapped the Famous One’s beautiful head with ten thousand cloths. He also beautified his body, which was glorious with rare and extraordinary signs, with many superb ornaments, and with the sweet perfume of flowers, sandalwood, and so forth. Adorned by Vissakamma, he sat there on a spotless flat slab of stone, surrounded by beautiful Feminine Divinities, and shone like Sakka, the Master of the Gods.

A message was sent by Suddhodana, the Lord of Men saying: “My son! A son has been born to you!”

The Supreme Man, after hearing this and exclaiming: “Today Ràhula, a bond, has been born to me!” at once went to the beautiful city of Kapilavatthu, which was furnished with all sensual pleasures.

Then Kisàgotami, standing on the top floor of the palace, having seen the Prince shining like the sun, said this: “Those to whom this Hero is a son, she who is the wife of this one complete in virtue, all of them are truly satisfied forever.” He heard the pleasant utterance, and full of the joy that had arisen in his heart, he proceeded to his home, and after

60

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

removing his delightful pearl necklace from his neck, he send it to her.

Then ascending his beautiful palace, which was like Sakka’s palace Vejayanta, he sat down like Sakka the King of the Gods on his couch. Beautiful women like Feminine Divinities surrounded him and performed various songs and dances. But the Hero, greatly delighting in the thought of renunciation and being detached from the five strands of sense pleasure, did not delight in those songs and dances.

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

61

vv. 159-173 THE GREAT RENUNCIATION

The Great Champion, the Master of the Earth, after lying down, reposed a little on the couch, then he folded his legs crosswise. While sitting there he saw the change in the condition of the women who had fallen asleep, and fearful of continued existence, he thought: “I will renounce the world now”.

He approached the doorsill, and called Channa, his attentive, well-controlled, faith-inspiring, highly meritorious friend and councillor, who had placed his head on the beautiful threshold and was reposing, with the thought: “I will hear the Hero if he calls me”. The Bodhisatta said this to Channa: “Prepare the horse named Kanthaka and bring him here”.

62

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

Yasodhara and Rahula Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

63

Channa accepted the order that was given by the Bodhisatta, and after going from there and preparing the horse, he quickly brought him. Having understood he was being prepared for the Bodhisatta’s Great Renunciation that noble horse, while being harnessed

by Channa, neighed excitedly. That noise went out and spread over the whole city, but the Hosts of Gods in the city allowed no one to hear it.

Then that Good Man thought joyously: “I will first see my son and afterwards depart and become a Buddha.” Therefore he went to his wife’s apartments, placed his foot on the threshold, and looked inside. On a couch, which was bestrewn with flowers, like Sakka the Lord of the Gods’ couch, lay Mother Yasodharà together with his son. The Sole Leader of the World, having seen that, thought thus: “If I, having removed her Majesty’s arm, would take my son, she might wake and, through her great love, put an obstacle in the way of my departure. After becoming a Buddha I will return and see my son.”

Then the Ruler of Men descended from that place.

Yasodharà, with her well-formed face and lotuslike hands and feet, her laughing, bubbling, bright eyebrows, her eyes like blue lotuses, who was like the full moon, and very desirable – who would be able to abandon enjoying possession of her body, apart from the Hero, standing on perfection’s heights?

64

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

vv. 174-203 THE DEPARTURE

“Sire, I have brought the horse, now is the time, O Best of Charioteers,” so said Channa to the Famous Protector of the Earth. Then the Master of the Earth, after hearing the word spoken by Channa, descended from the palace, went to Kanthaka, and said this to him: “Delighting in the welfare of all beings, Kanthaka, carry me today for this one night, and having become an unsurpassed Buddha, I will carry the world with its men and Gods, across the ocean of existence, which is a great repository of terrors such as old-age, sickness and death.”

Having said this, he mounted the white horse, and with Channa holding his tail firmly, the One of Great Strength, having come close to the main gate,

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

65

The Departure on Horseback

66

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

thought thus: “If the door is not opened by anyone, then together with Channa holding on to the tail, I will grip Kanthaka with my thighs, and jump over this tall, beautiful wall and depart.” Channa, who was endowed with firm strength, and Kanthaka the supreme horse, both thought of overcoming the wall in the same way. Then, having understood the Bodhisatta’s mind, the Gods who were in possession of the door, rejoicing in the auspicious departure, opened the door.

Then Màra the Murderer thought: “This Siddhattha, the one who has accomplished his aim, I will make one who has not accomplished his aim,” and after going up and standing in the firmament he said this to him: “Do not renounce the world, Great Champion, seven days from now the divine Wheel Treasure will certainly appear to you.” The Murderer speaking thus, the Famous One said this to him: “Who are you?” and Màra showed himself. “Màra, I know my divine Wheel will appear! But you must go! Do not stand here! I have no need of Sovereignty, for, after making the whole of the ten-thousand world system resound, I will become a Buddha, the Sole Leader of the World.” The Great Being said this and Màra, being unable to accept the utterance, vanished right there and then. By saying this to the Wicked One he gave up the glory of the Universal

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

67

Monarchy, as though it were a lump of spit in the early morning.

The Gods, bearing a thousand jewelled torches went to worship him, and having gathered in that place went before and behind him, and on both sides.

The Lesser Divinities worshipped him right there, while a truly great army of Gods, delighting in play, like a shower of flowers raining down from the sky, came there from the ten-thousand world-systems, and, being greatly elated, they wandered around to and fro with their supremely subtle bodies. The speedy noble-bodied kings of horses, going along that charming path, which had fragrant and excellent flowers and sweet incense powder, and golden flags and so on blazing forth, were impeded by the mass of flowers and were unable to go quickly. While the great festival was continuing on the delightful path in this way, going thirty leagues along the road for the rest of the night, and reaching the bank of the river AnomĂ , he descended from the back of the horse onto the spotless, cool, sandy ground, and resting, he said: “Channa, take this horse and the things that were brought and go back to the city.â€?

Having said this, while standing in that place, the Great Champion, with a very sharp sword cut off his fragrantly perfumed top-knot, and threw it into the sky. Sakka, the Thousand-Eyed One, desiring to

68

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

worship it, rose into the sky and received the Hair Relic in a charming, golden casket, and installed it in the spotless Tàvatiüsa Heaven, in the top of the Crest-Jewel Shrine, which was about a league in height, made of sapphire, and was such as brings joy to the eyes.

Having taken the eight requisites of a monk which had been brought by the Supreme Divinities, he also threw his excellent clothes into the sky.

A Great Divinity caught them and made a delightful twelve-league high Clothes Shrine in the Heavenly world.

Then, after going to the Anupiya mango grove, and spending seven days there in the bliss of having gone forth, he went thirty leagues along the road in just one day, and reached Ràjagaha and went out on alms-round.

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

69

vv. 204-211 RâJAGAHA

Because of the Bodhisatta’s radiance the walls and gates, which were made of sapphire rock, appeared like a golden mountain. The mass of the people having seen him, became greatly excited, and asked: “Who is this? Is it a God, a Supreme Divinity, a Devil, or a Demon?” and so forth.

Having entered the city and gathered just enough food for sustenance, looking just a yoke’s distance ahead of him he went along the Royal Highway. The people were disturbed by him, just as the ocean that was churned with Mount Meru as a churning stick was disturbed.

Then having gone to Mount Paõóava, and sitting in its shade on a delightful piece of land, he began to

70

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

The Supplication of the King

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

71

eat his mixed-up and soiled food, and the Hero of Great Strength only managed to prevent himself from vomiting through the power of his reflection.

After he had eaten, King Bimbisàra approached and offered the Kingdom countless times to the Best of Men, but he refused it. Then he was begged by the King, saying: “Having become an unsurpassed Buddha, please teach me the Dhamma.”

72

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

vv. 212-219 SUJâTâ

The Hero gave his promise to the Ruler of Men and approached the place for his striving. After going through extraordinary difficulties, and seeing that nothing came of it, and consuming material food and drink he regained bodily strength. Then like a God he reached the root of the Goatherder’s Banyan tree. While the Brilliant One was sitting facing the East, through the radiant colour of his body, the Banyan tree became golden-coloured.

A beautiful lady named Sujàtà, who was wishing for success, took a golden bowl with milk-rice on her head, thinking: “I will straight away give an offering to the excellent Spirit of the Tree who has taken up residence in this place.” Then, after seeing

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

73

the Supreme Man, and thinking: “This is the Tree Spirit!”, with her heart uplifted she gave the bowl of rice to the Excellent One, and said: “Sire! In the same way as my hopes have been successful, may yours also succeed.” After saying this, the noble lady left that place.

Then that Noble Sage, took the bowl of rice and went to the bank of the river Nera¤jarà, and ate that excellent food, and after his meal he cast the delightful bowl into the stream and it miraculously floated upstream.

74

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

Sujata's Rice Offering 75

vv. 220-241 THE BODHI TREE

The Excellent One approached the grove, which was like the Lord of the Gods’ Nandana Grove in Tàvatiüsa Heaven, a grove shining with rows of full-blossoming Sal trees, which stole away the people’s minds and eyes, and having spent the day in that place, in the evening-time, with the grace of a lion he went to the Bodhi Tree.

The Lord of Men set out along a wide road which had been prepared by the Divinities, Gods and semidivine beings. The twice-born brahmin Sotthiya, a grass collector, having seen him, offered him a handful of grass to be used as a seat.

As the Supreme Man was going along, blue water-lilies, lotuses, and other flowers fell like

76

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

Sotthiya's Grass Offering

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

77

showers of rain from the sky; the sky was filled with a great deal of charming fragrant incense made of sandalwood, glorious jewelled umbrellas, and charming golden flags. In the sky thousands of Gods sporting garments that they were waving about beat the Gods’ musical drums, and countless chants were sung by Feminine Divinities; and delightful semi-divine beings with delightful limbs performed delightful dances and songs in countless delightful ways.

Then the Sole Leader of the Three Realms of Existence, the Famous One, as the great festival was continuing like a great torrent, took the grass and proceeded to the vicinity of the Lordly Bodhi Tree.

The Supreme Man, the Hero, after circumambulating the Bodhi tree, which was like the top of a silver mountain covered in coral and sapphire, while standing on firm ground on the Eastern side of the tree, threw a fistful of grass, and at once there was a fourteen-cubit seat. Then the One of Great Wisdom, having seen that wonder, thought: “Let my flesh, blood, bones, muscles and skin dry up, but I will surely never give up the effort to attain Awakening.” Then the Great Champion, the Supreme Man, sat in that place in cross-legged position facing the East.

78

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

At once Sakka the Lord of the Gods, having taken the Gods’ conch, which was more than two thousand cubits in height, stood there sounding it.

The Supreme Divinity Sahampati stood there like a second full-moon, holding aloft a three-league high white umbrella. Suyàma, the Ruler of the Gods, stood there slowly fanning a charming three league high chowrie. The God Pa¤casikhà stood there playing many different melodies on a beluva-wood lute he had taken up. The King of the Demons Kàla stood at the head of the dancing-girls singing songs of praise, and thirty-two princesses stood there worshipping with a golden casket full of divine flowers they had taken hold of.

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

79

vv. 242-266 THE DEFEAT OF MâRA

Then, as this great festival with the Lord of the Gods and his hosts was proceeding, the Wicked Màra thought thus: “So this successful prince Siddhattha wishes to escape from my sphere of influence, straight away I will make him unsuccessful”, and he created a thousand broad and terrible arms, and collected various blazing weapons with them, and mounted the charming and fierce tusker called Girimekhala, who was one hundred and fifty leagues in extent. Then, surrounded by his army, which had many faces, fire-coloured hair, broad red circular protruding eyes, terrible lipbiting mouths, snake-like arms, and various weapons, he approached that place, and while

80

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

roaring a most terrible roar, he ordered: “Seize and bind Siddhattha”; and with the sight of that the hosts of Gods were put to flight, like cotton that has arisen in a violent wind.

Màra the Murderer first made a fierce and noisy wind like a deep roaring storm-cloud, but was not able to move even a corner of his robe with it; then he made fall a terrible and awful rain, like the heavy rain at the dissolution of the world, but not even a drop of water was able to fall near the Incomparable One; then having seen that wonder, with a very sad face, he caused to rain down, an extremely terrible fire like fiery great rocks, ashes and mud, a torrent of weapons like rain, a torrent of blazing charcoal, and sand like rain; but all of these after falling from the sky through the strength and power of Màra, into the vicinity of him who had reached the peak of merit, changed into garlands of flowers.

Then, having made a supremely awful darkness, like the darkness between the worlds, the One of Wicked Character only beheld a mass of exceedingly beautiful light that arose and shone from the Bodhisatta’s body like a hundred risen suns destroying the darkness of delusion.

Then, his face altogether red with anger, with a frowning appearance, having an extremely fearsome, deformed appearance, he let fly his most excellent

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

81

and extremely sharp Wheel-Weapon, which could surely split into pieces Meru the King of mountains, as though it were the soft stem of a palm tree, but with the approach of that weapon he was unable to do anything to that Mine of Virtue. Rather, having ascended into the sky from that place, it became a sunshade made of flowers over his head. And the great many blazing rocky peaks which were hurled at him, having fallen from the sky, became garlands of flowers.

Having seen that, Màra grieved and having approached the vicinity of the Hero, he said: “This unconquered seat has come to me, rise from this seat!” Then the Devout One, who had done many good and meritorious deeds said: “Màra, you said you have earned this seat, who is your witness?”

Called upon like this the Wicked One stretched forth his hand towards his army and said: “All these are my witnesses!” and with a terrible roar of “I am witness, I am witness”, he made them declare their witness. Then he addressed the Bodhisatta thus: “Who is your witness, Siddhattha?”

Then that Incomparable One said: “Here, Màra, I have no sentient witnesses,” and he withdrew his shining right hand from his beautiful dyed robe, like golden lightning emerging from a glittering cloud, and pointed towards the earth - the earth which had

82

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

The Defeat of Mara

83

witnessed his perfections - and said: “Why are you so silent now?” and having made the earth resound and roar countless hundreds of times, like a roaring storm-cloud, with the elephant-like strength of a Buddha, he brought the elephant Girimekhala to his knees.

Having seen that, Màra having a very sad face, thought: “Now, let him have it, now let him have it!” and like a broken-toothed snake with its arrogance destroyed he abandoned his countless weapons, clothes, and ornaments, and fled with his army as far as the Cakkavàëa mountain on the edge of the universe.

The hosts of Gods, after seeing Màra’s army fleeing in fear and grief, spoke thus: “This is the defeat of Màra, and the victory of Prince Siddhattha!”

They rejoiced and worshipped the Hero with fragrant perfumes and so on, and returned to their abodes with countless shouts of righteous praise, clad in festive clothes.

84

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

vv. 267-271 THE PERFECT AWAKENING

The Hero of Great Strength defeated the strength of MĂ ra, and while the sun continued to shine, he sat down on the immovable seat. The Supreme One purified his knowledge of former existences in the first watch of the night, and the divine-eye in the middle watch, and having dived into that part of knowledge which deals with Conditional Origination in the last watch, he meditated on it in countless ways.

At the rise of dawn the lotus-eyed Perfect Sambuddha made the hundred world elements resound, awoke completely, and after becoming a Buddha, with great joy he uttered this matchless exalted utterance:

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

85

Through countless births in Saüsàra I have wandered without finding The house-builder I was seeking: Born and suffering again and again.

O house-builder, now you are seen!

You will not build the house again: All your rafters have been broken, And the ridgepole has been destroyed, My mind has reached the unconditioned, And craving’s end has been achieved.

(Dhp. 153-154)

86

Part 2: The Not-So-Distant Past

The Awakened One

87

3

PART vv. 272-457 THE PRESENT TIME

vv. 272-280 THE SEVEN WEEKS

Having considered in countless ways the virtues of that seat, thinking: “I will not rise from this seat just yet,” in the first week the Teacher sat right there on that immovable seat for seven days, and attained the countless ten hundred million attainments.

Then some Divine Beings had doubts thinking: “Perhaps there is something more for the Famous Hero Siddhattha to do, therefore he does not abandon his place on the seat.” Having known their thought, and to appease that doubt, He of Peaceful Mind, the golden-skinned Light-Maker, the Protector, rose like a golden-swan ascending into the sky, and performed the Double Miracle, and with this

88

The Coiled Lord of Snakes

Part 3: The Present Time

89

Miracle he thus completely appeased the Divine Beings’ thought.

In the second week he stood for seven days worshipping the Bodhi Tree and the Victory Seat with his unblinking lotus-eyes; in the third week he walked in that excellent walkway, which had treasures, and was resplendently beautiful; and in the fourth week the Pure One thought about the Pure Dhamma in the delightful Treasure House. In the fifth week at the root of the excellent Royal GoatHerder’s Tree he caused the spotless lotus-like faces of Màra’s daughters to wither completely; then in the sixth week at the root of the Mucalinda Tree he awakened the pure lily-like thoughts of the Coiled Lord of Snakes. In the seventh week the Devout One, with a pleasing appearance, experienced the bliss of attainment at the root of the Kings’ Stead Tree - and so he spent the first forty-nine days after his Awakening.

90

Part 3: The Present Time

vv. 281-303 THE DIVINE REQUEST

After making use of the pure water brought from the Anotatta lake in Himàlayas, the tooth-cleaner made out of betel wood, and the yellow myrobalan medicine brought by Sakka the Lord of the Gods, the Bodhisatta accepted the milk-rice and honeyballs brought by the merchants in the bowl offered by the Great Kings.

At the end of his meal he went to the root of the Goat-Herder’s Tree and recalled the profundity of the Dhamma he had understood thus: “This Dhamma which has been understood by me is deep and peaceful like the mass of water borne by the earth,” and so on.

While the King of the Dhamma was reflecting

Part 3: The Present Time

91

mindfully on the deep nature of the Dhamma thinking: “While I was practising with great effort and thinking to penetrate this Dhamma, to those who came forward and requested it, I cut off my head, delightfully decorated as it was with a topknot, and other decorations, and gave it to them; I rooted out my collyrium-annointed eyes, and removed my flowing blood. Then through giving away my beautiful, splendid wife, and my son, the light of his family’s lineage, there was nothing known as a gift that I had not given, and no virtue that was not preserved.

Thus, fearing a break in my virtuous practices, I sacrificed my life in my existences as Saïkhapàla and at other times; and in countless existences which I attained such as Khantivàdã, with the cutting off of my limbs and so on, there was no perfection I left unfulfilled. When Màra’s army was destroyed by me the earth did not shake, and nor with the Remembrance of Past Lives, in the middle watch when I purified the Divine Eye it did not shake, but in the last watch when I penetrated Conditional Origination, instantaneously, as though giving a round of applause, while releasing a great roar, the earth shook.

Like a gourd filled with rice-gruel, like a pot full of buttermilk, like a hand besmeared with collyrium,

92

Part 3: The Present Time

The Request of Brahma Part 3: The Present Time

93

like a cloth soaked with grease, this world, filled with a mass of defilements, defiled and excited by passion, corrupted by anger, confused with very strong delusion, is a place for the production of a great deal of ignorance. What is the name of the one who will penetrate this Dhamma? What is the use of preaching to him?”

Thus in this way the Protector became one lacking the energy to give the Ambrosial Dhamma to the people. Then the Supreme Divinity Sahampati, after emitting the following great shout: “The world, my dear, is perishing! The world is indeed perishing!” immediately took a host of Gods and Supreme Divinities from the hundred world-elements, and drew close to the Teacher. After approaching and placing his knee on the plain of the earth and stretching forth his hands in reverential salutation he said: “May the Gracious One preach the Dhamma, may the Fortunate One preach the Dhamma; there are some beings with little dust on their eyes who are going to destruction from not hearing it, they will be able to understand the Dhamma”.

Then, being requested by Sahampati in this way, the Victorious One, the lotus-faced Sambuddha, looked around the hundred world-elements with his Buddha-eye, and saw that many mortals had but little dust on their eyes. He then classified beings

94

Part 3: The Present Time

according to their capacity, shunned those incapable of understanding, and took those who were capable, and answered the hosts of Supreme Divinities with his radiant deathless words: “Now let the people present themselves as recipients of faith and I will fill them with the gift of the deathless and True Dhamma.�

Part 3: The Present Time

95

vv. 304-327 THE ROLLING OF THE DHAMMA WHEEL

Then the Buddha rose from the Goat-Herder’s Tree, emitting the shining Buddha-rays, like the sun rising with great light into the sky over the mountain, like a shining and bright jewel-light. Then he rejoiced Upaka and so on, and gradually covered an 18-league road, which resounded with the sound of a host of bees active in the blossoming trees. So the Famous One went to the supreme Deer Park, which was continuously resounding with countless birds, and perfumed with the scent of blossoming lotuses.

Then, in that place, the Group of Five ascetics, having seen the God of Gods, the Sole Protector of the Three Realms of Existence, the One who Sees to the End of the World, the Hero with beautiful

96

Part 3: The Present Time

limbs, the Lion King of Sages, the Fortunate One, counselled an evil counsel: “Friends! This ascetic, having enjoyed gross food and drink, now has a very beautiful complexion and a full body, we should not pay respects to him.

However, he is born into a great lineage, is venerable, and has been a chief in the world, he is worthy of being offered a seat, therefore let us prepare a seat.”

Then the Gracious One, with keen intelligence, having understood their thoughts, destroyed their conceitedness with the fragrant breeze of his friendliness. And they, being unable to maintain their agreement, paid their respects to the Devout One, the Protector of the World.

The sages, not knowing that the King of Sages had become a Buddha, all spoke to him using the term ‘Friend’. Then, the Knower of the Worlds, the Protector of the World, addressed them saying: “Do not speak to the Teacher using the term ‘Friend’.

Monks! I am the Realised One, the Worthy One, the Perfect Sambuddha, the Supreme One”, and so he made known to them that he was a Buddha.

Then he sat down on the beautiful seat they had prepared, and addressed with his Divine voice those elders adorned with the ornament of virtue. At that time, while surrounded by countless tens of millions of Supreme Divinities, he destroyed the

Part 3: The Present Time

97

The Dhamma Wheel Set Rolling 98

Part 3: The Present Time

blind mass of delusion, and showed them the light of his delightful Dhamma with his lotus-like intelligence, and set rolling the Dhamma-Wheel with his radiant teaching.

Thus in the battle-ground known as the Deer Grove, like a mighty king, the King of the Dhamma, took up the delightful sword-like teaching with the hand of wisdom, and cut down the defilements, which, like an enemy, always work for the great harm of the people, and beat the victory drum of the Dhamma, raised its very difficult to attain flag of victory, and established its supreme victory pillar.

The Safety-Maker, a charming sight while going along, became the Sole King of the World, delighting in the World’s welfare, and desirous of leading all people to the City of Nibbàna, he liberated them from the vast bondage of Saüsàra. Reaching the road to Uruvelà, which was like a road in Heaven, like the top of Meru, the Golden Mountain, and making thirty of the august group of young princes drink the supreme elixir of the three deathless paths, and giving them the supreme going-forth, the Sambuddha sent them off saying: “Monks, walk on pilgrimage for the welfare of the world.”

Then reaching Uruvelà, he cut off the inner tangle and the outer tangle of the tangled-haired ones, and made them attain the high road. The Supreme One,

Part 3: The Present Time

99

surrounded by those Free from the Pollutants, like the moon surrounded by the stars, greatly beautified the clearings in all directions with the supreme ornament of his six-coloured rays, which satisfied even the eyes of the birds.

100

Part 3: The Present Time

vv. 328-338 KING BIMBISâRA

Remembering the promise he had given to the famous King Bimbisàra - an abode of virtue who stood out in the noble line of kings - and wishing to fulfil it, he went to the garden called the Staff Wood, which was ornamented with countless trees, groves, and dancing peacocks.

King Bimbisàra, having heard of the Great Seer’s coming, adorned with the ornament of joy and happiness, surrounded by his great ministers, went to that garden and beautified the hair of his head with the lotus-like feet of the Teacher. Then, while sitting, he gave to Bimbisàra the Deathless waters of the True Dhamma.

Resplendent with the great beauty sung of by Sakka the King of the Gods, the Famous One, who

Part 3: The Present Time 101

The First Monastery 102

Part 3: The Present Time

is honoured by Gods and Angels, went to fair Ràjagaha, which was like the Lord of the Gods’ city, and was led to the King’s house by the King himself. Then at the end of the meal, the Best of Men, making the great Earth shake, accepted the fair Bamboo Grove Monastery, which was resplendent with full-flowering kingly trees that brought pleasure to the eyes.

The Lord of Sages, having made a fence out of his mass of pure and excellent moral practice, and raising the brilliant sceptre of concentration, while whirling about the supremely sharp and auspicious arrow of his vast Buddha-knowledge, was respected

by Gods and men.

The Protector of those without protection, who was beautiful like a golden effulgence, having charming lotus-like feet, pure lotus-like eyes, delightful jasmine-like teeth, who was an ocean of precious virtues, with a gentle moon-like face, dwelt as he liked in that supreme dwelling place, which was situated in a large, pure, creeper-covered arbour, on a mass of white sand which decorated the earth, which had fragrant flowers, the perfume of which was spread about by a gentle breeze, and which was adorned with various lotus flowers in the nearby lake.

Part 3: The Present Time 103

vv. 339-355 K âLUDâYä

Then King Suddhodana heard: “My child has attained supreme and Perfect Awakening, and, desiring the welfare of the world, has set the True Dhamma wheel rolling, and recently has been living in the delightful Bamboo Wood, and depending on Ràjagaha for support.” Then desiring to see his own son, who had become a Buddha, nine times sent nine ministers accompanied by nine thousand warriors into the presence of the Great Seer. They went, but after hearing the Dhamma-King’s incomparable preaching, and obtaining the supreme benefit of Nibbàna, they forgot to give the message.

Seeing that not even one of them returned King Suddhodana summoned his great minister

104

Part 3: The Present Time

Kàludàyã, 4 who always greatly delighted in the thought of the going-forth ordination, and said to him: “Carry away my great treasure of a son by whatever means, and delight my eyes by bringing him into my presence.”

Then he sent him also, together with a thousand warriors, and having gone with that group, after hearing the Teacher’s beautiful preaching, he attained the road to Worthiness. Then after ordaining he worshipped that Best of Men with his hands at his head in reverential salutation, and said to the Sambuddha: “The season of Spring has produced colourful and delightful buds and foliage, a thousand delightful branches together with glorious, and deep-green coloured leaves, trees crowded with various extraordinarily fragrant and variegated blossoms, many very beautiful animals, and flocks of birds singing in the excellent groves.

There are now countless delightful lakes, full of very blue and agreeable waters, which are decorated with very fragrant blue, white, bronze, and red lotuses, having unstained and extremely pearly white sandbanks, with a multitude of sweet-sounding grey geese, and a variety of trees along the banks.

4 also called Udàyã

Part 3: The Present Time 105

The Road to Kapilavatthu 106

The banks themselves are resplendent with rows of flowers and blossoms, having plains covered with fresh and very green lawns, as though covered with pleasing lapis-lazuli, and skies full of light breezes.

Reverend Sir! It is time to go to the Royal City called Kapilavatthu, which is prosperous with people having endless riches!” So in this way he praised the beauty of the road.

The Fortunate One, after hearing this great praise, said: “Udàyã, why did you praise the beauty of this journey?” Then Udàyã said this to that SafetyMaker: “Reverend Sir, your father the famous and excellent King Suddhodana wishes to see you; let the Sole Protector of the World’s Benefit, the Realised One, be of assistance to his relatives.”

When He who delights in the World’s Benefit had heard Udàyã’s sweet utterance, He said: “It is good, Udàyã, I will indeed assist my relatives.”

Part 3: The Present Time 107

vv. 356-373 THE VISIT TO THE SâKIYAS

Then, adorned with his red robe, like Golden Mount Meru, like the spotless, full moon surrounded by stars, the glorious and Victorious Buddha, together with twenty-thousand Arahats with their minds at peace, travelling along the road league by league for sixty leagues in all, within two months he arrived at the excellent city of his birth.

The Buddha, whose face was shining like a pure lotus flower, luminous like a new sun having a hundred rays, with broad feet marked with the auspicious wheel, the abode of good conduct, the Sole Refuge of the Three Worlds, having a peaceful and excellent body, was worshipped by the Masters of the Earth beginning with Suddhodana, with full

108

Part 3: The Present Time

golden water-pots, pandals, perfumed smoke, and flowers, small bamboo drums, and so on, and with variegated umbrellas, flags, and yak-tail fans.

The Lord of Sages, having reached that delightful and well-prepared city, which was decorated with sweet-smelling flowers and blossoms, crowded with broad terraces, having water-born flowers strewn over the pure waters of the tanks, resplendent with a multitude of pleasing and colourful peacocks, entered the delightful and supreme Banyan Tree Grove, which was decorated with noble and charming walkways, mansions, and creepercovered pavilions.

After pondering thus: “This Siddhattha is our son or our grandson” and so on, the Sàkiyas with their inborn and stubborn pride, said to their children and Princes: “You may worship Siddhattha, but we will not worship him.”

Having said that and placed them at the front, they sat down. Then the Tamer of the untamed, the Trained One, the Sole Eye of the Three Worlds, knowing their intention thought: “My relatives do not worship me, but I will now make them worship me”, and immediately after entering the fourth absorption, which is the basis for deep powers, and rising from that absorption, like a golden swan, the golden-coloured Light-Maker, that Noble Sage,

Part 3: The Present Time 109

Fire and Water Miracle

110

Part 3: The Present Time

ascended into the sky. While pleasing the eyes of all beings, being unlike others, and delighting greatly in that place, he performed the supreme Double Miracle, which was like the Miracle he had performed earlier at the root of the Gaõóamba Tree.

Having seen that wonder, with the joy and delight that had arisen, the Sole Leader of the Sàkiya Lineage, the Best of Men, King Suddhodana adorned his charming hair with the Teacher’s lotus feet; and all the Sàkiyas did likewise. The Hero, when the rain of flowers had finished, having made the delightful Dhamma-rain fall, raised up the minds of all beings on earth.

Part 3: The Present Time 111

vv. 374-391 KING SUDDHODANA

Having destroyed the great delusion, on the second day, together with the SaĂŻgha, he entered the supreme city and went on systematic almsround, and in every place he stepped upon his lotuslike feet were received by the countless lotuses that sprung up. Then through the rays of light emanating from his body the city gates, watchtowers, mansions, ramparts and so on in that place became golden themselves.

The One who Makes Light for the World, the Champion, the Peaceful One, the Tamed One, the Light-Maker entered the city streets and walked for alms, and the faithful YasodharĂ , while standing in her delightful palace, saw

112

Part 3: The Present Time

Part 3: The Present Time

The Alms-Round in Kapilavatthu

113

him through the latticed window, and being overcome with love, she called the noble and resplendent Ràhula, who was decorated with splendid jewels, and pointed Him out, saying: “This is your father.”

Then going to the residence of the famous Suddhodana, surrounded by countless women, and worshipping him, she said: “Your Majesty, formerly your son has walked through this city with the grace of the Lord of Gods, but now he walks for alms from house to house!” Having said that, with her wide eyes full of a great many joyful tears, she returned to her palace.

Then the Lord of all other Lords of Men, decorated like the Lord of the Gods, Sakka, trembling, having quickly gone into the vicinity of the Victor, said: “Noble Sàkiya! This is not the way of your lineage! Do not roam about, do not roam about! In our lineage, Son, not even one King in former times roamed about for alms!”

The Lord of Men having spoken thus, the Lord of Sages, the Head of all Virtues, said: “Great King, that is your lineage! But my lineage is the Lineage of the Buddhas”, and so he declared his lineage to be that of the Sambuddhas; then while standing in that very place he preached the Supreme Dhamma saying:

114

Part 3: The Present Time

One should rise up, one should not be heedless, One should live the Dhamma.

He who lives by Dhamma lives happily Both in this world and the next.

(Dhp. 168)

Then having spoken this supreme, delightful verse, which brought bliss to the ears, the Supreme One satisfied the King with a taste of the foremost insight, and then being requested by the King he went to his residence.

The Master of the Earth, satisfied with sweet rice and drinks the Supreme Man and twenty-thousand Arahats, together with the gold-like Kings, with their bright bejewelled crowns. Then, having worshipped Him with reverential salutation, he sat down in the vicinity of the Victor, and countless hundreds of the King’s beautiful women went, and, with the permission of the Lord of Men, they sat down near Him.

Part 3: The Present Time 115

vv. 392-404 YASODHARâ, RâHUL A , AND NANDA

Then the Ornament of the Three Worlds, the Victor, having preached the sweet Dhamma thought: “If today I do not go to Bimbà’s palace, her heart through pity might break.” Therefore the One who has Pity as his Abode took the pair of Chief Disciples Sàriputta and Moggallàna, and went to his Father’s palace.

The Buddha entered the palace, and with his sixcoloured halo shining forth like the sun he sat down in that place on the Buddha-seat. Queen Yasodharà, known as Bimbà, whose body was resplendent with rays of light like one powdered with realgar, whose lips were as red as the Bimba fruit, trembling like a golden creeper approached the Teacher. The touch

116

Part 3: The Present Time

of the Teacher’s feet, like supremely cool water, extinguished the great fiery grief burning in the fuel of her heart. Then the King told the Teacher of the very many virtues of Bimbà; and the Lord of Sages related the Candakinnara Jàtaka.

Seeking his inheritance, his son Prince Ràhula, wearing his glorious Prince’s ornaments, while following Him, said: “To me even your shadow is pleasant”, and speaking with his lovely voice he said: “Give me my inheritance, give me my inheritance!” Having led him to the monastery, and given him the inheritance of the unsurpassed True Dhamma Treasure, the Buddha gave the going-forth ordination to the devout Ràhula.

Then these three festivals arrived for Prince Nanda: his wedding, consecration, and housewarming. The Light-Maker, just prior to the festivals, having led Nanda to the delightful and supreme Banyan Tree Grove, even without his consent, gave him the going-forth ordination.

Having left Kapilavatthu, the Fortunate BuddhaSun spread the rays of the True Dhamma on the lotus-like people in this place and that place and later once again entered Ràjagaha. The Fortunate Buddha then lived in the beautiful Cool Wood, which is crowded with beautiful flowers and trees in the nearby woods, and has a multitude of lotuses and

Part 3: The Present Time 117

water-lilies in its shining lakes, and many covered walkways with white sand.

118

Part 3: The Present Time

Mother and Son Receive the Dhamma

119

vv. 405-422 THE PURCHASING OF JETA’S WOOD

Then the best of merchants, Sudatta by name, took many of his wares, and having gone from his home at Sàvatthã to the house of his merchant friend in the pleasant Ràjagaha, he heard his auspicious friend say: “A Buddha, a Lord of Men, has arisen in the world.” His heart was uplifted with the joy that had arisen, and thinking that night had became day, he departed from that place.

The darkness along the main road being dispelled by the power of the Gods, he went to the delightful Cool Wood, and saw the Great Seer resplendent like the full moon, blazing forth like a lantern, which brought joy to the eyes, and accepting on his head His supreme feet, Sudatta, the Devout One, listened

120

Part 3: The Present Time

to the profound, subtle, spotless, noble Dhamma, which is adorned with a thousand methods, and attained the fruit of Stream-Entry. Then he invited the Leader of the World, the Sambuddha, together with the Saïgha for a meal.

After giving them a pleasurable alms-meal furnished with good colour, smell, and taste, and obtaining the Teacher’s promise for his coming to the noble town of Sàvatthã, while going along the path, he had built league after league charming, beautifully-made, excellent monasteries, and gave a great deal of wealth to support them.

Then, having returned to Sàvatthã, which is adorned with a hundred palaces, and is resplendent with decorated towers, city gates, and so on, which in every way surely mocks the city of the Lord of the Gods, being endowed with every good fortune, and adorned with dance and song, and so on, he thought: “Where will the Leader of the World, the Gracious One, live?”

Then looking on all sides for a place that was suitable for a monastery, he saw Prince Jeta’s garden, which was like Sakka’s garden Nandana, being furnished with shade and water and so forth. The Greatly Famous One bought that piece of land by covering it with ten million gold pieces and in that noble place, which carried off the minds of men and

Part 3: The Present Time 121

immortals, he built the very large Fragrant Cottage for the Buddha, which was always agreeable with the sound of nets of jingling bells, crowded with golden turrets, delightful with countless jewels, having a sunshade cover adorned with strings of pearls, which was most resplendent with manycoloured canopies, decorated with flowers, and so forth - a noble, beautiful crown for the earth.

He also built large dwellings for the Victor’s spiritual sons, well-decorated with many glorious beds, seats and canopies, pavilions, walkways and so on, which captivated the mind’s eye at all times.

Then he also built lakes having soft, spotless, white sand, with railings and large charming enclosures, having pleasing and very cool water, and crowded with sweet-smelling white water lilies and lotuses.

The merchant had the best of monasteries made, the delightful Jeta’s Wood by name, which was resplendent with full-blossoming Sal, Asana, Asoka, Iron Wood, Alexandrian Laurel, Areca Palms, and so on; which was guarded by a superb, delightful rampart shaped like a lordly snake’s hood, as large as Mount Kailash, and that monastery shone like a wish-fulfilling jewel that accomplished all the people’s desires and needs.

122

Part 3: The Present Time

The Jetavana Monastery

123

vv. 423-435 THE DONATION OF JETA’S WOOD

Then Anàthapiõóika, the supporter of the poor and of the Protector of the World, sent a messenger to invite the Lord of Sages for the meal. The Teacher heard the message and surrounded by a great Saïgha of monks, he departed from that place and in stages reached Sàvatthã.

Countless gloriously handsome princes took flags, like Gods, and went out from Sàvatthã and stood in front of the Teacher. Then behind them young women took charming and full water-pots, like Feminine Divinities, and in the same way went out. Likewise the merchant’s wife took full bowls and went out with countless hundreds of women ornamented with hundreds of ornaments. Then the

124

Part 3: The Present Time

great merchant Anàthapiõóika together with hundreds of other great merchants came before the Leader, and the Great Champion was worshipped by them in countless ways.

Because of his delightful six-coloured halo the noble city of Sàvatthã took on a golden hue, and the Lord of Sages, the Fortunate One, the Handsome One, entered the Jeta’s Wood Monastery.

Anàthapiõóika said: “I give this monastery to the Saïgha of the four quarters with the Sambuddha at its head”, and having poured excellent, perfumed water from a golden jug on the Teacher’s charming lotus-like hands, he donated the beautiful monastery.

After accepting that very delightful, excellent monastery, the Buddha sat down on a priceless and beautiful seat. The Lord of the Lords of Men, the Sole Leader of the Three Worlds, who brings pleasing joy to the three worlds, the Famous One, the Benefactor, the Great Seer, the Teacher, preached to that lordly merchant Sudatta by name on the great advantages of giving a monastery together with gifts to those without protection.

Except for the One of Extensive Wisdom, the Sole Protector of the Three Worlds, what man would be able to talk about the great advantages of giving a monastery even if he harnessed countless thousands of mouths?

Part 3: The Present Time 125

The Donation of Jeta's Wood

126

Part 3: The Present Time

Thus He of Extensive Fame taught the Dhamma to Anàthapiõóika and also rejoiced the minds of all the people, and having gone here and there, he beat the great Dhamma drum, which has a supremely sweet sound.

Part 3: The Present Time 127

vv. 436-457 THE RAINS RETREATS

So now I will show the places used for the Rains Retreat by the One who Gives Benefit to the Three Worlds, the One of Great Pity, the Supreme One in the World, whom the Gods and other Divinities always worship.

The Excellent, Victorious Buddha-Sun dwelt for the first Rains Retreat near the city of Banaras, in the Deer Grove, illuminating those who were responsive like a lotus-wood, with a multitude of rays of the True Dhamma.

The Protector dwelt for the second, third, and also the fourth Rains Retreat in the very agreeable Bamboo Wood, near the delightful and most excellent city of RĂ jagaha, which has streets full of shops having various treasures.

128

Part 3: The Present Time

The Sage-Lion of the Sàkiyas, in the fifth Rains Retreat, dwelt in the Great Wood, which was near to the very delightful city known as Vesàlã, a place resplendent with the rays of the crown-jewels of many Princes.

The Buddha, the repository of endless virtues, having charming eyes like blossoming, very blue, spotless water-lilies, radiating with his radiant goldlike body, in the sixth Rains Retreat, dwelt on the great Mount Maïkula.

Preaching the most profound, hard-to-see, sweet Dhamma to the Gods, in the seventh Rains Retreat, the incomparable, glorious Sage dwelt on the cool, large, stone throne of the Lord of Gods Sakka.

He, the Excellent Victor over Màra, the one with blossoming lotus-like feet, the abode of good conduct, in his eighth Rains Retreat, dwelt in the pleasing Bhesakalà Wood on the mountain named Crocodile Hill.

The Ornament of the Three Worlds, the Victorious Eagle, having destroyed the arrogance of a great many snake-like sectarians, who had various opinions, in the ninth Rains Retreat, dwelt in the agreeable, very fair, Silk-cotton Wood near to Kosambã.

To quieten the great dispute amongst the monks, in the tenth Rains Retreat, the Noble Sage dwelt

Part 3: The Present Time 129

with the noble elephant in the noble and extensive Pàrileyya forest, which was strewn with flowers.

The Lord of Sages, who had immeasurable intelligence, mind-captivating eyes, pure teeth, who leads people to the ageless, deathless state of Nibbàna by means of the deathless Dhamma, in the eleventh Rains Retreat, dwelt near the noble brahmin village named Nàla.

The Omniscient Sakyan Sage, in the twelfth Rains Retreat, dwelt at the foot of a Lordly Neem tree in a monastery having delightful, fragrant flowers and fruits, which was near the charming brahmin village of Vera¤jà.

The Teacher of the Three Worlds, the Champion, whose face was like a blossoming lotus flower, who shone like a beautiful sun, whose abode was pity, living for the benefit of the world, in the thirteenth Rains Retreat, dwelt on the agreeable Càliya mountain.

The Master of the Dhamma, whose delightful hands and feet were like Bandhuka flowers, devoted to the welfare of all beings - the Hero, the Sage of Great Power - in the fourteenth Rains Retreat, dwelt in the very delightful and excellent Jeta’s Wood.

The Lion King of Sages, having slain the forest of elephant-like passion in his responsive relatives, in the fifteenth Rains Retreat, dwelt in the delightful

130

Part 3: The Present Time

Part 3: The Present Time

Teaching Far and131 Wide

Jewel Cave in Nigrodha’s Monastery, on a broad mountain near Kapilavatthu.

After guiding the very harsh Demon âlavaka to a state of discipline, while leading a great many people along the Path to Peace, in the sixteenth Rains Retreat, he dwelt near the very excellent city named âlavaka.

The unsurpassed Great Seer, whose fame had spread throughout the three realms, in the seventeenth Rains Retreat, dwelt near the excellent Ràjagaha, which delighted the eyes with its ramparts, gateways, houses, archways, and so forth.

Aïgãrasa, having slain the terrible stain of passion in the world with the sweet, pleasurable Dhamma-medicine, in the eighteenth Rains Retreat, dwelt on Càliya mountain.

The sweet-voiced Protector of the World, the Noble King of Dhamma, after slaying with the sword of the Dhamma the great enemy delusion in the responsive people and his kinsmen, in the nineteenth Rains Retreat, again dwelt on Càliya mountain.

The Lord of Sages, who was an abode of purity, living for the welfare of the world, like the auspicious wish-fulfilling tree, the wish-fulfilling gem, or the excellent lucky pot, in the twentieth Rains Retreat, dwelt near the beautiful and excellent Ràjagaha.

132

Part 3: The Present Time

Thus the One Honoured by the Three Worlds dwelt nowhere continually; and during the first period after the Awakening, the One of Extensive Wisdom, the Sole Kinsman of the World, the Gracious One, having a beautiful body endowed with a six-coloured halo, travelled for the rest of the time.

The Sage, who delights in the progress of the world, who abides happily, for the next twenty-five Rains Retreats, dwelt near Sàvatthã, in the delightful and excellent Jeta’s Wood, and in the decorated Eastern Monastery, which was like an abode of the Gods.

Thus he who has measureless pity, dwelt for forty-five years extinguishing the great fires of passion that had arisen in the forest-like minds of men with the supremely sweet Dhamma-water. May He, the Raincloud-Sage, bring peace to the world!

Part 3: The Present Time 133

vv. 458-472 CONCLUSION

May the noble lady Wisdom, who has arisen in my mind, while pleasing all the people, increase everyday. May I, through the power of the merit that has accumulated through my writing The Life of the Victorious Buddha, attain the Tusita Heaven and while listening to the Dhamma preaching of the Protector of the World, Metteyya, enjoy with him honour and success for a long time.

And when that future Buddha is reborn in that delightful city of KetumatĂŁ, may I, a great being, having been born with the three root conditions of generosity, kindness, and wisdom, arise in a royal lineage, and give robes, alms-food, a priceless, extensive, noble dwelling, and medicine to that Great Seer.

134

Then after receiving the going-forth ordination, while illuminating that unsurpassed dispensation, being endowed with supernatural powers and mindfulness, and bearing the three baskets of the scriptures well in mind, may I hear his declaration: “This man will be a Buddha in the future.”

Then may I, after giving pleasurable gifts to the various Buddhas who will arise, while travelling on in Saüsàra, like a wish-fulfilling tree, give sweet excellent food and whatever else they long for to living beings. Then, with well-composed mind, giving flesh, blood, eyes and so on, may I fulfil all the perfections of generosity, morality, renunciation, wisdom, energy, patience, truthfulness, resolution, friendliness, and equanimity, and attaining the height of perfection, become an unsurpassed Buddha, and teach the sweet Dhamma to the people, and release the whole world, including the Gods, from the bondage of this immense Saüsàra, and attain the noble, peaceful, safe state of Nibbàna!

135

This Life of the Victorious Buddha was written by the compassionate, devout elder Medhaïkara by name, who always associates with the virtuous, while dwelling peacefully in a noble residence, resplendent with lakes, ramparts, gates, and so forth, which is named after its builder, King Vijayabàhu, who is a chief of princely lineage, who has become the ornament of Śrã Laïkà.

The Life of the Victorious Buddha is Finished

136

HOW TO

REACH US We are at: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Bright Hill Temple) 88 Bright Hill Road Singapore 574117 Homepage: http://www.kmspks.org

At Bishan Interchange (where Bishan MRT Station is), take SBS Bus No. 52 & 410 (White Plate). In less than 10 minutes, the bus will arrive at the bus-stop right in front of our temple’s front gate. You won’t miss it!

137

❂ Other titles published by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

Preparing For Death And Helping The Dying Ven. Sangye Khadro This booklet answers a genuine need in today’s world: to know more about death and how to help dying people. The discomfort we have towards death is because we think it will be a terrible, painful and depressing experience. However, it doesn’t have to be so. Dying can be a time of learning and growth; a time of deepening our love, our awareness of what is important in life, and our faith and commitment to spiritual beliefs and practices.

Be A Lamp Upon Yourself Compilation The usefulness of this book is in its concise approach to the basic teachings of the Buddha.

Dhammapada Ven. Acharya Buddharakkhita The Dhammapada, which enshrines the spirit of the Buddhas’ teachings, is a book for all times, a book to be cherished and loved.

May it bring light to your life!

Published with kind permission from Sukhi Hotu.

Working With Anger Ven. Thubten Chodron This book describes Buddhist methods for subduing and preventing anger, not by changing what is happening, but by framing it differently.

How to Overcome Your Difficulties Ven. Dr. K. Sri. Dhammananda Are you worried? Are you miserable? If so, you are invited to read this booklet to develop a better understanding of your problems. It is dedicated to you and to those who worry.

* For a detailed list of all the books we published, please visit: www.kmspks.org

Other titles published by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery ❂

I Wonder Why Ven. Thubten Chodron This book covers the most fundamental questions and issues that arise in the minds of modern individuals who are new to this tradition of practical spirituality. Written in a clear and engaging language, this book presents the Buddhist approach to the fundamental issues and concerns of daily life.

Settling Back Into The Moment Joseph Goldstein This book is a compilation of excerpts that are words of timeless truths, words that are meant for reflection, words that talk straight to your heart.

Published with kind permission from Sukhi Hotu.

Practical Vipassana Meditation Exercises Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw Transcribed from a discourse given by the late Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw, this book addressed to lay people describes the subtleties and methods of Vipassana meditation practice in a plain, easy and concise language.

Showing us the path to liberation through the way of mindfulness, it is not the kind of book that one reads for reading’s sake. * English & Chinese Editions

Awakening a Kind Heart Ven. Sangye Khadro Everybody wants to be happy and free of problems. The two short teachings in this book explain simply and clearly how we can achieve this happiness by transforming our usual self-cherishing attitude and awakening a kind heart.

Transforming Our Daily Activities Ven. Thubten Chodron Spiritual practice need not be separated from daily living. Here is a book that teaches you how you can lead a more fulfilling life according to the Buddha’s teachings and transform your daily activities into acts of compassion and loving-kindness. You can live and breathe the Dharma even while at work, driving or doing grocery shopping!

* For a detailed list of all the books we published, please visit: www.kmspks.org

❂ Other titles published by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

Three Teachings Ven. Tenzin Palmo Ven. Tenzin Palmo’s Teachings on Retreat, Mahamudra Practice and Mindfulness are a delight to read. Transcribed from talks that she gave in Singapore in May 1999, the teachings are delivered in plain language, seasoned with plenty of audience participation. Each subject is discussed with humour, liveliness and compassion. She has the great gift of showing how the Dharma can be integrated into every aspect of our lives.

A Happy Married Life A Buddhist Perspective Ven. K Sri Dhammanada A marriage is a partnership of equality, gentleness, generosity, calm and dedication. Ven. Dr K Sri Dhammananda tells how a good marriage should grow and develop from understanding and true loyalty where the personalities involved are allowed to grow.

Significance and Benefits of SixSyllable Mantra Recitation

The

HE Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche Are you curious about the origin of the Six-Syllable mantra? Or what the Four-arm Chenrezig means? Read this book for a better understanding. Based on a series of teachings given by His Eminence Drubwang Konchok Norbu Rinpoche of the Drikung Kagyu lineage, this book also explains the benefits and importance of doing the Mani recitation, and the mental state in which the recitation is to be conducted.

Tales of the Buddha’s Former Lives Stories 1-50

Tales of the Buddha’s Former Lives is a collection of simple stories written along the line of Aesop’s Fables. Though meant for readers of all ages, they are especially useful to older children and teenagers, as these stories promote and highlight virtuous conduct and good behaviour, especially those human values that contribute to harmony, pleasure and progress.

Stories 51-100

* For a detailed list of all the books we published, please visit: www.kmspks.org

Other titles published by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery ❂

Vipassana Meditation Instructions Ven. U Sīlānanda

This booklet consists of (1) Introduction to Vipassana Meditation, (2) Answers to frequently asked Questions, and (3) Meditation Instructions. The materials on these topics are extracted from some of Venerable U Sīlānanda’s taped lectures. They are covered in a short, concise and easily understood manner for both beginners and experienced meditators alike.

The Purpose of Life Ven. K Sri Dhammanada Is there a purpose for life? What is the purpose of life?

What, or where or when? Out of space came universe, Came sun, came earth, came life... But as to purpose whose or whence? Why? This book gives very clear, practical and direct to the point advice to those who seek to achieve an understanding of their life on earth, and how to lead a noble life amidst the confusion, murkiness, materialism and strong craving that this age heralds.

We Are Good Children Xin Lian * English & Chinese Editions Children should be taught and instilled with the right morals and ethics from young. The objectives of this bilingual book are to introduce, familiarise and inculcate young children the virtues of Buddhism and eastern culture like filial piety, gratitude and compassion. Through this process, we hope children would be imbued with the positive traits of self-reflection and self-correction of nonvirtuous behaviour and conduct.

The 37 Practices of Bodhisattvas Ven. Thubten Chodron A Buddha is someone who has completely eliminated all defilements from the mind and developed all good qualities limitlessly. Buddhas are sources of all well-being and happiness because they teach us the Dharma and by practising that, we will eliminate all misery and create the causes for all happiness and peace. To accomplish the final goal of the teachings, we have to know what to practise, and thus this book will explain the practice of bodhisattvas. By doing these bodhisattva practices, we will become bodhisattvas, advance on the bodhisattva path, and eventually become fully enlightened Buddhas.

* For a detailed list of all the books we published, please visit: www.kmspks.org

❂ Other titles published by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

Dealing with Life’s Issues Ven. Thubten Chodron Are you bogged down by life’s many challenges? Or confused about how families can use the Dharma to discipline and help children?

Ever wondered what Buddhism says about romantic love, marriage, divorce, homosexuality, premarital sex and abortion? In this book, Ven. Thubten Chodron tackles these and other issues, giving clear and succinct answers to the many challenges, difficulties and problems we face in life, from terrorist attacks, natural disasters, global warming to dealing with the loss of loved ones from terminal illnesses and suicide.

Buddhism for Beginners Buddhism for Beginners is a book that was used in Singapore schools in the mid 1980s and early 1990s and taught as a curriculum. It covers the basics of Buddhism like the Life & Teaching of the Buddha, Buddhism in Practice, and the Historical Development and spread of Buddhism.

Discovering Meditation Ven. Godwin Samararatne “Forget what you have read and heard. Just be simple, practical and find out. This can be so fascinating; if you can have the openness to learn, you can discover so much. This is meditation. Not taking anything for granted. How grateful we should be that we have this experience. I call it the laboratory of mind and body. So please, generate a fascination for this, develop a curiosity for this. Find this the most meaningful thing one can do in this life, because it is learning all the time about thoughts, about emotions, about perceptions, about so many things in this world of ours.” — Godwin Samararatne

3 Refuges & 5 Precepts 三皈五戒

DVD

What is the Significance of Taking 3 Refuges & 5 Precepts?

This 40-minute DVD features the very foundations of what it takes to be a Buddhist - Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem and abiding by moral guidelines to sow the seeds of peace and happiness in our everyday life. With coverage of all 3 Buddhist traditions, this is a good introduction for anyone who wishes to become a Buddhist.

Complimentary DVD available in 5 languages (English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese and Bahasa Indonesia).

* For a detailed list of all the books we published, please visit: www.kmspks.org

Other titles published by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery ❂

A Rose for your Pocket 为你别上一朵红玫瑰 Thich Nhat Hanh All of us are showered with tender love for many years, and without even knowing it, we are quite happy with that. Only when it has vanished do we awaken with a start. This book, dedicated to all mothers, past, present and future, expresses just how dear and precious our own parents are. It tells us truly how our parents are the most wonderful treasures that we are given. 多年以来，我们一直徜徉在温暖的母爱的海洋中，甚至还身在福中不 知福，把一切视为是理所当然的。直到瞬间失去了母亲后，我们才恍然 醒悟，悔不当初。只可惜，这一切都已经太迟了。此书献给所有过去， 现在与未来的母亲们，以表诉我们的父母是如何的可敬与珍贵。它真实 地告诉我们，父母是我们被给予最美好的宝藏。

A Parent's Love 父母的爱 Adapted by Esther Thien All parents love their children and want the very best for them. In the stories The Judge and The Mean Prince, we see how deep a parent's love is, and understand how all parents simply want their children to be well and happy, and for them to grow up to be wholesome and virtuous persons who can be of benefit to others. 所有的父母亲都爱子女，希望带给子女最好的。在《裁判与顽劣的王 子》两个故事中，我们能看到一个父母亲深刻的爱，看到所有的父母都 只是希望孩子健康快乐，长大成为善良与德行并具，能利益他人的人。

唤醒一颗善良的心 Awakening A Kind Heart 桑耶卡卓法师 人人都希望快乐，远离烦恼。本书的两则开示精简扼要地解释如何 扭转我们向来的自私心态，以唤醒一颗善良的心，证得快乐、自在。

持诵六字大明咒的重要性及其利益 The Significance and Benefits of Six-Syllable Mantra Recitation 竹旺贡觉诺布仁波切 著 六字大明咒的起源何在？四臂观音有什么含义？这本小册子收录了 直贡噶举派的大成就者竹旺贡觉诺布仁波切的开示，当中解释了持诵 六字大明咒的利益及其重要性，与在念诵时应该生起的正确心态。

* For a detailed list of all the books we published, please visit: www.kmspks.org

❂ Other titles published by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

生死两相安 Preparing for Death and Helping The Dying 桑耶卡卓法师 著 死亡并非一切的终结，而是进入另一世的门槛。 勇于面对死亡，才会勇于活在当下。 只有接受死亡，才能接受人生中的悲欢离合。 希望这本小册子，能让您对死亡有初步的了解， 并对如何协助临终者有基础的认识。

开阔心·清净心 Open Heart, Clear Mind 土登却准法师 著 8 涂炳忠 译 作者以浅白易懂的语言，表达出对佛法的清晰理解，能使一般人，尤其是 对佛教还不熟悉的人，了解佛法，运用佛法，并从中获益。

七月是不是鬼节?

Is The 7th Lunar Month The Ghosts’ Season? 七月真的是鬼门关大开、祭拜“好兄弟”的节日吗？ 本书告诉您事情的真相......

* English & Chinese Editions

告别嗔怒·步向安宁 Working with Anger 土登却准法师 著 8 涂炳忠 译 佛陀是一位心灵的医疗师，他传授了许多处理情绪与烦恼的实用方法， 其中一些对治嗔恚的方法，非常适合运用在日常生活中。只要我们能够 掌握这些方法，生活就不再有烦恼！

内观禅指南 喜戒禅师 著 这本小册子是由三个部分所组成，即是(一)内观禅的简介，(二)常见的问 答，(三)禅修指南。这本册子的内容是从喜戒禅师的开示录音里所誊录 下来的。它以精简、易懂的方式呈现给初学和有经验的禅修者。

* 内容会不时更新，若欲知晓最新的内容，请至以下网址查阅：www.kmspks.org

Other titles published by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery ❂

怎样克服你的困难 How to Overcome Your Difficulties 达摩难陀法师 著 您忧愁苦恼吗？如果您有这种感觉，就请您阅读这本小册子。它能让 您对自己的问题有更深入的了解。这本小册子就是献给您和被忧愁所 笼罩的人。

心灵曙光 Basic Buddhism for Beginners 土登却准法师 著 8 涂炳忠 译 在修学佛法的过程中，我们难免会遇到一些困难与疑问。作者针对一般 人的疑问提出了独到的见解，仿佛黎明中的一道曙光，射入读者的心 灵，净除内心的困惑，带来智慧的光芒，让有心于修学佛法的朋友，能 进一步了解并实践佛陀的教诲。

佛说父母恩重难报经 Filial Piety Sutra 慈鸦尚还哺，羔羊犹跪足，若不尽孝道，何以分人畜？做个孝顺的儿女， 当读《佛说父母恩重难报经》，以报亲恩。

* English & Chinese Editions

点亮心灯 (汇编) Be A Lamp Upon Yourself 佛法如灯，照亮心灵的暗室。 智慧如海，冲破心灵的桎梏。 如果有人邀请您走一趟般若之旅， 点一盏心灵之灯，您是否愿意？

皈依修学手册 济群法师 著 皈依不仅是走入佛门的必要手续，也不仅是一次仪式就能大功告成的， 其本身就是重要的修行方式。皈依,是对三宝最真切的信赖，是对佛、 法、僧全身心的归投，这就需要在学佛过程中时时修习，唯有不断强 化，才能真正对三宝生起强烈的归属感，方不至于在学佛路上迷失方 向……

* 内容会不时更新，若欲知晓最新的内容，请至以下网址查阅：www.kmspks.org

❂ Other titles published by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

从佛教角度来探讨美满婚姻生活 A Happy Married Life 达摩难陀长老 著 宗教能帮你克服问题，只要你懂得如何运用所学过的宗教教义，就能有 技巧地避免误会，失望与烦躁问题的产生。与此同时，宗教教义的学习 与实修，也能使我们培育出忍辱与包容体谅。这些优良的性格品质， 有助于大家过着幸福美满的婚姻生活……

散播慈爱 达别坎大长老 著 古代许多比丘是丛林住者，但却不会受到老虎、狮子、大象及其他住在 森林的动物伤害。为什么会这样？这是因为那些圣洁比丘们时常向一 切众生散播慈爱的力量。由于他们的慈爱力量，森林里的野兽变得温驯 平静，友善地对待众比丘。

地藏菩萨本愿经 白话解释

胡维铨 演述

众生度尽·方证菩提·地狱不空·誓不成佛 在地藏经里，释迦牟尼佛宣说地藏菩萨的深重誓愿—累劫勤苦，分身 无数，百千方便，利益救拔教化罪苦众生。

孝思 《佛说父母恩重难报经》讲解 贤志法师 讲解 中国有句俗语，谓之“百善孝为先”，父母之恩山高海深。面对各式 各样、林林总总的关于儿女不孝的现行，此书的出版有助于那些不知父 母大恩大德，不思回报的人，能认识父母之深恩与艰难，经中对于父母 的恩德，描述详细且谆谆教诲，愿本书能利益广大群众，并辗转流通。

* 内容会不时更新，若欲知晓最新的内容，请至以下网址查阅：www.kmspks.org

THE MERITS OF PRODUCING BUDDHIST TEACHINGS AND BUDDHA IMAGES 1. One’s light karmic misgivings will dissolve, while heavy ones lighten.

2. One will be protected by devas, and be unharmed by natural and man-made disasters.

3. One will always be free from the suffering of hatred and vengeance.

4. One will be unharmed by yaksas, evil spirits and wild beasts.

5. One’s mind will be at peace, free from harm and nightmares.

6. One’s complexion will be radiant.

7. One will be full of auspicious energy.

8. One who practises the Dharma wholeheartedly will have adequate living necessities.

9. One’s family will be harmonious and be blessed with fortune and wisdom.

10. One who practises what one preaches will be respected and loved by all.

11. One who is dull-minded will gain wisdom.

12. One who is ill will gain health.

13. One who is poor will gain wealth.

14. One will be free of being reborn in the negative realms.

15. One will be able to help others grow in wisdom and gain great merit in doing so.

16. One will always be able to learn the Dharma, till one’s wisdom and spiritual penetrations are fully grown and one becomes a Buddha.

SPONSORSHIP FORM The gift of truth excels all other gifts . . . The Buddha

If you would like to share the Gift of the Dharma, which is the greatest gift of all, with others by supporting the production cost of Dharma books, CDs and magazines for Free Distribution, kindly photocopy this page and fill in your particulars. Cheques/money orders should be made payable to “Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery” and sent to: Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery Awaken Publishing & Design 88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117 If you have any enquiries, please call (65)6849 5300 or e-mail: publication@kmspks.org (For overseas readers, please send bankdrafts in Singapore currency.

Please include $10 for bank charges.) * Please note that the monastery is NOT able to accept cheques in foreign currency.

You can also donate online via eNets or Giro at www.kmspks.org/about/donate (*Please select ‘Printing of Dharma Materials’ and type in the donation amount) Name: Highest Educational Level: Occupation: Address:

Tel: (O)

(H)

(Hp)

(Would you like to receive our Dharma, Music and Prayer Podcast?  Yes

 No)

Donation: $

 Cash

Do you require an official receipt?

Where did you obtain this book?

 Cheque No.  Yes

 No

The Life of the Victorious Buddha

E-mail: