523. {526.} Daṇḍadāyaka

Plunged into the forest, the woods,
I cut down some bamboo back then.
Having taken a walking stick,
I gave it to the Assembly.

Due to the pleasure in my heart,
honored with, “happiness to you!,”
having given that walking stick,
I departed, facing the north.

In the ninety-four aeons since
I gave the monks that stick back then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of giving a stick.

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 Daṇḍadāyaka Thera spoke these verses.