179. Tikicchaka

In the city, Bandhumatī,
I was a well-trained physician,
bringing many folks happiness
when patients suffered great illness.

Having seen a monk who was sick,
but moral as too very bright,
with a pleased heart and happy mind,
I gave him some medicine then.

That monk with well-guarded senses
became healthy because of that.
He was Vipassi’s attendant,
known by the name of Asoka.

In the ninety-one aeons since
I gave him medicinal herbs,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that is the fruit of medicine.

In the eighth aeon after that
the one known as Sabbosadha
was a wheel-turner with great strength,
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 Tikicchaka Thera spoke these verses.