173. Rattipupphiya

I was a deer-hunter back then,
within a grove in the forest.
I saw Vipassi Buddha then,
the God of Gods, the Bull of Men.

Having seen red flowers blooming
on a winter cherry tree then,
having taken them with their stems,
I offered them to the Great Sage.

In the ninety-one aeons since
I offered those flowers to him,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of giving flowers.

And in the eighth aeon ago,
I was a monarch with great strength,
with the name of Suppasanna,
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 Rattipupphiya Thera spoke these verses.