513. {516.} Ajjunapupphiya

On Candabhāgā River’s bank,
I was a kinnara back then.
I saw the Buddha, Stainless One,
the Self-Become, Unconquered One.

Happy, with pleasure in my heart,
awe-struck, with hands pressed together,
taking an arjuna flower,
I worshipped the Self-Become One.

Due to that karma done very well,
with intention and firm resolve,
leaving my kinnara body,
I went to Tāvatiṁsa then.

Thirty-four times the lord of gods,
I exercised divine rule there.
And ten times a wheel-turning king,
I exercised overlordship.

There was also much local rule,
innumerable by counting.
Like a seed sown in a good field
is mine in the Self-Become One.

Wholesome karma exists for me;
I went forth into homelessness.
Today I’m worthy of homage
in the Buddha’s dispensation.

My defilements are now burnt up;
all new existence is destroyed.
Like elephants with broken chains,
I am living without constraint.

Being in Best Buddha’s presence
was a very good thing for me.
The three knowledges are attained;
I have done what the Buddha taught!

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

Thus indeed Venerable Ajjunapupphiya Thera spoke these verses.