99. Veyyāvaccaka

There was a large group waiting on
Vipassi, then the Blessed One.
Busy with all sorts of duties,
I was then a humble servant.

I had nothing that I could give
to that Well-Gone-One, the Great Sage,
so I worshipped the Teacher’s feet
with a mind that was very clear.

In the ninety-one aeons since
I performed that service back then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of doing service.

Then, in the eighth aeon ago,
I was the king, Sucintita,
a wheel-turner with great power,
possessor of the seven gems.

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

Thus indeed Venerable Veyyāvaccaka Thera spoke these verses.