Buddha’s Journey to Kapilavatthu

 

King Suddhodāna sending His Ministers to invite the Buddha to the Royal City

It was during the waning moon of Phussa, in the 103rd year of the Great Era. (as already mentioned in Chapter 15), the Buddha was then residing at the Veḷuvana Monastery, in Rājagaha, administering the Deathless Elixir of Dhamma to devas, humans, and Brahmās who went to His presence. He had helped some sentient beings to be established as firm believers of the Three Gems, others were able to gain the Path and Fruition in accordance with their aspirations and resolve; while some people of good families from Anga and Magadha countries were granted ordination with attainment of the Path and Fruition. While this great festival of emancipation was being held daily, King Suddhodāna heard the news that his son had attained the most Exalted Buddhahood after undergoing a strenuous course of practice for six years and that having preached the first Sermon of Dhammacakka, He was residing in great and noble glory at Veḷuvana Monastery, Rājagaha, like the moon amidst the stars in the sky.

Hearing these news, the King sent for a minister and said to him: “O Minister! go you now, with one thousand attendants, to the city of Rājagaha and address my son, the Enlightened One, in these words of mine: ‘Glorious Buddha, your father King Suddhodāna is desirous of paying homage to you’ and invite Him to come here.”

“Very well, Your Majesty,” replied the minister and he set off without delay, carrying the royal message and in the company of one thousand attendants to Rājagaha which was 60 yojanas from Kapilavatthu. He arrived there at a time when the Buddha was teaching Dhamma in the midst of an audience at the Veḷuvana Monastery.

The minister thought to himself: “I may as well listen to the discourse before delivering the King’s message.” While standing and listening to the discourse from the far end of the audience, he and his one thousand attendants, as a consequence, attained arahantship. They therefore, approached the Buddha and made the request: “Glorious Buddha, may we receive admission to the Order and ordination as bhikkhu in your presence.” Thereupon, the Blessed One stretched out His hand (as before) and said: ‘Etha Bhikkhu, etc.” Instantly, with the call of “Etha Bhikkhu”, the minister and the one thousand royal attendants transformed into full-fledged bhikkhus like senior theras of sixty year’s standing, readily robed and equipped with eight supernaturally created requisites, each in its place, paying homage to the Buddha with due to respect. Their state of minister and royal attendants miraculously disappeared as they were transformed into bhikkhus.

(N.B. From the moment of attainment of arahatta-phala, noble persons, as a matter of course, become indifferent to mundane affairs, as such, the minister did not convey the King’s message to the Buddha but simply passing his time enjoying the bliss of arahatta-phala.)

Finding that the minister whom he sent did not return in due time and no news was even heard, the King was anxious to know the reason of their silence. So he sent again another minister on the same mission and in the same manner. This minister, too, having gone to Veḷuvana Monastery in Rājagaha with his attendants, attained arahantship after hearing the discourse given by the Buddha and became ehi-bhikkhus. They neither conveyed to the Buddha the royal message nor did they send back any report to the King. They remained there enjoying the Fruits of arahantship.

King Suddhodāna sent altogether nine ministers, each with one thousand royal attendants on the same mission. All the nine ministers, with their attendants, attained arahantship after hearing the discourse given by the Buddha and became ehi-bhikkhus. They neither conveyed to the Buddha the royal message nor did they send back any report to the King. They remained there enjoying the Fruits of arahantship.

Sending Kaludayi, A Birth-mate (of the Buddha)

When King Suddhodāna came to know that none of the ministers and attendants had returned nor come into his presence to tell him anything, he thought: “So many, nine thousand and nine persons, have not come back to my presence even to give a report, because they have no close affection and regard for me at all.” He wondered: “Who will carry out my orders with due speed and without delay.” His searching mind began to work and scrutinising carefully, at last he saw Minister Kaludayi. As an administrative official, he was charged with managing general affairs of the court and also being one nearer and dearer to the Royal family. Thus, as a trustworthy confidant, the King picked out Kaludayi, who was also his son’s birth-mate, as he was born on the same day. They were playmates since their infancy and were intimate friends.

Therefore, the King told Kaludayi: “My son, Kaludayi, I, being desirous of paying homage to my son, the Buddha, had sent nine ministers, each accompanied by one thousand attendants, but not even one of them has returned with any news. One cannot know with certainty what danger there is to one’s life. I wish to see and pay homage to my son while I am still living. Dear son Kaludayi, will you be able to strive your utmost to undertake this task so that I may see my son?” Kaludayi replied: “Your Majesty, it would be possible for me to do so if I am granted permission to enter monkhood.”

Then the King replied: “Dear son Kaludayi, whether you enter monkhood or not, do try your utmost to undertake the task so that I may see my son.” “Very well,” promised Kaludayi who then set out for Rājagaha, accompanied by one thousand attendants, carrying the King’s message for the Buddha. (As stated before) arriving there, while the Buddha was teaching a discourse, they stood listening to it from the far end of the audience. As a consequence, Kaludayi and his one thousand attendants attained arahatta-phala and became ehi-bhikkhus too.

Kaludayi requesting The Buddha to visit The Royal City of Kapilavatthu

(After His Enlightenment, the Buddha spent His first rains-retreat at Isipatana, Migadaya. At the end of the retreat and having performed the pavāraṇā ceremony, He set out for the Uruvelā forest where He stayed for the whole of three months teaching and instructing the three hermit brothers and their one thousand followers till they attained arahantship. Then accompanied by the one thousand arahats who were former hermits, the Buddha made His way to Rājagaha where He arrived on the full moon day of Phussa and resided there for the entire two months. The Buddha taught and instructed more than ten thousand young men of good families from Anga and Magadha countries until they became arahats and ordained as bhikkhus. Thus five months had passed since Buddha departed from Bārāṇasī; the cold winter months were over and it was spring, the full moon day of Phagguna. And it was a week after Kaludayi had arrived at the presence of the Buddha.)

On that full moon day, Thera Kaludayi thought to himself: “The cold season is over and spring has arrived. Cultivators and farmers have finished gathering their harvests and they have opened up pathways leading to all destinations. The great earth is verdant, covered with luxurious growth of green grass. In the surrounding woods, forest trees have shed their old leaves and look resplendent in their new leaves, bearing flowers and fruits. Neither too cold nor too hot, it is a good time for travelling, it is time now for the Buddha to visit the royal relatives and give them His Blessings.”

Having thought thus, he approached the Buddha and addressed Him with the following sixty verses, supplicating to make a visit to the royal city of Kapilavatthu.

1. Angārino dāni dunā bhadante

phalesino chadānam vippahāya

ta acchimantova pabhāsayanti

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great benefactor, winter has gone and spring has set in, all the trees have shed their decayed leaves and as if to acquire fresh fruits, have sprouted tender leaves and flower buds of glowing ember-red. Stimulated by the changing weather, these colourful trees are shining bright.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit to Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

2. Dumā vicittā dami duma bhadante

rattañkureheva ca pallavehi

ratanujjalamaṇḍapasannibhāsā

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great benefactor, all the trees, wearing their coral-red sprouts and tender emerald-green leaves, are wondrously and delightfully beautiful, resembling pavilions shining with jewel-like brilliancy.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth,

3. Supupphitaggā kusumehi bhūsitā

manuññabhuta sucisādhu gandhā

rukkhā virocanti ubhosu passesu

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, on either side of the roadway, all kinds of trees and seasonal plants are crowded with blossoms to the very top. Adorned with flowers in full bloom, every tree stands lovely; the clear air is filled with fragrant odour and the environs amazingly beautiful to behold.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

4. Phalehi nekehi samiddhibhūtā

vicittarukkhā ubhatovakāse

khuddaṃ pipāsampi vinodayanti

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, on either side of the roadway, all kinds of trees have borne assorted fruits; wayfarers, both bhikkhus and laity alike, can satisfy their hunger and quench their thirst.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

5. Vicittamāla sucipallavehi

susajjitā morakalāpasannibha

rukkhā virocanti Ubhosu passesu

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, now that on either side of the roadway, seasonal shrubs and plants are adorned with the most fascinating sprigs and decoratively set with delicate leaves free from dirt and dust, looking like bouquets of peacock’s tails, they make all the environs (present) a splendid and wonderful scene.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

6. Virocamānā phalapallavehi

susajjitavāsanivāsabhuta

tosenti addhānakilanasatte samayo

Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, seasonal trees and plants are adorned with young fruits and delicate leaves; the whole environs not only present a fascinating sight at every turn but also, like welcoming home and rest houses they refresh and delight the heart of weary travelling bhikkhus and lay men.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

7. Suphullitaggā vanaguṃbanissitā

latā anekā suvirajamāna

tosenti satte manimandhapāva

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, numerous species of creeping plants in full bloom, enveloping the bushy plants, afford a fine and splendid sight. Assuming the form of a big pavilion studded with a variety of precious jewels, it gladdens the heart of travellers, bhikkhus and laity alike.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

8. Latā anekā dumanissaitāva

piyehi saddhiṃ sahitā vadhuva

palobhayantī hi sugandhagandhā

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, like the daughters and daughters-inlaw of good birth embracing their beloved husbands, just so numerous species of beautiful creeping plants keep clinging to the trees as parasites and emitting sweet odours seem to be seductively attracting the delight of both bhikkhus and laity.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

9. Vicittanīladimamiñña vanna

Dija sarnantā abhikūjamānā

tosenti mañjussaratāratīhi

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, from all directions, multifarious birds, strangely beautiful with bright darkly bluish plumage, can be seen flying, dancing, singing sweet and loud, mingling among themselves in couples in jubilant celebration, much to the joy and delight of the travelling bhikkhus and laity.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

10. Miga ca nānā suvirājamānā

uttuṅgakaṇṇa ca manuññanetta

disa samantā mabhidhavayanti

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, numerous species of beasts, gambolling and running, can be seen trotting joyfully to and fro in groups or pairs with pricked-up ears and lovable wide eyes.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

11. Manuññabhūta ca mahī somantā

virājamānā haritāva saddalā

supupphirukhā molinivalañkata

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, mother earth, on all sides, everywhere vastly covered with lush and Bermuda grass, affords a fine and delightful scene. The trees, richly adorned with lovely blossoms, are like a maiden’s well-embellished tapering coiled hair. (This translation is according to the ancient Nissaya)

Stretches of land everywhere affords delightful scene. These stretches of land are covered with green Bermuda grass. The trees, with flowers and full blossom atop them, resemble a charming maiden wearing a well-embellished cured hair.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

12. Susajjitā muttamayāva vālukā

susaṇḍita cārusuphassadātā

virocayanteva disā samantā

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, fine silvery sands, resembling brilliant white pearls of even size, orderly arranged by skilful smiths, lie in stretches for travellers to tread upon with ease and comfort and hind colour and beauty to the environs.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

13. Samaṃ suphassaṃ sucibhūmi bhāvaṃ

manuññapupphodayagandhavātsitam

virājamānaṃ sucimaṅja sobhaṃ

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, mother earth is free from dirt, the whole stretch of land is void of knoll and trench, unbroken and even, affording a smooth and gentle sense of touch. The air is charged with sweet scents from lovely flowers. The whole spectacle is beautiful, all is clean and pleasant, making travelling most enjoyable and appropriate.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

14. Susajjitaṃ nandānakānanaṃva

vicittanānādumasaṇḍamaṇḍitaṃ

sugandhabhutaṃ pavanaṃ surammaṃ

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, beautified by the presence of fascinating trees and atmosphere laden with sweet and exotic scents of flowers, the woodland passage between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu has the appearance of Nandavana garden as if devas have transformed it into a stage for tumultuous celebration of the festival of devas.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

15. Sarā vicittā vividhā manoramā

susajjitā pañkajapuṇḍarika

pasannasitodakacarupuṇṇā samayo

Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the ponds along the route are full of clear, clean and cool water, and decorated with five varieties of lotus thriving from the silt, are wonderfully beautiful to the view and fill the heart with delight.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

16. Saphullanānāvidhapeṅkajehi

virājamānā sucigandhagandhā

pamodayanteva narāmara naṃ

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, fully bloomed lilies, dancing on the surface of the ponds, afford scenes of beauty, fragrant with the clean sweet smell of the flowers. The lovely ponds greatly delight the approaching devas and humans.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

17. Suphallapaṅkeruhasannisinnā

dijā samantā mAbhinādayantā

modanti bhariyahi samaṅgino te

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, birds of varying hue, drunk with nectar from the proudly-blooming fully bloomed lilies on which they have alighted, sing loud and melodiously from all round. Together with their true and lovely mates, they fly about in joyous delight.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

18. Suphullapupphehi rajaṃ gahetvā

alī vidhavanti vikūjamānā

maduhmi gandho vidisaṃ pavāyati

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the bees and bumble bees buzz noisily and ceaselessly as they swarm about sipping the sweet and juicy nectar from the flowers in full bloom. These bees, big and small, fly about the entire area, diffusing the whole region with the sweet scent of nectar.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

19. Abhiññanādā madavārana ca

girīhi dhavanti ca vāridhārā

savanti najjo suvirājitāva

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, huge elephants in must, trumpet with voices as clear as those of singing cranes; great volumes of water rushing down from the hills and majestic rivers flowing swift and strong are beautiful to behold.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

20. Girī samantāva padissamānā

mayūragīva iva nīlavaṇṇā

disarajindāva virocayanti

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, in all eight directions, everywhere we look, ranges of towering mountain, dark green and distinct as the colourful ring round the neck of a peacock, resembling the grand spectacle of Eyavat, one of the eight species of royal Disagaja[1] elephants.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

21. Mayūrasaṅgha girimuddhanasamin

naccanti nārihi samaṅgibhūtā

kujanti nānamadhurassarehi

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, on all hilltops on either side of the road, many peacocks, each with its own true and dear mate, struts about back and forth, with their tails raised fan-wise gorgeously, wings outstretched, and heads uplifted, dancing in emulation of human kind. With melodious voices of varying notes, in Magadha they joyously crow and sing: “Oway, Oway.”

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

22. Suvadikānekadī jā manuñña

vicittapattehi virajamānā

garihmi thatvā abhiñadayanti

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, numerous lovely birds, each with the variegated and exotic plumage of species, are perching on the hill-tops on either side of the route and singing sweet songs.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

23. Suphullapupphakaramābhikiññna

sugandhanānadalalankatā ca

girīvirocanti disā samantā

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, on either side of the route, there are ranges of mountains with flowering trees of rare specimen emitting sweetscents and presenting a delightful scene.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

24. Jalāsayānekasugandhagandhā

surindauyyānajalāsayava

savanti najjo suvirā jamānā

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord of Great Benefactor, all the lakes and ponds, like those in the gardens of Sakka, the ruler of the devas, permeated with sweet scents and the rivers flowing swiftly with strong currents make a whole fascinating scene.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

25. Vicittatitthehi alankatā ca

manuñanānanāmigapakkhipāsā

najjo virocanti susandamānā

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, rows of fascinating riverine towns adorn the rivers along their course, and like traps, these rivers attract various delightful birds of passage. Flowing swiftly and ceaselessly, they are beautiful to behold.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu the country of your birth.

26. Ubosu passesu jalāsayesu

supupphitā cārusugandharukkhā

vibhūsitaggā surasundarīva

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the trees on the banks of lakes and ponds, on either side of the route, are in full blossom and the whole region is permeated with sweet scents. With the fresh and decorative sprigs and leaf shoots gorgeously adorning their tops, they look like gracious maidens of the world of celestial beings.

Venerable Lord, of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

27. Sugandhanānādumajalakiṅṅaṃ

vanaṃ vicittaṃ suranandānaṃva

manobhirāmaṃ satataṃ gatīnam

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the woody section of the road, permeated with sweet scent from the fragrant trees, is wonderful like the Nandavana of the celestial world; it is a perpetual source of joy, a locality of peace and tranquillity for the travelling bhikkhus and the laity.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

28. Sampaññā nanāsuciannapānā

savyyaṅjanā sādurasena yuttā

pathesu gāme sulabha mannunñña

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the section of the road, between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu, is lined with villages where varieties of hygienic food-stuff, sweet-meats, delicacies of the season are easily available at this time of harvesting

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

29. Virājita āsi mahī samantā

vicittavaṇṇā kusumāsanassa

rattindagopehi alaṅkatāva

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the land above the flowing woodland is beautiful indeed. In the depths of night, as if with Indira’s help, a fantastically splendid scene is created; the land glows with reddish lights reflected from red flying insects, red as drops of betel juice.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

30. Visuddhasaddhadigunehi yuttā

sambuadharajaṃ abhipatthayantā

bahūhi tattheva janā samantā

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, along the route from Rājagaha to Kapilavatthu, at the intermediate stations, all the virtuous people from the neighbourhood, with pure and holy faith, have been waiting with ardent expectation: “The Lord of the three worlds, the Omniscient, the Monarch of the Dhamma, will surely come past our place, along this very route.”

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

31. Vicittraārāmasupokkharañño

vicittranānāpadumehi channā

bhisehi khīraṃva rasaṃ pavāyā ti

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the clear, clean ponds within the magnificent gardens are covered to full capacity by lilies of the choicest quality. The delicious juice, from the stalks and projecting roots of the lilies, is as delicious as milk and the whole area is permeated with their fragrance.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

32. Vicittranilalicch menalaṅkata

manuññarukkhā ubhatovakāse

samuggatā sattasamuhabhūtā

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, on either side of the route, all the trees are thickly covered with lush, extra-ordinary decorative foliage of darkgreen, jutting out splendidly to great heights and resemble throngs of human beings,

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

33. Vicittaranilabbhanaivayātam vanam

surindaloke iva nandānaṃ vanaṃ

sabbotukaṃ sadhusugandhapupphaṃ

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, like a streak of wonderful dark brown clouds, the long and narrow woodland route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu stretches, fresh and green, resembling a covered passage of emerald, like the garden of Nandavana in the celestial abode of Sakka. The weather is fair and temperate at all seasons, and groves of various flowers emit sweet scents.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu the country of your birth.

34. Subhaṅjasaṃ yojanayojanesu

subhikkhagāmā sulabka manuñña

janabhikinnā sulabhannapānā

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, every yojana of the route is beautiful and delightful. To please the heart are affluent alms-offering villages which are easy of access. These villages, at each stop, are dense with villagers and abundant alms food and drink, ungrudgingly offered, is available without much effort.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

35. Pahūtachayūdakarammabhūtā

nivasīnam sabbasukhappadātā

visālasālā ca sabhā ca bahū

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, all along the route, there are spacious rest-houses and assembly halls providing ample shade and water to travelling bhikkhus and laity who take shelter to refresh and delight and give every comfort of body and mind.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

36. Vicittanānāduma-saṇḍamanditā

manuññayyanasupokkharanno

sumāpitā sādhusnugandhagandha

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, all along the route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu, virtuous and pious people have constructed ponds and garden and planted with trees of exotic varieties and the whole region is filled with sweet scents.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

37. Vāto mudusitalasādhurupo

nabhā ca abbhā vigatā samantā

disā ca sabbātve virocayanti

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the gently blowing breeze is soft and cool, the sky above is free from dark, brown and black threatening rain clouds and the the whole environs in all direction is clear, bright, and beautiful to view.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

38. Pathe rajonuggamanatthameva

rattiṅ pavassanti ca mandavuthī

nabhe ca suro mudukava tāpo

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, along the route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu, wafted by gentle breeze, only light showers fall at night, just enough to prevent the dust from arising, and during the day, the sun shines softly with tolerable brightness and heat.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

39. Madappabāhā madahatthisangha

kareṇusanghehi sukilayanti

disā vidhāvanti ca gajjayantā

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, full-grown male elephants in must, and thus strongly intoxicated, run hither and thither in the company of their true mates and merrily enjoy themselves trumpeting aloud with voices resembling the crowing of the cranes; they run where they wish, out of joy and jollity.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

40. Vanaṃ sunilaṃ abhidassaniyaṃ

nilabbhakūtaṃ iva rammabhutaṃ

vilokitānaṃ ativimhaniyaṃ

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the route of lush, dark green woodland, between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu, is really a splendid and attractive spectacle, resembling masses of dark brownish clouds in the sky. To the travelling bhikkhus and laity, its charm and great beauty is a source of wonder and delight.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

41. Vissuddhamabbhaṃ gaganaṃ surammaṃ

maṇimayehi samalaṅkatāva

disā ca sabbā atirocayanti

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the sky is filled with masses of clear, silvery clouds, joyful and delightful to view. As though adorned with precious ornaments set with emeralds, the environs are extremely beautiful to behold.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

42. Gandhabbavijjadharakinnara ca

sugītiyantā madhurassarena

caranti tasmin pavane suramme

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, this delightful woody part of the route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu is the haunt of many heavenly musicians (gandhabba), beings possessed of supernatural powers (vijja-dhara) and mystical winged beings, Kinnarās (having the body of a bird but with a human face) who sing with melodious notes as they move or fly about.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

43. Kilesasaṃghassa bhitāsaktehi

tapassisanghehi nisevitam vanaṃ

vihāraārāmasamiddhibhutaṃ

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the woody route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu abounds with abodes that are suitable for permanent residence of the hermits and monks who greatly dread the oppression of enslaving defilements.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

44. Samiddhinānāphalino vanantā

anākulā niccamanobhirammā

samadhipītiṃ abhivsḍḍhayanti

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, groves of fruit trees with various plump fruits are free from disturbance and ever delightful. The resulting tranquillity of the five senses greatly promotes the development of joyful satisfaction (pīti) and concentration (samādhi) for the travelling bhikkhus and laity.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

45. Nisevitaṃ nekadijehi niccaṃ

gamena gāmaṃ satatam vasantā

pure pure gāmavarā ca santi

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, numerous birds of varying feathers take refuge in the woody tract between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu. Every town has its own hamlet filled with villagers, shifting from place to place in groups of common interest, at their will and pleasure, where bhikkhus can go for alms.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

46. Vatthannapānaṃ sayanāsanaṅca

gandhaṅca malaṅca vilepanaṅca

tahim samiddhā janatā bhahu ca

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, all along that route there are numerous hamlets where commodities or consumable goods such as food and clothing, also lodging and sweet-scents, different specimens of flowers, perfumes of all grades, mild or strong are readily available. The whole region has many rich people of the commercial world.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

47. Puññiddhiya sabbayasaggapattā

janā ca tasmiṅ sukhitā samiddhā

pahūtabbogā vividhā vasanti

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, all along the woody tract, at many villages there are virtuous people (enjoying the fruits of their past meritorious deeds) at the height of wealth and high reputation, and leading a life of ease and comfort. With ample wealth and numerous accessories for use, they live a luxurious life in diverse ways.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

48. Nabe ca abbhā suvisuddhavaṇṇā

disā ca cando suvirājitova

rattiñca vāto mudusītalo ca

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the clouds in the sky are clean and clear, the moon shines with all its brightness keeping the environs illuminated, at night, mild breeze, cool and gentle, blows softly in contrast with the biting wind of winter.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

49. Canduggame sabba janā pahathā

sakaṅgane cittarakata vadantā

piyehi saddhim abhimodayanti

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, when the moon rises, the happy, merry people on mother earth sit on the floors of the verandas of their houses; and enter into conversation. Together with their loved ones, they are full of joy.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

50. Candassa raṃsīhi nabhaṃ viroci

mahī ca saṃsuddhamanuññavaṇnā

disā ca sabbā parisuddharupā

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the silvery rays of the moon keep the sky becomingly bright. The earth also appears delightfully clean, and the environs in all directions is cool and clean.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

51. Dure ca disvā varacandaraṃsiṃ

pupphiṃsu puphāni mahūalasmiṃ

samanto gandhagunatthikānam

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, for the benefit of those lovers of sweet scents, various species of flowers all over the earth are in blossom through contact with the beams of the moon shining at great distance in the sky.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

52. Candassa ramsihi vilimpitāva

mahī samantā kusumen'laṅkatā

viroci sabbaṅgasumālinīva

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great benefactor, the entire surface of the earth looks splendid as though it has been besmeared with the cool, clear, silvery beams of the moon, and beautified and adorned with various night-blooming flowers. It resembles a fair maid profusely and becomingly decked with flowers.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

53. Kucanti hatthīpi madena mattā

vicitapiñcha ca aijā samantā

karonti nādaṃ pavane suramme

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, all along the route from Rājagaha to Kapilavatthu, elephants in must trumpet with their voices resembling that of the sweet sounds of cranes. Multifarious birds with strange wonderful plumage sing sweetly and merrily from all directions.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

54. Pathañcha sabbaṃ patipajjanakkhamaṃ

iddham ca rathaṃ sadhanaṃ sabhogaṃ

sabbathutaṃ sabbasukhappadānaṃ

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, winter has gone and the summer has just set in; it is the most opportune time to go on a journey. The countryside is rich and prosperous and replete with the seven characteristics, is worthy of praise and capable of giving comfort to mind and body.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit to Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

55. Vanañca sabbaṃ suvicittarūpaṃ

sumāpitaṃ nandānakānānanva

yatīna pītiṃ satataṃ jeneti

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the stretch of road ahead is wonderfully beautiful, resembling the enchanted garden of Nandavana which is created by the virtue of devas. To monks travelling through the woodland it is ever a source of innocent delight in the beauty of wood and forest, in contrast to those associated with the five objects of sensual pleasures.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

56. Alaṅkataṃ devapuraṃva rammaṃ

Kapilavatthum iti namameyyaṃ

kulanagaram idha sassirikaṃ

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the residential capital of your royal parents, relatives and their descents, Kapilavatthu, so named for being established on the site of the monastery of Kapila, who is a holy hermit, is as delightful as Tāvatiṃsa, the beautiful abode of celestials.

Venerable Lord of Mighty diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

57. Manuññaattavicittarūpaṃ

suphullapañkeruhasaṇḍamaṇḍitam

vicittaparikhāhi puraṃ surammaṃ

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the city of Kapilavatthu is majestic with turrets, bastions and tired-roofed structures. Fields of lovely lilies in full bloom adorn it and wonderful moats make it extremely delightful.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

58. Vicittapākārañca toraṇañca

subaṅganaṃ devanivāsabūtaṃ

manunnavīthi suralokasannitaṃ

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the royal capital city of Kapilavatthu has a magnificent wall around it, a strong reinforced gateway, with the surface of the ground as even as the face of a drum. The seat of the descendents of the ruling monarchs, with a delightful and clean and broad road-way, it is like the city of Tāvatiṃsa, the abode of the celestials.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

59. Alaṅkata sākiyara japuttā

virajamānā varabhūsanehi

suriṅdaloke iva devaputtā

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the princes, scion of the unbroken dynasty of monarchs of Kapilavatthu, being bedecked with best radiant costumes, are as graceful as their counterparts of the Kingdom of Tāvatiṃsa where Sakka rules supreme.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

60. Suddhodano munivaraṃ abhidassanāya

amaccaputte dasadhā apesayi

balenaṃ saddhim mahātā muninda

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, Most Exalted Chief of the Munis. Your father, King Suddhodāna, being desirous of seeing and paying homage to you, his son, the most Exalted of noble Munis, in consideration of lengthy separation and in view of his ripe old age, had sent ten groups of ministers for ten times, each group accompanied by one thousand attendants charged with the responsibility of inviting you to the Royal City.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

61. Nevāgataṃ passati neva vacaṃ

sokābhibhūtam naravīrasetthaṃ

tosetumicchāmi narādhipattaṃ

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Most Exalted Chief of the Munis, (In spite of his efforts) your old father, King Suddhodāna, has pathetically not yet seen you come nor has he even heard the news whether you will or will not make the visit.

The supreme valorous monarch, your father, is depressed by anxiety and sorrow. My ardent prayer is that the desire of the gracious King be joyously fulfilled by the vision of your face.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

62. Tamdassanenabbhutapītirāsi

udikkhamānam dvipadānamindaṃ

tosehi tam muniṅda gunasetham

samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Most Exalted Chief of the Munis, it is certain that your old gracious father, King Suddhodāna, will be extraordinarily moved with joy by your presence before him. Let the ardent wish of the gracious ruler, King Suddhodāna, the praiseworthy benefactor providing sustenance to all human beings, who have been awaiting your coming be joyously fulfilled by the vision of your face.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

63. Āsāya kassate khettaṃ

bijaṃ āsāya vappati

āsāya vāṇija yanti

samuddaṃ dhanahārakā

yāya āsāya tiṭṭhami

sā me āsā samijjhatu.

Most Exalted Chief of the Munis, a farmer ploughs the field many times with the expectation of securing crops and grains. Having furrowed the field repeatedly, he proceeds to sow the seeds with great effort, with the expectation of procuring a good harvest. People of commercial world, carrying their goods in big ships across the ocean rife with dangerous fish, tortoise, huge crabs, at the risk of their lives and with the expectation of securing wealth. So also, I, Kaludayi, your birth-mate, have arrived at your feet (in the Veḷuvana monastery) with the good wish and expectation that you will visit the royal city and grant your gracious permission to the Royal family to pay homage to you. May my good and sincere wish be fulfilled without delay.

Venerable lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

64. Nātisītam natiuhnaṃ

nātidubbhikkhachātakaṃ

saddalā haritā bhūmi

esa kalo Mahāmuni.

Most Exalted chief of the Munis, at this transitional period from winter to summer, the weather is neither very cold nor very hot. At this time of harvesting and fair weather, food is abundant and there is no problem of hunger and privation. The whole earth is emerald-tinted and verdant with tender Bermuda grass and this special period of the late winter-early summer is the most opportune time to travel to Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

This is how the Venerable Kaludayi addressed the Buddha with sixty beautifully composed stanzas of praise, persuading Him to visit the Royal City of Kapilavatthu.

(N.B. Herein it should be noted especially that, although the actual total number of stanzas is sixty-four, commentaries and Sub-commentaries count them as sixty; thus there is a slight difference of four stanzas as in the case of Atthasalini Mula Tika where kilesas are counted in like manner, allowing such negligible numbers to go unheeded on the strength of canonical saying “appakam hi unam adhikam va gananupagam na hoti—— such small shortage or excess should be neglected.”)

On such a presentation being made by the Venerable Kaludayi, the Buddha responded: “Son Kaludayi, why do you urge Me to visit Kapilavatthu by presenting such words of praise and in such a sweet tone?” The Venerable Kaludayi answered: “Most Exalted One, your old father, King Suddhodāna, wishes so much to pay homage to you and the Sangha. I pray that you may do honour to the royal relatives by your visit.” Then the Buddha granted His request in these words: “Your request is granted, son, Kaludayi. You may give intimation to the Sangha of my forth coming visit to Kapilavatthu to do honour to the royal relatives, and they will perform usual, formal rites as demanded by this occasion.” “Very well, my Lord,” replied the Venerable Kaludayi and duly informed the 2000 bhikkhus as he was bid.

This is the end of the chapter on Venerable Kaludayi’s presentation to the Buddha of sixty verses of invitation to the royal city of Kapilavatthu.

Buddha’s Journey to Kapilavatthu

The Buddha left Veḷuvana monastery in Rājagaha for Kapilavatthu accompanied by twenty thousand arahats, which made up of ten thousand arahats who came from the good families of Anga and Magadha and ten thousand arahats who came from the good families of Kapilavatthu. (On the waning moon of Phagguna (Tabaung) 103 Great Era), travelling at the rate of one yojana per day and hoping to cover the distance of sixty yojanas to Kapilavatthu within two months. Such a mode of travel, which is not too fast, is termed ‘aturita’.

King Suddhodāna provided Food to The Buddha

As the Buddha left for the royal city of Kapilavatthu adopting the aturita mode of travelling, the Venerable Kaludayi thought to himself: “I might go ahead to inform King Suddhodāna of the Buddha’s departure for Kapilavatthu,” and using his supernormal power (iddhividhā-abhiñña), he instantaneously appeared in the royal palace. King Suddhodāna was moved with joy when he saw the Venerable Kaludayi and greeted him with words of warm welcome. “Welcome, beloved Kaludayi, take your seat on the royal throne,” (a seat befitting noble personalities) and he offered the Venerable Kaludayi a bowl of specially delicious food prepared for himself, filling the alms-bowl to capacity.

When the Venerable Kaludayi showed signs of preparing for departure, King Suddhodāna said: “Please take your meal on the throne.” The Venerable replied: “Noble King, I will take this food only in the presence of the Buddha.” Then the King inquired: “Beloved Kaludayi, where is the Buddha?” The Venerable Kaludayi replied: “The Buddha, accompanied by twenty thousand arahats, is on His way to see you.” The King was extremely glad to hear this welcome news and said: “I pray thee then, take your meal which I have just offered in the palace and please do come every day to fetch food for the Buddha until His arrival here.” The Venerable Kaludayi gave his assent by keeping silent.

Having completed feeding the Venerable at the palace, King Suddhodāna caused his bowl to be cleaned with scented power before filling it with delicious soft and hard food and handed it to the Venerable, saying: “Please offer it to the Buddha.” The Venerable Kaludayi sent up the bowl into the air ahead of him, and rising up himself, he made his way through the air while the officials and courtiers were looking on. He then made his offering of the alms-bowl to the Buddha who partook of the meal brought thus by Kaludayi from His royal father. Throughout the whole journey, Venerable Kaludayi went every day to the King’s palace and brought food, offered by King, for the Buddha.

Venerable Kaludayi used to announce every day after his meal at the golden palace of Kapilavatthu, by saying: “The Buddha has covered this much of the journey today.” With this preface, he told the whole of royal family the glorious attributes of the Buddha. He did this with the object of sowing the seed of devoted faith in the hearts of His royal relatives even before they get the change of seeing Him.

(It is this reason that that Buddha said, at a subsequent “Etadagga” conferring ceremony, “etadaggaṃ bhikkhave mama sāvakanaṃ bhikkhūnaṃ kulappasādakānaṃ yadidaṃ Kaludāyi.——Bhikkhus, Kaludayi excels others in the matter of promoting faith and devotion of the royal relatives towards Me.”)

This was how the Buddha and twenty thousand arahats arrived at the city of Kapilavatthu, safe and sound, in two months' time, on the first waxing moon of Vesākha (Kasone) in the year 104 of the Great Era, after covering a distance of sixty yojanas by adopting the aturita method of travelling one yojana per day.

Buddha’s Display of The Twin Miracle

All the members of the Sakyan clan headed by King Suddhodāna gathered together to consider how they should pay respect to the Buddha, their noble blood relative, on His arrival at the city of Kapilavatthu. (The first item on the agenda was) to consider the question of accommodation for the Buddha, and they eventually came to the unanimous decision that the park of the Sakyan Prince, Nigrodha, is delightful and the most suitable place because it was replete with every convenience, such as shady trees, sources of water, proximity to the town, adequate and easy means of communication, and above all, seclusion. These were the five necessary provisions which would please Buddhas. As such, they reserve the park for the accommodation of the Buddha. When all the preparations had been made, they left in the following order, each holding flowers to welcome the Buddha.

a) Fully dressed boys and girls (sons and daughters of the common town people) took the lead in procession.

b) They were followed by the princes and princesses in their full ceremonial dresses.

c) The rest of the Sakyan clan came next, holding offerings of flowers and aromatic powder, which they made for the Buddha. The long procession of welcome headed for the Nigrodha park.

On arrival at the Nigrodha Park accompanied by twenty thousand arahats, the Buddha seated Himself on the Dhamma Throne, prepared and kept in readiness for Him.

Being stern and haughty through pride of birth, the Sakyan family members thought to themselves: “Prince Siddhattha is very junior to us in respect of age, being our young brother, young nephew, young son, grand son”; so they told the young princes: “You, young folks, may pay homage. As for us, we will sit behind you.” On seeing this, the Buddha realized the inner feeling and strong pride of birth of the Sakyans and thus considered and decided: “My haughty relatives have grown old in years profitlessly and thus do not make reverence to Me. My conceited relatives are totally ignorant of ‘the real nature of a Self-Enlightened Buddha; the might and glory of Buddhas. They do not know such is the nature of a Self-Enlightened One, and such is the might and glory of the Buddhas.’ Now I will let them know the real might and glory of a Buddha by the demonstration of Twin Miracle, which involved simultaneous streaming forth of water and fire from various parts of My body, and, at the same time, I will create a Walk in the sky, extending to ten thousand world-systems. On which I shall walk to and fro, pouring down the Dhamma rain on those beings who are gathered here according to the varying degrees of their inner disposition.” For this decision of the Buddha, all the devas and Brahmās in the ten thousand universes proclaimed instantly: “Sādhu! Sādhu!” in praise of the Exalted Buddha.

Immediately after the thought and decision, the Buddha attained the fourth jhāna which had white colour (odāta kasiṇa) as its object of meditation. And arising therefrom, He willed that “Ten thousand world-systems be illuminated” and the ten thousand worldsystems became illuminated instantly, much to the delight of devas, humans and the Brahmās. While they were thus exulting, the Buddha went up the sky through supernormal power which was derived from the fourth jhāna attainment and demonstrated the Twin Miracle of streaming alternately water and fire from twelve different parts of the body:—

(1) upward and downward; (2) front and back of the body; (3) left and right eyes; (4) ears; (5) nose; (6) shoulders;(7) hands; (8) sides of the body; (9) legs; (10) fingers and toes and spaces in between them; (11) every hair of the body; (12) pores of every hair of His body.

The Twin Miracle of fire-water, in pairs, springing from those parts or limbs of the body and producing alternately different patterns, was a matter for endless praise and admiration and it looked as if showers of particles from the soles of the Buddha were scattered on the heads of the Sakyan royalty——a strange and wonderful spectacle witnessed by devas, humans and Brahmās.

Third Obeisance by King Suddhodāna

When King Suddhodāna saw this strange and awesome spectacle of the Twin Miracle, he bowed solemnly and addressed the Buddha: “Glorious, Exalted son, on the day of your birth, as I tried to raise the clasped hands towards Kaladevila hermit so as to show him respect, I saw your pair of feet being raised up and placed firmly on the head of the hermit. That was the occasion when I made obeisance to you for the first time. And on the day of performing the Ploughing Ceremony, we kept you in an excellent spot under the cool shade of a Eugenia tree (although the shades of other tree shifted with time) which kept on protecting you without changing position with the passage of time. That, was when I paid homage at your feet for the second time. Now that I have witnessed the never-before seen extraordinarily strange spectacles of the Twin Miracle, I bow at your feet in homage for the third time.”

When the royal father, King Suddhodāna, made obeisance to the Buddha, all the members of the royal family without exception, could not help but pay homage to Him too.

Creation of The Jeweled Walk and Teaching The Dhamma

After subduing the pride of the royal relatives with the demonstration of the Twin Miracle in the sky and after duly considering the workings of their mind, the Buddha desired to teach them the Dhamma according to their mental dispositions, while He walked to and fro, on the created Jewelled Walk, which was finished with all kinds of gems, and extending from east to west, even beyond the ten thousand universes.

The following is a brief description of the magnitude of the Walk. With this Universe as the centre, ten thousand Meru mountains belonging to the ten thousand universes formed the mainstay of the entire structure of the Walk and the whole file of posts was made to shine golden yellow like golden posts. Above this was created the clean and broad surface of the Jewelled Walk. The eastern perimeter of the walk rested on the eastern edge of the eastern most universe, and in the same way the western perimeter rested on the edge of the western most universe.

The bordering surfaces on either side of the Walk were golden in colour. The middle portion of the entire walk was filled with earth of rubies, and the rafters, beams, purloins were finished with various kinds of shining gems. The roofing was of gold and the balusters lining the Walk were of gold. Ruby and pearl grains were spread like sand on the entire surface of the structure. The walk resembled a rising sun lighting up all the ten directions.

The Buddha, with peerless grace and glory which was the characteristic of Self- Enlightened Buddhas, paced slowly up and down the walk. The devas and Brahmās from ten thousand Universes gathered together bringing Mandārava flowers, Paduma lilies and flowers of Indian coral tree (Erythirina Indica) and scattering them on the Walk made their offerings and homage.

(N.B. As regards the Erythirina Indica tree, it should be mentioned here that, while the thirty-three lads of virtue headed by the youthful Māgha were performing meritorious deeds in the human world, they planted such a tree so that people might take shelter with ease and comfort. As a result of that good deed, an Erythrina Indica tree appeared in Tāvatiṃsa Deva realm (where they were reborn). The sweet fragrance of its seasonal flowers permeated the whole of ten thousand yojana extent of that celestial world.)

As the Buddha walked to and fro on the Jewelled Walk, some celestial beings paid homage from their abodes, while others, out of joy, gathered at various places. All those in the world of devas, humans and Brahmās, together with nāgas, garuḷas, and Kinnarās joyously worshipped the Buddha who was walking to and fro on the Jewelled Walk, looking like a moon at full waxing. (With the exception of Assaññasa Brahmās and Formless Brahmas) all the Brahmās in the fifteen Rupāvacara Brahmā-worlds, in their immaculately white garments, paid their homage with clasped hands uttering such words of praise as: “Victor of the five Maras, Promoter of wellbeing of all beings, Protector of interests of all beings, One who has compassion for all beings.” Flowers of brown, yellow, red, white, and dark-green colour, mixed with powdered sandal wood, were thrown into the air in volumes, in worship. Like pennants flown in the sky, they also briskly waved their Brāhmaṇa scarves as an act of worship.

(NB. There are twenty stanzas uttered by the Brahmās in praise of the Buddha in the Pāli Canon. For particulars, readers may refer to Buddhavaṃsa Pāli Text.)

The Arrival of Venerable Sāriputta and His Five Hundred Arahats

After the demonstration of the Twin Miracle and the creation of the Jewelled Walk, while the Buddha was being paid homage by devas and Brahmās as He walked to and fro on the Walk, Venerable Sāriputta and his five hundred disciples were residing on the slopes of Mount Gijjha-kūṭa in Rājagaha. Venerable Sāriputta, saw, through his supernatural powers, (dibbacakkhu abhiññā) the Buddha taking His walk on the Jewelled Walk in the sky above the city of Kapilavatthu. He thought of approaching the Buddha immediately and supplicating Him to reveal in full the life story of a Bodhisatta (His many existences and stages of development before His last birth and Enlightenment).

He immediately assembled around him the five hundred co-resident arahats and said:

“Venerable Sirs, the Exalted Buddha is performing the Twin Miracle together with the demonstration of supernatural power of unveiling the world (lokavivarana- abhiññā) which are to be admired and revered by the whole world. We will go to see the demonstrations of these miraculous powers and as well as to pay homage to Him. Come, Venerable Sirs, we will all go to the Buddha and request Him to recount the course of practices for Enlightenment undertaken in the past as a Bodhisatta so as to dispel any doubt we may have regarding this matter.”

(N.B. With regard to the words of the Venerable Sāriputta, “so as to dispel any doubt——kaṅkhaṃ vinodayissāma,” it might be asked: “Why should the Venerable Sāriputta say so, as it is a fact that arahats who have rid themselves of all āsavas are free from doubts?” The answer is: Sixteen forms of doubt (vicikicchā) are completely eradicated at the stage of the Stream-Winner (sotāpatti-magga). Therefore arahats no longer entertain any doubt (about the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha or about their own past, present or future lives.) The doubt (kankhā), mentioned here by the Venerable Sāriputta, does not refer to the mental concomitant (vicikicchā). He meant here the lack of knowledge in full about the previous existences of Bodhisattas who had become Enlightened Buddhas during the past four asaṅkhyeyyas and a hundred thousand aeons, details concerning the world-cycle in which they made their appearances, their names, clans, families, the order of their appearances, and duration of their Dispensations, etc. To state further, Venerable Sāriputta wanted to request the Buddha for an account of the whole lineage, clan, family, tradition, etc., (Buddhavaṃsa) which could be given only by a Buddha; it is the province of a Buddha only, not of a Paccekabuddha nor of a disciple. Not being within his province, Sāriputta said: “Let us dispel the doubt by approaching the Buddha with this request.” (As explained in-Buddhavaṃsa Commentary.)

On being urged thus by the Venerable Sāriputta, the five hundred co-resident arahats quickly gathered round him, carrying robes and aims bowls in readiness.

Then the Venerable Sāriputta, accompanied by the five hundred arahats, travelled through the air by means of their supernormal psychic powers (iddhividhā-abhiñña) and, upon arrival, paid homage to the Buddha who was still pacing up and down the Jewelled Walk. The five hundred arahats also paid homage in silence without coughing or sneezing but with deep veneration. Along with the Venerable Sāriputta were the Venerables Mahā Moggallāna, Mahā Kassapa, etc. who also remained in the sky making obeisance to the Buddha.

Buddha’s Exposition of His Own Attributes

As the Buddha was aware of the intense enthusiasm and devotional faith springing in the five hundred arahats headed by the Venerable Sāriputta, He proceeded to expound His own attributes and attainments, beginning with the verse:

Cattaro te asancheyyā
Koti yesam na nāyati...

Dear son, Sāriputta, there are four ‘Immensities’ which are innumerable, incalculable; their beginning and the end are unknowable, unfathomable. They are (1) beings in general (2) wide open spaces (3) universes (4) sabbaññutā-ñāṇa of Fully-Enlightened Buddhas.

(At this time, the minds of devas and humans were full of wonder of the Buddha’s miraculous creation. As if He were urging the devas and humans, “there are still things that excel the wonderful miracles I have just created. Listen also to the revelation of those exceedingly wonderful miracles", the Buddha went on to elaborate.)

“Sāriputta, besides the foregoing miraculous creations, there are many exceedingly wonderful things which have never occurred before, and which, when revealed, will surely cause your hairs to stand on end. (To recount them briefly:)

“After my death as King Vesantara, (having fulfilled Perfections (pāramī), sacrifices (cāga) and virtues through practice (cariya), while I was waiting for the time of attainment of Buddhahood) as a celestial being named Santusita, enjoying the divine bliss in the Tāvatiṃsa realm of devas for fifty-seven crores and six million years reckoned in terms of human life, devas and Brahmās from ten thousand world-systems gathered in my presence and made the supplication:

“O! Bodhisatta Deva, freed from all suffering, you have already fulfilled ten pāramīs extended into thirty categories, three kinds of cariya and ten kinds of cāga, not with the desire to gain the bliss of a ‘Wheel-turning’ Monarch, or of Sakka, the ruler of devas, or of māras or of Brahmās; you had fulfilled these Perfections aspiring only after Buddhahood in order to liberate the multitude of sentient beings. O! Bodhisatta Deva, freed from all suffering, the propitious time you have longed for to attain Buddhahood has come!

“O! Energetic Bodhisatta Deva, the time is now ripe for you to become an Omniscient Buddha. May you take conception in the womb of the royal mother Maya. Rescuing all beings, including devas, from the current of saṃsāra. May you realize the Deathless Nibbāna.” Thus they made their supplication.

“I did not, however readily give my consent to their supplication. I first made five great investigations as following:

(1) appropriate time for the appearance of a Buddha, (2) appropriate island continent for the appearance of a Buddha, (3) appropriate country for the appearance of a Buddha, (4) clan or family into which the Bodhisatta would be reborn, and (5) the span of life of the Bodhisatta’s mother. I gave my consent only after making these five great investigations: ‘My friends, devas and Brahmās, the time is indeed ripe for me to become a Buddha (as you have said).’ Having lived the full life-term in the Tusitā Deva realm, I entered the womb of my royal mother, Mahā Maya, a descent of the unbroken line of the Sakyan rulers.

“As I took conception in the womb of my mother with mindfulness and comprehension, ten thousand universes trembled and quaked.

“Without forsaking mindfulness and comprehension, I came out of my mother’s womb, standing erect, with arms and legs stretched straight, like a preaching bhikkhu descending from the Dhamma throne or a man coming down the stairway at the entrance of a stupa, without any trace of unwholesome filth besmearing my body, (on Friday, the full moon of Vesakha, in the year 68, Great Era.) At that time also, ten thousand Universes trembled and quaked (as if to cheer the occasion).

“My son, Sāriputta, there is none to equal Me as a Bodhisatta, in the manner of taking conception and of coming out from the mother’s womb. (At the moment of descending into the mother’s womb, during ten months in the mother’s womb, and at the moment of birth, on all the three occasions, he remained mindful with full comprehension; hence such an utterance.) (Again arahatta-magga-ñāṇa of certain disciples results in arahatta-phala-ñāṇa only; that of some disciples gives rise to three vijjās only and that of some others produces six forms of abhiññā; whereas some disciples achieve patisambhida-ñāṇa through arahatta-magga, others gain only sāvaka-pāramī-ñāṇa; and Paccekabuddhas attain only Pacceka-bodhi-ñāṇa for their achievement of arahatta-magga-ñāṇa. The arahatta-magga-ñāṇa of all Buddhas, however, brings the advantage of being instantaneously accomplished in all the attributes of Fully-Enlightened Ones.) Therefore, in the matter of attainment of arahatta-magga-ñāṇa, there is none my equal. As regards desanā-ñāṇa also, I am supreme.” Thus the Buddha gave an exhaustive exposition of His own attributes.

At that time, there occurred a violent earth-quake which was similar to that as at the moment of taking conception. The ten thousand world-systems trembled and quaked in the following six modes: (1) the earth surface rose in the east and sank in the west, (2) it rose in the west and sank in the east, (3) it rose in the north and sank in the south, (4) it rose in the south and sank in the north, (5) it rose in the centre and sank along the circumference, and (6) it rose along the circumference and sank in the centre. A great expanse of light, beyond the power of devas and Brahmās, was shining with unsurpassed brilliance.

Devas and Brahmās, witnessing the awesome phenomena and also coming to know from the Buddha’s Teaching that these phenomena only occurred on such occasions as the taking conception of the Bodhisatta, recited a stanza in praise thereof:

Aho acchariyaṃ loke

Buddhānam gunamahāntatā

dasasahassi 1okadhātu

chappakāraṃ pakampatha

obhātso ca Mahāāsi

accheram lomahāṃsanaṃ

O! friend, devas and Brahmās, Glories and attributes of Buddhas have caused earth tremors to rock ten thousand universes and the surface of the earth rises and fall in alternating directions: east-west, north-south and centre and at the edges. A broad ray of light surpassing the power of the devas and Brahmās has also illuminated these worlds. The wonder of this awesome phenomena has made us snap our fingers in awe and praise and our hairs to stand on end. Oh, the greatness of the many attributes of the Buddha indeed warrants us snapping our fingers in wonder and admiration.

At that time, the Buddha was displaying the Twin Miracle and walking to and fro on the Jewelled Walk by means of His psychic power. And while He was thus pacing to and fro on the Walk, He was expounding the Dhamma like a mighty lion king roaring, seated on a slab of red orpiment, like a thundering sky, like a man swimming across the river of the sky. With a voice of eight features, in various ways and minute details, He taught the sermon of the Four Noble Truths leading to the salient characteristics of impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and insubstantiality.

Although the Jewelled Walk covered the whole length of the ten thousand worlds, the

Buddha walked to one end of it quickly and then turned back from it as if He was making the walk on a path measuring only four cubits. He actually walked on the Jewelled Walk from end to end, not turning round without reaching the end.

[Here it might be asked: Did the Buddha, through His power, cause the shortening of such an immensely long Walk or did He create His own body to a size corresponding to that of the Walk? (That is, is that the work of supernormal psychic power (iddhi-visaya)?)

Here is the answer: No, it is not a creation by means of supernormal psychic power (iddhi-visaya). The power possessed by the Omniscient One, Buddhavisaya, is inconceivable, beyond human imagination. It being so, the Buddha could walk to and fro on the Jewelled Walk as He would do on a walk measuring four cubits.

It was due to this inconceivable power of the Buddhas that the whole spectacle could be witnessed right from Akaniṭṭha-Brahmās realm to the Avīci plane of miseries without obstruction whatsoever. All the world-systems involved became as a vast open plain, adjoining one another uninterrupted, so that humans could see devas and Brahmās and vice versa. They all could see the Buddha walking to and fro on the long walk as they would see Him walking on a simple ordinary walk. The Buddha preached as He walked, and having complete mastery over the mind, (cittissariya), He was absorbed in phala-samāpatti during the infinitesimal fraction of time intervals while the audience was saying: ‘Sādhu, Sādhu’.]

Venerable Sāriputta’s Request for The Expounding of Buddhavaṃsa

The Venerable Sāriputta, after paying homage to his heart’s content to the Buddha who was walking to and fro with peerless grace, preaching the sermon of the Four Noble Truths to gathering of devas, humans and Brahmās from ten thousand universes, thought to himself: “Such a united gathering of devas, humans and Brahmās from the ten thousand world-systems is an unprecedented one; it should be an occasion for a great Dhamma Exposition. A discourse on the Buddhavaṃsa especially would be greatly beneficial, promoting faith and devotion towards the Buddha. It would be well if I should request the Buddha for an exposition of His life story and the Perfections He had fulfilled from the time of receiving the definite prophecy of becoming a Buddha.” He then approached the Buddha after slipping one end of his robe over the left shoulder and with his hands raised, made this request in three stanzas beginning with “Kediso te mahāvira, etc.,” (reproduced below in both Pāli and vernacular) to expound a full discourse on the Buddhavaṃsa together with an account of the practices, which had cultivated in the past.

Kidiso te Mahāvīra

abhinihāro naruttama

kamhi kāle tayā dhīra

pattitā Bodhimuttamā.

Veneration to the Exalted One, who has exercised the Four Great Exertions (sammappadhāna), one who is nobler than men, superior to devas and excels the Brahmās, the Crown of the three worlds! In what world-cycle and in what aeon, did you aspire for and resolve to attain Perfect Self-Enlightenment which excels Pacceka-bodhi and Sāvaka-bodhi?

Dānam Sīlanca nekkhamam

paññā viriyanca kidisam

khantī saccamadhitthanam

mettupekkha ca kidisa

Veneration to the Exalted Omniscient One, Crown of the three worlds. How should we understand and regard your Perfections, such as Perfection of Alms-giving, Perfection of Morality, Perfection of Renunciation, Perfection of Wisdom, Perfection of Energy? How should we understand and regard your Perfections of Forbearance, Truthfulness, Resolution, Loving-Kindness and Equanimity?

Dāsa Paramī tayā dhīra

kīdisī lokanāyaka

kathaṃ upaparamī punnā

parmatthaparamī kathaṃ

Veneration to the Exalted Omniscient One, Lord of the three worlds. May you enlighten us as to how you had fulfilled these Perfections, how you had acquired higher and higher stages of these Perfections and attained full maturity thereof? Likewise, with the ten higher Perfections (upa-pāramī) and the ten highest Perfections (paramattha-pāramī) in what way, in what manner had you cultivated them to acquire their maturity at the higher level of development?

N.B. (With regard to Perfection of Alms-giving (dāna-pāramī), gift of external properties is ordinary dāna-pāramī, gift of one’s own limbs, big and small is dānaupa-pāramī, gift of life is dāna-paramattha-pāramī. The same principle of classification applies to nine other Perfections. Thus, observance of morality at the sacrifice of external properties is ordinary sīla-pāramī, observance of morality regardless of loss of one’s limbs is sīla-upa-pāramī and observance of morality regardless of losing one’s own life is sīla-paramattha-pāramī. This is how they should be differentiated and noted.)

For innumerable existences, the Bodhisatta had fulfilled dāna and other pāramīs, of which the following are of special interest:

(1) When He was born as a wise hare, he mistook Sakka, who was in the guise of a brahmin, as a genuine brahmin going round collecting alms. So he caused a blazing bonfire to be made and offered himself by jumping into it. Such dāna is Dānaparamattha-pāramī. (As told in7-Sasa Pandita Jātaka, 2-Pucimanda Vagga of Catukka Nipata.)

(2) When He was born as Naga-king Sankhapala, he endured the agony of wounds, which were caused by a ruthless attack by sixteen hunters with spears at eight places on his body, after being impaled on a stake. Without showing resentment, he offered his life and maintained the observance of his precepts. Such a sīla comes under the category of Sīla-paramattha-pāramī. (As told in Sankhapala Jātaka of Catalisa Nipata.)

(3) When He was King Cula Sutasoma, he abdicated the throne of the country of Sudassana (ancient Bārāṇasī) without fear of danger to his life and without attachment to the luxury of kingship and abnegated himself. Such an act of renunciation is called Nekkhama-paramattha-pāramī. (Culasoma Jātaka, Cattalisa Nipata.)

(4) When He was born as a wise man by the name of Senaka, he saved the life of a brahmin by revealing, as if he had seen with his eyes, the presence of a cobra in the leather bag which contained the brahmin’s food. Such an exhibition of wisdom, which had saved the life of the owner of the leather bag, comes under the category of Paramattha-paññā-pāramī. (Sattubhasthe Jātaka of Sattaka Nipata.)

(5) When He was born as a Prince, named Janaka, his undaunted effort to swim across the ocean in the face of odds and without despair, while his fellow travellers were perishing and meeting with destruction, reflects Prince Janaka’s great perseverance. Such a remarkable persevering effort belongs to the category of Paramattha-vīriyapāramī (The Mahā Janaka Jātaka of Mahā Nipata.)

(6) When He was a hermit, named Khantivādī, King Kalabu of the country of Kasi, cut off his hands and feet with a sharp axe. He was unmoved and bore the suffering as though he were a piece of log that lacked sensation and consciousness. He also showed no resentment to the King. Such an act of forbearance comes under the category of Paramattha-khantī-pāramī. (3-Khantivadi Jātaka, 2-Pucimanda Vagga of Catukka Nipata.)

(7) When He was King Mahā Sutasoma, he gave his word of honour, “I will certainly return tomorrow,” to the cannibal Porisada. He stood by his word, regardless of his own life, thereby saving the lives of one hundred and one kings. Such a righteous and truthful vocal deed (vacisacca) comes under the category of Sacca-paramattha-pāramī. (Mahā Sutasoma Jātaka, Asiti Nipata.)

(8) When as a Bodhisatta, He was Prince Temi, he pretended to be deaf and mute and persisted with this practice at the risk of his life, up to the time of his renunciation. Such an act of resolution comes under the category of Sacca-paramattha-adhitthānapāramī. (Mugapakkha (Temiya) Jātaka, Mahā Nipata.)

(9) When He was a hermit by the name of Suvannasama, he cultivated loving-kindness (mettā) at the risk of his life. Such an act of loving-kindness comes under the category of Paramattha-mettā-pāramī. (Suvannasama Jātaka Nipata.)

(10) When He was an ascetic practicing austerities, as described in Lomahāmsa Jātaka, 10Litta Vagga of Ekakanipata, he did not allow himself to be swayed either by the perverted, corrupted demeanour of young villagers or by the various acts of reverence and homage done by the wise, thereby safe-guarding himself entirely from ill-will and greed. Such equanimous attitude of the Bodhisatta exemplifies Upekkhā-paramatthapāramī.

(For full particulars of this category of Paramattha-pāramī, reference may be made to Cariyapitaka Commentary and other relevant Jātaka Commentaries.)

On such a supplication being made by the Venerable Sāriputta, the Buddha expounded two verses as if He was pouring the Elixir of Deathlessness to keep the minds of all sentient beings in peace, urging them: First, to listen with reverent attention to the discourse on the Chronicle of Buddhas which will cause joy and gladness to the audience of devas and humans, eradicate the pricking sorrow in their disturbed minds and let them achieve various attainments, and secondly, to strive earnestly to follow and practice the noble Path to Buddhahood which will destroy all forms of pride, vanity, which will remove various kinds of grief, sorrow, and which will save beings from the cycle of rebirths and extinguish all suffering.

Then, in order to encourage the assembled devas and humans to become enthusiastic to aspire after Perfect Self-Enlightenment, the Buddha gave a discourse on the Chronicle of Buddhas, adorned with nine hundred and fifty one stanzas beginning with:

Kappe ca satasahasse

caturo ca asarṅkhiye

amaraṃ nāma nagaraṃ

dassaneyyaṃ manoramaṃ

The discourse was well received and highly appreciated by the great audience of devas and humans.

By the end of the discourse on the Chronicle of Buddhas, ten million crores of devas, humans and Brahmās became arahats, having eliminated all traces of āsavas; and innumerable beings became established in the lower stages of the Path.

(Here it should be noted that there are nine hundred and fifty-one stanzas which deal wholly with the Buddhavaṃsa. In Nidānakatha, there are eighty-one stanzas comprising a mixture of words of the Mahātheras who participated in the Council (Saṅgītikāraka), words of the Venerable Sāriputta and those of the Buddha; and thirty-eight stanzas in Pakiṇṇaka section and Dhatubhājaniya kathā, being words of the Saṅgītikaraka Mahā Theras, thus totalling one thousand and seventy stanzas in the whole of Buddhavaṃsa-Pāli Text.)