Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā kusinārāyaṁ viharati upavattane mallānaṁ sālavane antarena yamakasālānaṁ parinibbānasamaye.
Thus have I heard—At one time, the Blessed One was dwelling near Kusinārā in the Sal Grove of the Mallas, between the twin sāla trees, at the time of his final Nibbāna.
Atha kho āyasmā ānando yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho āyasmā ānando bhagavantaṁ etadavoca: “mā, bhante, bhagavā imasmiṁ khuddakanagarake ujjaṅgalanagarake sākhānagarake parinibbāyi. Santi, bhante, aññāni mahānagarāni. Seyyathidaṁ—campā, rājagahaṁ, sāvatthi, sāketaṁ, kosambī, bārāṇasī; ettha bhagavā parinibbāyatu. Ettha bahū khattiyamahāsālā brāhmaṇamahāsālā gahapatimahāsālā tathāgate abhippasannā, te tathāgatassa sarīrapūjaṁ karissantī”ti.
Then the venerable Ānanda approached the Blessed One. Having drawn near, he paid homage to the Blessed One and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the venerable Ānanda addressed the Blessed One: “Venerable sir, may the Blessed One not attain final Nibbāna in this small insignificant town, this little rough-country town, this small branch town. There are, venerable sir, other great cities, namely: Campā, Rājagaha, Sāvatthi, Sāketa, Kosambi, and Varanasi. Let the Blessed One attain final Nibbāna there. There are many wealthy aristocrats, wealthy brahmins, and wealthy householders there who have deep confidence in the Tathāgata. They will honor the Tathāgata’s body.”
“Mā hevaṁ, ānanda, avaca; mā hevaṁ, ānanda, avaca: ‘khuddakanagarakaṁ ujjaṅgalanagarakaṁ sākhānagarakan’ti.
“Do not speak thus, Ānanda. Do not say, Ānanda: ‘a small insignificant town, a little rough-country town, a small branch town.’
1. The Royal Capital of Kusāvati
Bhūtapubbaṁ, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano nāma ahosi khattiyo muddhāvasitto cāturanto vijitāvī janapadatthāvariyappatto. Rañño, ānanda, mahāsudassanassa ayaṁ kusinārā kusāvatī nāma rājadhānī ahosi. Puratthimena ca pacchimena ca dvādasayojanāni āyāmena, uttarena ca dakkhiṇena ca sattayojanāni vitthārena. Kusāvatī, ānanda, rājadhānī iddhā ceva ahosi phītā ca bahujanā ca ākiṇṇamanussā ca subhikkhā ca. Seyyathāpi, ānanda, devānaṁ āḷakamandā nāma rājadhānī iddhā ceva hoti phītā ca bahujanā ca ākiṇṇayakkhā ca subhikkhā ca; evameva kho, ānanda, kusāvatī rājadhānī iddhā ceva ahosi phītā ca bahujanā ca ākiṇṇamanussā ca subhikkhā ca.
Formerly, Ānanda, there was a king named Mahāsudassana, an anointed king of the noble class, a conqueror of the four quarters, who had attained stability in his realm. Ānanda, this Kusinārā was King Mahāsudassana’s royal capital, named Kusāvati. It extended twelve yojanas from east to west, and seven yojanas from north to south. Ānanda, the royal capital Kusāvati was successful, prosperous, populous, crowded with people, and well supplied with food. Just as, Ānanda, the royal capital of the gods named Āḷakamandā is successful, prosperous, populous, crowded with spirits, and well supplied with food—so too, Ānanda, the royal capital Kusāvati was successful, prosperous, populous, crowded with people, and well supplied with food.
Kusāvatī, ānanda, rājadhānī dasahi saddehi avivittā ahosi divā ceva rattiñca, seyyathidaṁ— hatthisaddena assasaddena rathasaddena bherisaddena mudiṅgasaddena vīṇāsaddena gītasaddena saṅkhasaddena sammasaddena pāṇitāḷasaddena ‘asnātha pivatha khādathā’ti dasamena saddena.
Ānanda, the royal capital Kusāvati was never without ten sounds by day or by night, namely: the sound of elephants, the sound of horses, the sound of chariots, the sound of kettle drums, the sound of drums, the sound of lutes, the sound of singing, the sound of conches, the sound of cymbals, and the sound of clapping; and the tenth sound: ‘Eat, drink, chew!’
Kusāvatī, ānanda, rājadhānī sattahi pākārehi parikkhittā ahosi. Eko pākāro sovaṇṇamayo, eko rūpiyamayo, eko veḷuriyamayo, eko phalikamayo, eko lohitaṅkamayo, eko masāragallamayo, eko sabbaratanamayo.
The royal capital Kusāvati, Ānanda, was encircled by seven encircling walls: one made of gold, one made of silver, one made of beryl, one made of crystal, one made of ruby, one made of emerald, and one made of all gems.
Kusāvatiyā, ānanda, rājadhāniyā catunnaṁ vaṇṇānaṁ dvārāni ahesuṁ. Ekaṁ dvāraṁ sovaṇṇamayaṁ, ekaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ, ekaṁ veḷuriyamayaṁ, ekaṁ phalikamayaṁ. Ekekasmiṁ dvāre satta satta esikā nikhātā ahesuṁ tiporisaṅgā tiporisanikhātā dvādasaporisā ubbedhena. Ekā esikā sovaṇṇamayā, ekā rūpiyamayā, ekā veḷuriyamayā, ekā phalikamayā, ekā lohitaṅkamayā, ekā masāragallamayā, ekā sabbaratanamayā.
The royal capital Kusāvati, Ānanda, had gates of four colors: one gate was made of gold, one made of silver, one made of beryl, and one made of crystal. At each gate, seven posts were erected, three fathoms deep and twelve fathoms high: one pillar was made of gold, one made of silver, one made of beryl, one made of crystal, one made of ruby, one made of emerald, and one made of all gems.
Kusāvatī, ānanda, rājadhānī sattahi tālapantīhi parikkhittā ahosi. Ekā tālapanti sovaṇṇamayā, ekā rūpiyamayā, ekā veḷuriyamayā, ekā phalikamayā, ekā lohitaṅkamayā, ekā masāragallamayā, ekā sabbaratanamayā. Sovaṇṇamayassa tālassa sovaṇṇamayo khandho ahosi, rūpiyamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Rūpiyamayassa tālassa rūpiyamayo khandho ahosi, sovaṇṇamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Veḷuriyamayassa tālassa veḷuriyamayo khandho ahosi, phalikamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Phalikamayassa tālassa phalikamayo khandho ahosi, veḷuriyamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Lohitaṅkamayassa tālassa lohitaṅkamayo khandho ahosi, masāragallamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Masāragallamayassa tālassa masāragallamayo khandho ahosi, lohitaṅkamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Sabbaratanamayassa tālassa sabbaratanamayo khandho ahosi, sabbaratanamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Tāsaṁ kho panānanda, tālapantīnaṁ vāteritānaṁ saddo ahosi vaggu ca rajanīyo ca khamanīyo ca madanīyo ca. Seyyathāpi, ānanda, pañcaṅgikassa tūriyassa suvinītassa suppaṭitāḷitassa sukusalehi samannāhatassa saddo hoti vaggu ca rajanīyo ca khamanīyo ca madanīyo ca; evameva kho, ānanda, tāsaṁ tālapantīnaṁ vāteritānaṁ saddo ahosi vaggu ca rajanīyo ca khamanīyo ca madanīyo ca. Ye kho panānanda, tena samayena kusāvatiyā rājadhāniyā dhuttā ahesuṁ soṇḍā pipāsā, te tāsaṁ tālapantīnaṁ vāteritānaṁ saddena paricāresuṁ.
The royal capital Kusāvati, Ānanda, was encircled by seven rows of palm trees: one row of palm trees was made of gold, one made of silver, one made of beryl, one made of crystal, one made of ruby, one made of emerald, and one made of all gems. The golden palm tree had a golden trunk, with silver leaves and fruits. The silver palm tree had a silver trunk, with golden leaves and fruits. The beryl palm tree had a beryl trunk, with crystal leaves and fruits. The crystal palm tree had a crystal trunk, with beryl leaves and fruits. The ruby palm tree had a ruby trunk, with emerald leaves and fruits. The emerald palm tree had an emerald trunk, with ruby leaves and fruits. The palm tree of all gems had a trunk of all gems, with leaves and fruits of all gems. And when those rows of palm trees were stirred by the wind, Ānanda, their sound was melodious, delightful, captivating, and intoxicating. Just as, Ānanda, the sound of a five-piece musical ensemble, well tuned, skillfully played, and performed by master musicians, is melodious, delightful, captivating, and intoxicating—even so, Ānanda, when those rows of palm trees were stirred by the wind, their sound was melodious, delightful, captivating, and intoxicating. And whatever rogues, drunkards, and drinkers there were in the royal capital of Kusāvati at that time, Ānanda, they revelled to the sound of those rows of palm trees stirred by the wind.
2. Endowed with the Seven Treasures
2.1. The Wheel Treasure
Rājā, ānanda, mahāsudassano sattahi ratanehi samannāgato ahosi catūhi ca iddhīhi. Katamehi sattahi?
King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, was endowed with seven treasures and four powers. What seven?
Idhānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa tadahuposathe pannarase sīsaṁnhātassa uposathikassa uparipāsādavaragatassa dibbaṁ cakkaratanaṁ pāturahosi sahassāraṁ sanemikaṁ sanābhikaṁ sabbākāraparipūraṁ. Disvā rañño mahāsudassanassa etadahosi: ‘sutaṁ kho pana metaṁ: “yassa rañño khattiyassa muddhāvasittassa tadahuposathe pannarase sīsaṁnhātassa uposathikassa uparipāsādavaragatassa dibbaṁ cakkaratanaṁ pātubhavati sahassāraṁ sanemikaṁ sanābhikaṁ sabbākāraparipūraṁ, so hoti rājā cakkavattī”ti. Assaṁ nu kho ahaṁ rājā cakkavattī’ti.
Here, Ānanda, on an uposatha day of the fifteenth, when King Mahāsudassana had washed his head and observed the uposatha, having gone up to the top story of the royal palace, the divine wheel treasure appeared to him, with a thousand spokes, with rim and hub, complete in all aspects. Seeing it, King Mahāsudassana thought: ‘I have heard: “When the divine wheel treasure appears to an anointed king of the noble class on an uposatha day of the fifteenth, when he has washed his head and observed the uposatha, having gone up to the top story of the royal palace, complete in all aspects with a thousand spokes, rim, and hub, he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.” Might I be a wheel-turning monarch?’
Atha kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano uṭṭhāyāsanā ekaṁsaṁ uttarāsaṅgaṁ karitvā vāmena hatthena suvaṇṇabhiṅkāraṁ gahetvā dakkhiṇena hatthena cakkaratanaṁ abbhukkiri: ‘pavattatu bhavaṁ cakkaratanaṁ, abhivijinātu bhavaṁ cakkaratanan’ti.
Then, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana rose from his seat, draped his outer robe over one shoulder, took a golden water pitcher in his left hand, and with his right hand sprinkled the wheel treasure with water, saying: ‘Roll forth, precious wheel! Triumph, precious wheel!’
Atha kho taṁ, ānanda, cakkaratanaṁ puratthimaṁ disaṁ pavatti, anvadeva rājā mahāsudassano saddhiṁ caturaṅginiyā senāya, yasmiṁ kho panānanda, padese cakkaratanaṁ patiṭṭhāsi, tattha rājā mahāsudassano vāsaṁ upagacchi saddhiṁ caturaṅginiyā senāya.
Then, Ānanda, that wheel treasure rolled forth toward the eastern quarter, and King Mahāsudassana followed behind it with his fourfold army. In whatever region, Ānanda, the wheel treasure came to a halt, there King Mahāsudassana took up residence with his fourfold army.
Ye kho panānanda, puratthimāya disāya paṭirājāno, te rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ upasaṅkamitvā evamāhaṁsu: ‘ehi kho, mahārāja, svāgataṁ te, mahārāja, sakaṁ te, mahārāja, anusāsa, mahārājā’ti.
Whatever rival kings there were in the eastern quarter, Ānanda, approached King Mahāsudassana and said: ‘Come, Great King! Welcome, Great King! All this is yours, Great King; instruct us, Great King.’
Rājā mahāsudassano evamāha: ‘pāṇo na hantabbo, adinnaṁ na ādātabbaṁ, kāmesu micchā na caritabbā, musā na bhaṇitabbā, majjaṁ na pātabbaṁ, yathābhuttañca bhuñjathā’ti. Ye kho panānanda, puratthimāya disāya paṭirājāno, te rañño mahāsudassanassa anuyantā ahesuṁ.
King Mahāsudassana said: ‘Do not kill living beings. Do not take what is not given. Do not engage in sexual misconduct. Do not speak falsely. Do not consume intoxicants. And enjoy your wealth as you did before.’ Whatever rival kings there were in the eastern quarter, Ānanda, became vassals of King Mahāsudassana.
Atha kho taṁ, ānanda, cakkaratanaṁ puratthimaṁ samuddaṁ ajjhogāhetvā paccuttaritvā dakkhiṇaṁ disaṁ pavatti …pe…
Then, Ānanda, that wheel treasure plunged into the eastern ocean, emerged, and rolled forth toward the southern quarter ...
dakkhiṇaṁ samuddaṁ ajjhogāhetvā paccuttaritvā pacchimaṁ disaṁ pavatti …pe…
... having plunged into the southern ocean, emerged, and rolled forth toward the western quarter ...
pacchimaṁ samuddaṁ ajjhogāhetvā paccuttaritvā uttaraṁ disaṁ pavatti, anvadeva rājā mahāsudassano saddhiṁ caturaṅginiyā senāya. Yasmiṁ kho panānanda, padese cakkaratanaṁ patiṭṭhāsi, tattha rājā mahāsudassano vāsaṁ upagacchi saddhiṁ caturaṅginiyā senāya.
... having plunged into the western ocean, emerged, and rolled forth toward the northern quarter, and King Mahāsudassana followed behind it with his fourfold army. In whatever region, Ānanda, the wheel treasure came to a halt, there King Mahāsudassana took up residence with his fourfold army.
Ye kho panānanda, uttarāya disāya paṭirājāno, te rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ upasaṅkamitvā evamāhaṁsu: ‘ehi kho, mahārāja, svāgataṁ te, mahārāja, sakaṁ te, mahārāja, anusāsa, mahārājā’ti.
Whatever rival kings there were in the northern quarter, Ānanda, approached King Mahāsudassana and said: ‘Come, Great King! Welcome, Great King! All this is yours, Great King; instruct us, Great King.’
Rājā mahāsudassano evamāha: ‘pāṇo na hantabbo, adinnaṁ na ādātabbaṁ, kāmesu micchā na caritabbā, musā na bhaṇitabbā, majjaṁ na pātabbaṁ, yathābhuttañca bhuñjathā’ti. Ye kho panānanda, uttarāya disāya paṭirājāno, te rañño mahāsudassanassa anuyantā ahesuṁ.
King Mahāsudassana said: ‘Do not kill living beings. Do not take what is not given. Do not engage in sexual misconduct. Do not speak falsely. Do not consume intoxicants. And enjoy your wealth as you did before.’ Whatever rival kings there were in the northern quarter, Ānanda, became vassals of King Mahāsudassana.
Atha kho taṁ, ānanda, cakkaratanaṁ samuddapariyantaṁ pathaviṁ abhivijinitvā kusāvatiṁ rājadhāniṁ paccāgantvā rañño mahāsudassanassa antepuradvāre atthakaraṇapamukhe akkhāhataṁ maññe aṭṭhāsi rañño mahāsudassanassa antepuraṁ upasobhayamānaṁ. Rañño, ānanda, mahāsudassanassa evarūpaṁ cakkaratanaṁ pāturahosi.
Then, Ānanda, that wheel treasure, having conquered the earth right up to its ocean boundaries, returned to the royal capital of Kusāvati and stood before the gate of King Mahāsudassana’s inner palace at the entrance to the hall of justice, as if fixed to an axle, adorning the inner palace of King Mahāsudassana. Such was the wheel treasure, Ānanda, that appeared to King Mahāsudassana.
2.2. The Elephant Treasure
Puna caparaṁ, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa hatthiratanaṁ pāturahosi sabbaseto sattappatiṭṭho iddhimā vehāsaṅgamo uposatho nāma nāgarājā. Taṁ disvā rañño mahāsudassanassa cittaṁ pasīdi: ‘bhaddakaṁ vata bho hatthiyānaṁ, sace damathaṁ upeyyā’ti. Atha kho taṁ, ānanda, hatthiratanaṁ—seyyathāpi nāma gandhahatthājāniyo dīgharattaṁ suparidanto; evameva damathaṁ upagacchi.
Furthermore, Ānanda, the elephant treasure appeared to King Mahāsudassana: all white, seven-limbed, possessed of psychic power, traveling through the air, a royal elephant named Uposatha. Seeing him, King Mahāsudassana’s heart was gladdened: ‘A magnificent elephant mount indeed, if only he would submit to training!’ And that elephant treasure, Ānanda, submitted to training just like a noble thoroughbred elephant well-trained for a long time.
Bhūtapubbaṁ, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano tameva hatthiratanaṁ vīmaṁsamāno pubbaṇhasamayaṁ abhiruhitvā samuddapariyantaṁ pathaviṁ anuyāyitvā kusāvatiṁ rājadhāniṁ paccāgantvā pātarāsamakāsi. Rañño, ānanda, mahāsudassanassa evarūpaṁ hatthiratanaṁ pāturahosi.
Formerly, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana, testing that very elephant treasure, mounted him early in the morning, rode across the earth right up to its ocean boundaries, and returned to the royal capital of Kusāvati in time for breakfast. Such was the elephant treasure, Ānanda, that appeared to King Mahāsudassana.
2.3. The Horse Treasure
Puna caparaṁ, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa assaratanaṁ pāturahosi sabbaseto kāḷasīso muñjakeso iddhimā vehāsaṅgamo valāhako nāma assarājā. Taṁ disvā rañño mahāsudassanassa cittaṁ pasīdi: ‘bhaddakaṁ vata bho assayānaṁ sace damathaṁ upeyyā’ti. Atha kho taṁ, ānanda, assaratanaṁ seyyathāpi nāma bhaddo assājāniyo dīgharattaṁ suparidanto; evameva damathaṁ upagacchi.
Furthermore, Ānanda, the horse treasure appeared to King Mahāsudassana: all white with a black head, with mane like muñja grass, possessed of psychic power, traveling through the air, a royal steed named Valāhaka. Seeing him, King Mahāsudassana’s heart was gladdened: ‘A magnificent horse mount indeed, if only he would submit to training!’ And that horse treasure, Ānanda, submitted to training just like a noble thoroughbred horse well-trained for a long time.
Bhūtapubbaṁ, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano tameva assaratanaṁ vīmaṁsamāno pubbaṇhasamayaṁ abhiruhitvā samuddapariyantaṁ pathaviṁ anuyāyitvā kusāvatiṁ rājadhāniṁ paccāgantvā pātarāsamakāsi. Rañño, ānanda, mahāsudassanassa evarūpaṁ assaratanaṁ pāturahosi.
Formerly, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana, testing that very horse treasure, mounted him early in the morning, rode across the earth right up to its ocean boundaries, and returned to the royal capital of Kusāvati in time for breakfast. Such was the horse treasure, Ānanda, that appeared to King Mahāsudassana.
2.4. The Jewel Treasure
Puna caparaṁ, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa maṇiratanaṁ pāturahosi. So ahosi maṇi veḷuriyo subho jātimā aṭṭhaṁso suparikammakato accho vippasanno anāvilo sabbākārasampanno. Tassa kho panānanda, maṇiratanassa ābhā samantā yojanaṁ phuṭā ahosi.
Furthermore, Ānanda, the jewel treasure appeared to King Mahāsudassana. It was a beautiful beryl gem of purest water, eight-faceted, well cut, clear and transparent, luminous, and endowed with all good qualities. And the radiance of that jewel treasure, Ānanda, spread for a whole yojana all around.
Bhūtapubbaṁ, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano tameva maṇiratanaṁ vīmaṁsamāno caturaṅginiṁ senaṁ sannayhitvā maṇiṁ dhajaggaṁ āropetvā rattandhakāratimisāya pāyāsi. Ye kho panānanda, samantā gāmā ahesuṁ, te tenobhāsena kammante payojesuṁ divāti maññamānā. Rañño, ānanda, mahāsudassanassa evarūpaṁ maṇiratanaṁ pāturahosi.
Formerly, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana, testing that very jewel treasure, marshaled his fourfold army, mounted the jewel atop his banner, and set out in the pitch darkness of the night. And whatever villages there were all around, Ānanda, they set about their work by that light, believing it was daytime. Such was the jewel treasure, Ānanda, that appeared to King Mahāsudassana.
2.5. The Woman Treasure
Puna caparaṁ, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa itthiratanaṁ pāturahosi abhirūpā dassanīyā pāsādikā paramāya vaṇṇapokkharatāya samannāgatā nātidīghā nātirassā nātikisā nātithūlā nātikāḷikā nāccodātā atikkantā mānusivaṇṇaṁ appattā dibbavaṇṇaṁ. Tassa kho panānanda, itthiratanassa evarūpo kāyasamphasso hoti, seyyathāpi nāma tūlapicuno vā kappāsapicuno vā. Tassa kho panānanda, itthiratanassa sīte uṇhāni gattāni honti, uṇhe sītāni. Tassa kho panānanda, itthiratanassa kāyato candanagandho vāyati, mukhato uppalagandho. Taṁ kho panānanda, itthiratanaṁ rañño mahāsudassanassa pubbuṭṭhāyinī ahosi pacchānipātinī kiṅkārapaṭissāvinī manāpacārinī piyavādinī. Taṁ kho panānanda, itthiratanaṁ rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ manasāpi no aticari, kuto pana kāyena. Rañño, ānanda, mahāsudassanassa evarūpaṁ itthiratanaṁ pāturahosi.
Furthermore, Ānanda, the woman treasure appeared to King Mahāsudassana: lovely, pleasing to see, charming, endowed with supreme beauty of complexion; not too tall nor too short, not too thin nor too fat, not too dark nor too fair; surpassing human beauty without reaching divine radiance. And the bodily touch of that woman treasure, Ānanda, was like a tuft of cotton or a tuft of kapok. In the cold her limbs were warm, and in the heat they were cool. The scent of sandalwood drifted from her body, and the fragrance of blue lotuses from her mouth. That woman treasure, Ānanda, rose before King Mahāsudassana, retired after him, was eager to serve, pleasing in her conduct, and spoke affectionate words. That woman treasure, Ānanda, was never unfaithful to King Mahāsudassana even in thought, let alone in body. Such was the woman treasure, Ānanda, that appeared to King Mahāsudassana.
2.6. The Householder Treasure
Puna caparaṁ, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa gahapatiratanaṁ pāturahosi. Tassa kammavipākajaṁ dibbacakkhu pāturahosi yena nidhiṁ passati sassāmikampi assāmikampi.
Furthermore, Ānanda, the householder treasure appeared to King Mahāsudassana. Through the ripening of his past deeds, the divine eye appeared to him, with which he could see treasures, both with owners and without owners.
So rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ upasaṅkamitvā evamāha: ‘appossukko tvaṁ, deva, hohi, ahaṁ te dhanena dhanakaraṇīyaṁ karissāmī’ti.
He approached King Mahāsudassana and said: ‘Do not be anxious, sire! I will manage all affairs involving wealth for you.’
Bhūtapubbaṁ, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano tameva gahapatiratanaṁ vīmaṁsamāno nāvaṁ abhiruhitvā majjhe gaṅgāya nadiyā sotaṁ ogāhitvā gahapatiratanaṁ etadavoca: ‘attho me, gahapati, hiraññasuvaṇṇenā’ti.
Formerly, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana, testing that very householder treasure, boarded a boat, steered it into the middle of the river Ganges, and said to the householder treasure: ‘Householder, I have need of gold and treasure.’
‘Tena hi, mahārāja, ekaṁ tīraṁ nāvā upetū’ti.
‘Then, Great King, let the boat approach one of the banks.’
‘Idheva me, gahapati, attho hiraññasuvaṇṇenā’ti.
‘It is right here, householder, that I have need of gold and treasure.’
Atha kho taṁ, ānanda, gahapatiratanaṁ ubhohi hatthehi udakaṁ omasitvā pūraṁ hiraññasuvaṇṇassa kumbhiṁ uddharitvā rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ etadavoca: ‘alamettāvatā, mahārāja, katamettāvatā, mahārāja, pūjitamettāvatā, mahārājā’ti?
Then, Ānanda, that householder treasure dipped both hands into the water, pulled up a jar full of gold and treasure, and said to King Mahāsudassana: ‘Is this enough, Great King? Has enough been done, Great King? Have you been honored enough, Great King?’
Rājā mahāsudassano evamāha: ‘alamettāvatā, gahapati, katamettāvatā, gahapati, pūjitamettāvatā, gahapatī’ti.
King Mahāsudassana said: ‘This is enough, householder! Enough has been done, householder! I have been honored enough, householder!’
Rañño, ānanda, mahāsudassanassa evarūpaṁ gahapatiratanaṁ pāturahosi.
Such was the householder treasure, Ānanda, that appeared to King Mahāsudassana.
2.7. The Counselor Treasure
Puna caparaṁ, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa pariṇāyakaratanaṁ pāturahosi paṇḍito viyatto medhāvī paṭibalo rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ upayāpetabbaṁ upayāpetuṁ, apayāpetabbaṁ apayāpetuṁ, ṭhapetabbaṁ ṭhapetuṁ.
Furthermore, Ānanda, the counselor treasure appeared to King Mahāsudassana: wise, competent, intelligent, able to guide King Mahāsudassana in what should be approached, what should be avoided, and what should be maintained.
So rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ upasaṅkamitvā evamāha: ‘appossukko tvaṁ, deva, hohi, ahamanusāsissāmī’ti.
He approached King Mahāsudassana and said: ‘Do not be anxious, sire! I will counsel you.’
Rañño, ānanda, mahāsudassanassa evarūpaṁ pariṇāyakaratanaṁ pāturahosi.
Such was the counselor treasure, Ānanda, that appeared to King Mahāsudassana.
Rājā, ānanda, mahāsudassano imehi sattahi ratanehi samannāgato ahosi.
King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, was endowed with these seven treasures.
3. Endowed with the Four Powers
Rājā, ānanda, mahāsudassano catūhi iddhīhi samannāgato ahosi. Katamāhi catūhi iddhīhi?
King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, was endowed with four powers. What four?
Idhānanda, rājā mahāsudassano abhirūpo ahosi dassanīyo pāsādiko paramāya vaṇṇapokkharatāya samannāgato ativiya aññehi manussehi. Rājā, ānanda, mahāsudassano imāya paṭhamāya iddhiyā samannāgato ahosi.
Here, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana was handsome, pleasing to look at, and graceful, possessing supreme beauty of complexion, far surpassing other human beings. King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, was endowed with this first power.
Puna caparaṁ, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano dīghāyuko ahosi ciraṭṭhitiko ativiya aññehi manussehi. Rājā, ānanda, mahāsudassano imāya dutiyāya iddhiyā samannāgato ahosi.
Furthermore, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana was long-lived, enduring for a great length of time, far surpassing other human beings. King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, was endowed with this second power.
Puna caparaṁ, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano appābādho ahosi appātaṅko samavepākiniyā gahaṇiyā samannāgato nātisītāya nāccuṇhāya ativiya aññehi manussehi. Rājā, ānanda, mahāsudassano imāya tatiyāya iddhiyā samannāgato ahosi.
Furthermore, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana was without affliction and rarely ill, endowed with a balanced digestion that was neither too cold nor too hot, far surpassing other human beings. King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, was endowed with this third power.
Puna caparaṁ, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano brāhmaṇagahapatikānaṁ piyo ahosi manāpo. Seyyathāpi, ānanda, pitā puttānaṁ piyo hoti manāpo; evameva kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano brāhmaṇagahapatikānaṁ piyo ahosi manāpo. Raññopi, ānanda, mahāsudassanassa brāhmaṇagahapatikā piyā ahesuṁ manāpā. Seyyathāpi, ānanda, pitu puttā piyā honti manāpā; evameva kho, ānanda, raññopi mahāsudassanassa brāhmaṇagahapatikā piyā ahesuṁ manāpā.
Furthermore, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana was dear and pleasing to the brahmins and householders. Just as, Ānanda, a father is dear and pleasing to his children, even so, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana was dear and pleasing to the brahmins and householders. And the brahmins and householders were also dear and pleasing to King Mahāsudassana. Just as, Ānanda, children are dear and pleasing to their father, even so, Ānanda, the brahmins and householders were dear and pleasing to King Mahāsudassana.
Bhūtapubbaṁ, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano caturaṅginiyā senāya uyyānabhūmiṁ niyyāsi. Atha kho, ānanda, brāhmaṇagahapatikā rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ upasaṅkamitvā evamāhaṁsu: ‘ataramāno, deva, yāhi, yathā taṁ mayaṁ cirataraṁ passeyyāmā’ti. Rājāpi, ānanda, mahāsudassano sārathiṁ āmantesi: ‘ataramāno, sārathi, rathaṁ pesehi, yathā ahaṁ brāhmaṇagahapatike cirataraṁ passeyyan’ti. Rājā, ānanda, mahāsudassano imāya catutthiyā iddhiyā samannāgato ahosi.
Formerly, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana went out to the pleasure garden with his fourfold army. Then, Ānanda, the brahmins and householders approached King Mahāsudassana and said: ‘Travel slowly, sire, so that we may gaze upon you for longer!’ And King Mahāsudassana addressed his charioteer: ‘Drive the chariot slowly, charioteer, so that I may gaze upon the brahmins and householders for longer!’ King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, was endowed with this fourth power.
Rājā, ānanda, mahāsudassano imāhi catūhi iddhīhi samannāgato ahosi.
King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, was endowed with these four powers.
4. The Palace of the Dhamma and the Lotus Pond
Atha kho, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa etadahosi: ‘yannūnāhaṁ imāsu tālantarikāsu dhanusate dhanusate pokkharaṇiyo māpeyyan’ti.
Then, Ānanda, this thought occurred to King Mahāsudassana: ‘Why don’t I have lotus ponds built between the rows of palm trees, at intervals of a hundred bow-lengths?’
Māpesi kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano tāsu tālantarikāsu dhanusate dhanusate pokkharaṇiyo. Tā kho panānanda, pokkharaṇiyo catunnaṁ vaṇṇānaṁ iṭṭhakāhi citā ahesuṁ— ekā iṭṭhakā sovaṇṇamayā, ekā rūpiyamayā, ekā veḷuriyamayā, ekā phalikamayā.
And King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, had lotus ponds built between the rows of palm trees at intervals of a hundred bow-lengths. Those lotus ponds, Ānanda, were lined with tiles of four colors: one tile was made of gold, one made of silver, one made of beryl, and one made of crystal.
Tāsu kho panānanda, pokkharaṇīsu cattāri cattāri sopānāni ahesuṁ catunnaṁ vaṇṇānaṁ, ekaṁ sopānaṁ sovaṇṇamayaṁ ekaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ ekaṁ veḷuriyamayaṁ ekaṁ phalikamayaṁ. Sovaṇṇamayassa sopānassa sovaṇṇamayā thambhā ahesuṁ, rūpiyamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Rūpiyamayassa sopānassa rūpiyamayā thambhā ahesuṁ, sovaṇṇamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Veḷuriyamayassa sopānassa veḷuriyamayā thambhā ahesuṁ, phalikamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Phalikamayassa sopānassa phalikamayā thambhā ahesuṁ, veḷuriyamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Tā kho panānanda, pokkharaṇiyo dvīhi vedikāhi parikkhittā ahesuṁ ekā vedikā sovaṇṇamayā, ekā rūpiyamayā. Sovaṇṇamayāya vedikāya sovaṇṇamayā thambhā ahesuṁ, rūpiyamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Rūpiyamayāya vedikāya rūpiyamayā thambhā ahesuṁ, sovaṇṇamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca.
Moreover, Ānanda, at those lotus ponds, there were four flights of stairs made of four different materials: one flight of stairs was made of gold, one of silver, one of beryl, and one of crystal. The golden flight of stairs had posts made of gold, with banisters and crossbars made of silver. The silver flight of stairs had posts made of silver, with banisters and crossbars made of gold. The beryl flight of stairs had posts made of beryl, with banisters and crossbars made of crystal. The crystal flight of stairs had posts made of crystal, with banisters and crossbars made of beryl. Furthermore, those lotus ponds, Ānanda, were encircled by two balustrades: one made of gold and one made of silver. The golden balustrade had posts made of gold, with banisters and crossbars made of silver. The silver balustrade had posts made of silver, with banisters and crossbars made of gold.
Atha kho, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa etadahosi: ‘yannūnāhaṁ imāsu pokkharaṇīsu evarūpaṁ mālaṁ ropāpeyyaṁ uppalaṁ padumaṁ kumudaṁ puṇḍarīkaṁ sabbotukaṁ sabbajanassa anāvaṭan’ti. Ropāpesi kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano tāsu pokkharaṇīsu evarūpaṁ mālaṁ uppalaṁ padumaṁ kumudaṁ puṇḍarīkaṁ sabbotukaṁ sabbajanassa anāvaṭaṁ.
Then, Ānanda, this thought occurred to King Mahāsudassana: ‘Why don’t I plant flowers in these lotus ponds—blue lotuses, pink lotuses, and white lotuses—blooming in all seasons, accessible to all people?’ And King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, planted flowers in those lotus ponds—blue lotuses, pink lotuses, and white lotuses—blooming in all seasons, accessible to all people.
Atha kho, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa etadahosi: ‘yannūnāhaṁ imāsaṁ pokkharaṇīnaṁ tīre nhāpake purise ṭhapeyyaṁ, ye āgatāgataṁ janaṁ nhāpessantī’ti. Ṭhapesi kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano tāsaṁ pokkharaṇīnaṁ tīre nhāpake purise, ye āgatāgataṁ janaṁ nhāpesuṁ.
Then, Ānanda, this thought occurred to King Mahāsudassana: ‘Why don’t I station bath attendants on the banks of these lotus ponds, who will bathe the people as they come?’ And King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, stationed bath attendants on the banks of those lotus ponds, who bathed the people as they came.
Atha kho, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa etadahosi: ‘yannūnāhaṁ imāsaṁ pokkharaṇīnaṁ tīre evarūpaṁ dānaṁ paṭṭhapeyyaṁ— annaṁ annaṭṭhikassa, pānaṁ pānaṭṭhikassa, vatthaṁ vatthaṭṭhikassa, yānaṁ yānaṭṭhikassa, sayanaṁ sayanaṭṭhikassa, itthiṁ itthiṭṭhikassa, hiraññaṁ hiraññaṭṭhikassa, suvaṇṇaṁ suvaṇṇaṭṭhikassā’ti. Paṭṭhapesi kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano tāsaṁ pokkharaṇīnaṁ tīre evarūpaṁ dānaṁ— annaṁ annaṭṭhikassa, pānaṁ pānaṭṭhikassa, vatthaṁ vatthaṭṭhikassa, yānaṁ yānaṭṭhikassa, sayanaṁ sayanaṭṭhikassa, itthiṁ itthiṭṭhikassa, hiraññaṁ hiraññaṭṭhikassa, suvaṇṇaṁ suvaṇṇaṭṭhikassa.
Then, Ānanda, this thought occurred to King Mahāsudassana: ‘Why don’t I establish charity on the banks of these lotus ponds—food for those who need food, drink for those who need drink, clothing for those who need clothing, vehicles for those who need vehicles, beds for those who need beds, women for those who need women, beasts of burden for those who need beasts of burden, silver for those who need silver, and gold for those who need gold?’ And King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, established charity on the banks of those lotus ponds—food for those who need food, drink for those who need drink, clothing for those who need clothing, vehicles for those who need vehicles, beds for those who need beds, women for those who need women, beasts of burden for those who need beasts of burden, silver for those who need silver, and gold for those who need gold.
Atha kho, ānanda, brāhmaṇagahapatikā pahūtaṁ sāpateyyaṁ ādāya rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ upasaṅkamitvā evamāhaṁsu: ‘idaṁ, deva, pahūtaṁ sāpateyyaṁ devaññeva uddissa ābhataṁ, taṁ devo paṭiggaṇhatū’ti.
Then, Ānanda, the brahmins and householders, taking abundant wealth, approached King Mahāsudassana and said: ‘Sire, this abundant wealth has been brought specifically for you; may Your Majesty accept it!’
‘Alaṁ, bho, mamapidaṁ pahūtaṁ sāpateyyaṁ dhammikena balinā abhisaṅkhataṁ, tañca vo hotu, ito ca bhiyyo harathā’ti.
‘Enough, good sirs! I already have abundant wealth raised through righteous taxes. Let this remain yours, and take even more from here!’
Te raññā paṭikkhittā ekamantaṁ apakkamma evaṁ samacintesuṁ: ‘na kho etaṁ amhākaṁ patirūpaṁ, yaṁ mayaṁ imāni sāpateyyāni punadeva sakāni gharāni paṭihareyyāma. Yannūna mayaṁ rañño mahāsudassanassa nivesanaṁ māpeyyāmā’ti.
Having been declined by the king, they withdrew to one side and considered: ‘It would not be proper for us to take this wealth back to our own homes. Why don’t we build a dwelling for King Mahāsudassana?’
Te rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ upasaṅkamitvā evamāhaṁsu: ‘nivesanaṁ te, deva, māpessāmā’ti. Adhivāsesi kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano tuṇhībhāvena.
They approached King Mahāsudassana and said: ‘We will build a dwelling for you, sire.’ King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, consented in silence.
Atha kho, ānanda, sakko devānamindo rañño mahāsudassanassa cetasā cetoparivitakkamaññāya vissakammaṁ devaputtaṁ āmantesi: ‘ehi tvaṁ, samma vissakamma, rañño mahāsudassanassa nivesanaṁ māpehi dhammaṁ nāma pāsādan’ti.
Then, Ānanda, Sakka, lord of the gods, knowing with his own mind the line of thought in King Mahāsudassana’s mind, addressed the divine artisan Vissakamma: ‘Come, dear Vissakamma, build a dwelling for King Mahāsudassana—a palace named the Dhamma.’
‘Evaṁ, bhaddantavā’ti kho, ānanda, vissakammo devaputto sakkassa devānamindassa paṭissutvā seyyathāpi nāma balavā puriso samiñjitaṁ vā bāhaṁ pasāreyya pasāritaṁ vā bāhaṁ samiñjeyya; evameva—devesu tāvatiṁsesu antarahito rañño mahāsudassanassa purato pāturahosi.
‘Yes, Your Majesty,’ the divine artisan Vissakamma replied to Sakka, lord of the gods. Then, just as easily as a strong man might extend his flexed arm or flex his extended arm, he disappeared from among the gods of the Thirty-Three and appeared before King Mahāsudassana.
Atha kho, ānanda, vissakammo devaputto rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ etadavoca: ‘nivesanaṁ te, deva, māpessāmi dhammaṁ nāma pāsādan’ti. Adhivāsesi kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano tuṇhībhāvena.
Then, Ānanda, the divine artisan Vissakamma said to King Mahāsudassana: ‘I will build a dwelling for you, sire—a palace named the Dhamma.’ King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, consented in silence.
Māpesi kho, ānanda, vissakammo devaputto rañño mahāsudassanassa nivesanaṁ dhammaṁ nāma pāsādaṁ.
And the divine artisan Vissakamma, Ānanda, built for King Mahāsudassana a dwelling—the palace named the Dhamma.
Dhammo, ānanda, pāsādo puratthimena pacchimena ca yojanaṁ āyāmena ahosi. Uttarena dakkhiṇena ca aḍḍhayojanaṁ vitthārena. Dhammassa, ānanda, pāsādassa tiporisaṁ uccatarena vatthu citaṁ ahosi catunnaṁ vaṇṇānaṁ iṭṭhakāhi— ekā iṭṭhakā sovaṇṇamayā, ekā rūpiyamayā, ekā veḷuriyamayā, ekā phalikamayā.
The Palace of the Dhamma, Ānanda, was one yojana in length from east to west, and half a yojana in width from north to south. The foundation of the Palace of the Dhamma, Ānanda, was raised three fathoms high, lined with tiles made of four different materials: one tile was made of gold, one of silver, one of beryl, and one of crystal.
Dhammassa, ānanda, pāsādassa caturāsītithambhasahassāni ahesuṁ catunnaṁ vaṇṇānaṁ— eko thambho sovaṇṇamayo, eko rūpiyamayo, eko veḷuriyamayo, eko phalikamayo. Dhammo, ānanda, pāsādo catunnaṁ vaṇṇānaṁ phalakehi santhato ahosi— ekaṁ phalakaṁ sovaṇṇamayaṁ, ekaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ, ekaṁ veḷuriyamayaṁ, ekaṁ phalikamayaṁ.
The Palace of the Dhamma, Ānanda, had eighty-four thousand posts made of four different materials: one post was made of gold, one of silver, one of beryl, and one of crystal. The Palace of the Dhamma, Ānanda, was covered with floor panels made of four different materials: one panel was made of gold, one of silver, one of beryl, and one of crystal.
Dhammassa, ānanda, pāsādassa catuvīsati sopānāni ahesuṁ catunnaṁ vaṇṇānaṁ— ekaṁ sopānaṁ sovaṇṇamayaṁ, ekaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ, ekaṁ veḷuriyamayaṁ, ekaṁ phalikamayaṁ. Sovaṇṇamayassa sopānassa sovaṇṇamayā thambhā ahesuṁ rūpiyamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Rūpiyamayassa sopānassa rūpiyamayā thambhā ahesuṁ sovaṇṇamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Veḷuriyamayassa sopānassa veḷuriyamayā thambhā ahesuṁ phalikamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Phalikamayassa sopānassa phalikamayā thambhā ahesuṁ veḷuriyamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca.
The Palace of the Dhamma, Ānanda, had twenty-four flights of stairs made of four different materials: one flight of stairs was made of gold, one of silver, one of beryl, and one of crystal. The golden flight of stairs had posts made of gold, with banisters and crossbars made of silver. The silver flight of stairs had posts made of silver, with banisters and crossbars made of gold. The beryl flight of stairs had posts made of beryl, with banisters and crossbars made of crystal. The crystal flight of stairs had posts made of crystal, with banisters and crossbars made of beryl.
Dhamme, ānanda, pāsāde caturāsītikūṭāgārasahassāni ahesuṁ catunnaṁ vaṇṇānaṁ— ekaṁ kūṭāgāraṁ sovaṇṇamayaṁ, ekaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ, ekaṁ veḷuriyamayaṁ, ekaṁ phalikamayaṁ. Sovaṇṇamaye kūṭāgāre rūpiyamayo pallaṅko paññatto ahosi, rūpiyamaye kūṭāgāre sovaṇṇamayo pallaṅko paññatto ahosi, veḷuriyamaye kūṭāgāre dantamayo pallaṅko paññatto ahosi, phalikamaye kūṭāgāre sāramayo pallaṅko paññatto ahosi. Sovaṇṇamayassa kūṭāgārassa dvāre rūpiyamayo tālo ṭhito ahosi, tassa rūpiyamayo khandho sovaṇṇamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Rūpiyamayassa kūṭāgārassa dvāre sovaṇṇamayo tālo ṭhito ahosi, tassa sovaṇṇamayo khandho, rūpiyamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Veḷuriyamayassa kūṭāgārassa dvāre phalikamayo tālo ṭhito ahosi, tassa phalikamayo khandho, veḷuriyamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Phalikamayassa kūṭāgārassa dvāre veḷuriyamayo tālo ṭhito ahosi, tassa veḷuriyamayo khandho, phalikamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca.
In the Palace of the Dhamma, Ānanda, there were eighty-four thousand gabled halls made of four different materials: one gabled hall was made of gold, one of silver, one of beryl, and one of crystal. In each golden gabled hall, a silver couch was prepared; in each silver gabled hall, a golden couch was prepared; in each beryl gabled hall, an ivory couch was prepared; in each crystal gabled hall, a hardwood couch was prepared. At the door of each golden gabled hall stood a silver palm tree with a silver trunk and golden leaves and fruits. At the door of each silver gabled hall stood a golden palm tree with a golden trunk and silver leaves and fruits. At the door of each beryl gabled hall stood a crystal palm tree with a crystal trunk and beryl leaves and fruits. At the door of each crystal gabled hall stood a beryl palm tree with a beryl trunk and crystal leaves and fruits.
Atha kho, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa etadahosi: ‘yannūnāhaṁ mahāviyūhassa kūṭāgārassa dvāre sabbasovaṇṇamayaṁ tālavanaṁ māpeyyaṁ, yattha divāvihāraṁ nisīdissāmī’ti. Māpesi kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano mahāviyūhassa kūṭāgārassa dvāre sabbasovaṇṇamayaṁ tālavanaṁ, yattha divāvihāraṁ nisīdi.
Then, Ānanda, this thought occurred to King Mahāsudassana: ‘Why don’t I have an all-golden palm grove planted at the door of the Great Complex gabled hall, where I can sit for the midday rest?’ And King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, had an all-golden palm grove planted at the door of the Great Complex gabled hall, where he sat for the midday rest.
Dhammo, ānanda, pāsādo dvīhi vedikāhi parikkhitto ahosi, ekā vedikā sovaṇṇamayā, ekā rūpiyamayā. Sovaṇṇamayāya vedikāya sovaṇṇamayā thambhā ahesuṁ, rūpiyamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Rūpiyamayāya vedikāya rūpiyamayā thambhā ahesuṁ, sovaṇṇamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca.
Furthermore, the Palace of the Dhamma, Ānanda, was encircled by two balustrades: one made of gold and one made of silver. The golden balustrade had posts made of gold, with banisters and crossbars made of silver. The silver balustrade had posts made of silver, with banisters and crossbars made of gold.
Dhammo, ānanda, pāsādo dvīhi kiṅkiṇikajālehi parikkhitto ahosi— ekaṁ jālaṁ sovaṇṇamayaṁ ekaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ. Sovaṇṇamayassa jālassa rūpiyamayā kiṅkiṇikā ahesuṁ, rūpiyamayassa jālassa sovaṇṇamayā kiṅkiṇikā ahesuṁ. Tesaṁ kho panānanda, kiṅkiṇikajālānaṁ vāteritānaṁ saddo ahosi vaggu ca rajanīyo ca khamanīyo ca madanīyo ca. Seyyathāpi, ānanda, pañcaṅgikassa tūriyassa suvinītassa suppaṭitāḷitassa sukusalehi samannāhatassa saddo hoti, vaggu ca rajanīyo ca khamanīyo ca madanīyo ca; evameva kho, ānanda, tesaṁ kiṅkiṇikajālānaṁ vāteritānaṁ saddo ahosi vaggu ca rajanīyo ca khamanīyo ca madanīyo ca. Ye kho panānanda, tena samayena kusāvatiyā rājadhāniyā dhuttā ahesuṁ soṇḍā pipāsā, te tesaṁ kiṅkiṇikajālānaṁ vāteritānaṁ saddena paricāresuṁ. Niṭṭhito kho panānanda, dhammo pāsādo duddikkho ahosi musati cakkhūni. Seyyathāpi, ānanda, vassānaṁ pacchime māse saradasamaye viddhe vigatavalāhake deve ādicco nabhaṁ abbhussakkamāno duddikkho hoti musati cakkhūni; evameva kho, ānanda, dhammo pāsādo duddikkho ahosi musati cakkhūni.
The Palace of the Dhamma, Ānanda, was encircled by two bell networks: one made of gold and one made of silver. The golden network had silver bells, and the silver network had golden bells. And when those bell networks were stirred by the wind, Ānanda, their sound was melodious, delightful, captivating, and intoxicating. Just as, Ānanda, the sound of a five-piece musical ensemble, well tuned, skillfully played, and performed by master musicians, is melodious, delightful, captivating, and intoxicating—even so, Ānanda, when those bell networks were stirred by the wind, their sound was melodious, delightful, captivating, and intoxicating. And whatever rogues, drunkards, and drinkers there were in the royal capital of Kusāvati at that time, Ānanda, they revelled to the sound of those bell networks stirred by the wind. And when the Palace of the Dhamma was completed, Ānanda, it was dazzling to behold, overwhelming to the eyes. Just as, Ānanda, in the last month of the rainy season, during the autumn time, when the sky is clear and free from clouds, the sun—ascending into the sky—is dazzling to behold, overwhelming to the eyes; even so, Ānanda, the Palace of the Dhamma was dazzling to behold, overwhelming to the eyes.
Atha kho, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa etadahosi: ‘yannūnāhaṁ dhammassa pāsādassa purato dhammaṁ nāma pokkharaṇiṁ māpeyyan’ti. Māpesi kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano dhammassa pāsādassa purato dhammaṁ nāma pokkharaṇiṁ. Dhammā, ānanda, pokkharaṇī puratthimena pacchimena ca yojanaṁ āyāmena ahosi, uttarena dakkhiṇena ca aḍḍhayojanaṁ vitthārena. Dhammā, ānanda, pokkharaṇī catunnaṁ vaṇṇānaṁ iṭṭhakāhi citā ahosi— ekā iṭṭhakā sovaṇṇamayā, ekā rūpiyamayā, ekā veḷuriyamayā, ekā phalikamayā.
Then, Ānanda, this thought occurred to King Mahāsudassana: ‘Why don’t I have a lotus pond named the Dhamma built in front of the Palace of the Dhamma?’ And King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, had a lotus pond named the Dhamma built in front of the Palace of the Dhamma. The Dhamma lotus pond, Ānanda, was one yojana in length from east to west, and half a yojana in width from north to south. The Dhamma lotus pond, Ānanda, was lined with tiles made of four different materials: one tile was made of gold, one of silver, one of beryl, and one of crystal.
Dhammāya, ānanda, pokkharaṇiyā catuvīsati sopānāni ahesuṁ catunnaṁ vaṇṇānaṁ— ekaṁ sopānaṁ sovaṇṇamayaṁ, ekaṁ rūpiyamayaṁ, ekaṁ veḷuriyamayaṁ, ekaṁ phalikamayaṁ. Sovaṇṇamayassa sopānassa sovaṇṇamayā thambhā ahesuṁ rūpiyamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Rūpiyamayassa sopānassa rūpiyamayā thambhā ahesuṁ sovaṇṇamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Veḷuriyamayassa sopānassa veḷuriyamayā thambhā ahesuṁ phalikamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Phalikamayassa sopānassa phalikamayā thambhā ahesuṁ veḷuriyamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca.
Moreover, Ānanda, at the Dhamma lotus pond, there were twenty-four flights of stairs made of four different materials: one flight of stairs was made of gold, one of silver, one of beryl, and one of crystal. The golden flight of stairs had posts made of gold, with banisters and crossbars made of silver. The silver flight of stairs had posts made of silver, with banisters and crossbars made of gold. The beryl flight of stairs had posts made of beryl, with banisters and crossbars made of crystal. The crystal flight of stairs had posts made of crystal, with banisters and crossbars made of beryl.
Dhammā, ānanda, pokkharaṇī dvīhi vedikāhi parikkhittā ahosi—ekā vedikā sovaṇṇamayā, ekā rūpiyamayā. Sovaṇṇamayāya vedikāya sovaṇṇamayā thambhā ahesuṁ rūpiyamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca. Rūpiyamayāya vedikāya rūpiyamayā thambhā ahesuṁ sovaṇṇamayā sūciyo ca uṇhīsañca.
Furthermore, the Dhamma lotus pond, Ānanda, was encircled by two balustrades: one made of gold and one made of silver. The golden balustrade had posts made of gold, with banisters and crossbars made of silver. The silver balustrade had posts made of silver, with banisters and crossbars made of gold.
Dhammā, ānanda, pokkharaṇī sattahi tālapantīhi parikkhittā ahosi— ekā tālapanti sovaṇṇamayā, ekā rūpiyamayā, ekā veḷuriyamayā, ekā phalikamayā, ekā lohitaṅkamayā, ekā masāragallamayā, ekā sabbaratanamayā. Sovaṇṇamayassa tālassa sovaṇṇamayo khandho ahosi rūpiyamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Rūpiyamayassa tālassa rūpiyamayo khandho ahosi sovaṇṇamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Veḷuriyamayassa tālassa veḷuriyamayo khandho ahosi phalikamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Phalikamayassa tālassa phalikamayo khandho ahosi veḷuriyamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Lohitaṅkamayassa tālassa lohitaṅkamayo khandho ahosi masāragallamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Masāragallamayassa tālassa masāragallamayo khandho ahosi lohitaṅkamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Sabbaratanamayassa tālassa sabbaratanamayo khandho ahosi, sabbaratanamayāni pattāni ca phalāni ca. Tāsaṁ kho panānanda, tālapantīnaṁ vāteritānaṁ saddo ahosi, vaggu ca rajanīyo ca khamanīyo ca madanīyo ca. Seyyathāpi, ānanda, pañcaṅgikassa tūriyassa suvinītassa suppaṭitāḷitassa sukusalehi samannāhatassa saddo hoti vaggu ca rajanīyo ca khamanīyo ca madanīyo ca; evameva kho, ānanda, tāsaṁ tālapantīnaṁ vāteritānaṁ saddo ahosi vaggu ca rajanīyo ca khamanīyo ca madanīyo ca. Ye kho panānanda, tena samayena kusāvatiyā rājadhāniyā dhuttā ahesuṁ soṇḍā pipāsā, te tāsaṁ tālapantīnaṁ vāteritānaṁ saddena paricāresuṁ.
The Dhamma lotus pond, Ānanda, was encircled by seven rows of palm trees: one row of palm trees was made of gold, one made of silver, one made of beryl, one made of crystal, one made of ruby, one made of emerald, and one made of all gems. The golden palm tree had a golden trunk, with silver leaves and fruits. The silver palm tree had a silver trunk, with golden leaves and fruits. The beryl palm tree had a beryl trunk, with crystal leaves and fruits. The crystal palm tree had a crystal trunk, with beryl leaves and fruits. The ruby palm tree had a ruby trunk, with emerald leaves and fruits. The emerald palm tree had an emerald trunk, with ruby leaves and fruits. The palm tree of all gems had a trunk of all gems, with leaves and fruits of all gems. And when those rows of palm trees were stirred by the wind, Ānanda, their sound was melodious, delightful, captivating, and intoxicating. Just as, Ānanda, the sound of a five-piece musical ensemble, well tuned, skillfully played, and performed by master musicians, is melodious, delightful, captivating, and intoxicating—even so, Ānanda, when those rows of palm trees were stirred by the wind, their sound was melodious, delightful, captivating, and intoxicating. And whatever rogues, drunkards, and drinkers there were in the royal capital of Kusāvati at that time, Ānanda, they revelled to the sound of those rows of palm trees stirred by the wind.
Niṭṭhite kho panānanda, dhamme pāsāde niṭṭhitāya dhammāya ca pokkharaṇiyā rājā mahāsudassano ‘ye tena samayena samaṇesu vā samaṇasammatā brāhmaṇesu vā brāhmaṇasammatā’, te sabbakāmehi santappetvā dhammaṁ pāsādaṁ abhiruhi.
And when the Palace of the Dhamma and the Dhamma lotus pond were completed, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana, having satisfied with all sensual pleasures whoever at that time were recognized as ascetics among ascetics or as brahmins among brahmins, ascended the Palace of the Dhamma.
Paṭhamabhāṇavāro.
The first recitation section is completed.
5. The Attainment of the Jhānas
Atha kho, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa etadahosi: ‘kissa nu kho me idaṁ kammassa phalaṁ kissa kammassa vipāko, yenāhaṁ etarahi evaṁmahiddhiko evaṁmahānubhāvo’ti?
Then, Ānanda, this thought occurred to King Mahāsudassana: ‘Of what deed is this the fruit, of what deed is this the result, by which I now have such great psychic power and such great might?’
Atha kho, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa etadahosi: ‘tiṇṇaṁ kho me idaṁ kammānaṁ phalaṁ tiṇṇaṁ kammānaṁ vipāko, yenāhaṁ etarahi evaṁmahiddhiko evaṁmahānubhāvo, seyyathidaṁ— dānassa damassa saṁyamassā’ti.
Then, Ānanda, this thought occurred to King Mahāsudassana: ‘This is the fruit of three deeds, the result of three deeds, by which I now have such great psychic power and such great might, namely: giving, taming, and self-control.’
Atha kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano yena mahāviyūhaṁ kūṭāgāraṁ tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā mahāviyūhassa kūṭāgārassa dvāre ṭhito udānaṁ udānesi: ‘tiṭṭha, kāmavitakka, tiṭṭha, byāpādavitakka, tiṭṭha, vihiṁsāvitakka. Ettāvatā, kāmavitakka, ettāvatā, byāpādavitakka, ettāvatā, vihiṁsāvitakkā’ti.
Then, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana approached the Great Complex gabled hall. Having approached, standing at the door of the Great Complex gabled hall, he uttered this inspired exclamation: ‘Halt, thoughts of sensuality! Halt, thoughts of ill will! Halt, thoughts of harming! This far, thoughts of sensuality! This far, thoughts of ill will! This far, thoughts of harming!’
Atha kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano mahāviyūhaṁ kūṭāgāraṁ pavisitvā sovaṇṇamaye pallaṅke nisinno vivicceva kāmehi vivicca akusalehi dhammehi savitakkaṁ savicāraṁ vivekajaṁ pītisukhaṁ paṭhamaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja vihāsi. Vitakkavicārānaṁ vūpasamā ajjhattaṁ sampasādanaṁ cetaso ekodibhāvaṁ avitakkaṁ avicāraṁ samādhijaṁ pītisukhaṁ dutiyaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja vihāsi. Pītiyā ca virāgā upekkhako ca vihāsi, sato ca sampajāno sukhañca kāyena paṭisaṁvedesi, yaṁ taṁ ariyā ācikkhanti: ‘upekkhako satimā sukhavihārī’ti tatiyaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja vihāsi. Sukhassa ca pahānā dukkhassa ca pahānā pubbeva somanassadomanassānaṁ atthaṅgamā adukkhamasukhaṁ upekkhāsatipārisuddhiṁ catutthaṁ jhānaṁ upasampajja vihāsi.
Then, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana entered the Great Complex gabled hall, sat down on the golden couch, and entirely secluded from sensual pleasures and unwholesome mental states, he entered and dwelt in the first jhāna, which is accompanied by thought and examination, born of seclusion, and imbued with uplifting joy and pleasure. With the settling of thought and examination, he entered and dwelt in the second jhāna, which is characterized by internal tranquility and unification of mind, free from thought and examination, born of collectedness, and imbued with uplifting joy and pleasure. With the fading of desire for uplifting joy, he dwelt equanimous, mindful and clearly aware, experiencing pleasure with the body; he entered and dwelt in the third jhāna, which the Noble Ones describe as: ‘one who dwells equanimous, mindful, and at ease.’ With the abandoning of [bodily] pleasure and pain, and with the prior settling down of mental pleasure and displeasure, he entered and dwelt in the fourth jhāna, which is characterized by purification of mindfulness through equanimity, experiencing a neither-painful-nor-pleasant feeling.
Atha kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano mahāviyūhā kūṭāgārā nikkhamitvā sovaṇṇamayaṁ kūṭāgāraṁ pavisitvā rūpiyamaye pallaṅke nisinno mettāsahagatena cetasā ekaṁ disaṁ pharitvā vihāsi. Tathā dutiyaṁ tathā tatiyaṁ tathā catutthaṁ. Iti uddhamadho tiriyaṁ sabbadhi sabbattatāya sabbāvantaṁ lokaṁ mettāsahagatena cetasā vipulena mahaggatena appamāṇena averena abyāpajjena pharitvā vihāsi. Karuṇāsahagatena cetasā …pe… muditāsahagatena cetasā …pe… upekkhāsahagatena cetasā ekaṁ disaṁ pharitvā vihāsi. Tathā dutiyaṁ tathā tatiyaṁ tathā catutthaṁ. Iti uddhamadho tiriyaṁ sabbadhi sabbattatāya sabbāvantaṁ lokaṁ upekkhāsahagatena cetasā vipulena mahaggatena appamāṇena averena abyāpajjena pharitvā vihāsi.
Then, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana came out from the Great Complex gabled hall, entered the golden gabled hall, and sat down on the silver couch. With a mind imbued with loving-kindness, he dwelt pervading one direction, likewise the second, likewise the third, and likewise the fourth. Thus above, below, across, everywhere, encompassing all living beings, he dwelt pervading the entire world with a mind imbued with loving-kindness, expansive, exalted, immeasurable, without hatred and free of affliction. With a mind imbued with compassion… with a mind imbued with appreciative joy… With a mind imbued with equanimity, he dwelt pervading one direction, likewise the second, likewise the third, and likewise the fourth. Thus above, below, across, everywhere, encompassing all living beings, he dwelt pervading the entire world with a mind imbued with equanimity, expansive, exalted, immeasurable, without hatred and free of affliction.
6. The Eighty-Four Thousand Cities and Possessions
Rañño, ānanda, mahāsudassanassa caturāsīti nagarasahassāni ahesuṁ kusāvatīrājadhānippamukhāni; caturāsīti pāsādasahassāni ahesuṁ dhammapāsādappamukhāni; caturāsīti kūṭāgārasahassāni ahesuṁ mahāviyūhakūṭāgārappamukhāni; caturāsīti pallaṅkasahassāni ahesuṁ sovaṇṇamayāni rūpiyamayāni dantamayāni sāramayāni gonakatthatāni paṭikatthatāni paṭalikatthatāni kadalimigapavarapaccattharaṇāni sauttaracchadāni ubhatolohitakūpadhānāni; caturāsīti nāgasahassāni ahesuṁ sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni uposathanāgarājappamukhāni; caturāsīti assasahassāni ahesuṁ sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni valāhakaassarājappamukhāni; caturāsīti rathasahassāni ahesuṁ sīhacammaparivārāni byagghacammaparivārāni dīpicammaparivārāni paṇḍukambalaparivārāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni vejayantarathappamukhāni; caturāsīti maṇisahassāni ahesuṁ maṇiratanappamukhāni; caturāsīti itthisahassāni ahesuṁ subhaddādevippamukhāni; caturāsīti gahapatisahassāni ahesuṁ gahapatiratanappamukhāni; caturāsīti khattiyasahassāni ahesuṁ anuyantāni pariṇāyakaratanappamukhāni; caturāsīti dhenusahassāni ahesuṁ duhasandanāni kaṁsūpadhāraṇāni; caturāsīti vatthakoṭisahassāni ahesuṁ khomasukhumānaṁ kappāsikasukhumānaṁ koseyyasukhumānaṁ kambalasukhumānaṁ; rañño, ānanda, mahāsudassanassa caturāsīti thālipākasahassāni ahesuṁ sāyaṁ pātaṁ bhattābhihāro abhihariyittha.
King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, had eighty-four thousand cities, with the royal capital of Kusāvati the foremost; eighty-four thousand palaces, with the Palace of the Dhamma the foremost; eighty-four thousand gabled halls, with the Great Complex gabled hall the foremost; eighty-four thousand couches made of gold, silver, ivory, and hardwood, spread with fleeces, white woolen blankets, embroidered flower sheets, and spreads of fine antelope hide, with canopies above and red cushions at both ends; eighty-four thousand royal bull elephants with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, with the royal bull elephant named Uposatha the foremost; eighty-four thousand horses with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, with the royal steed named Valāhaka the foremost; eighty-four thousand chariots covered with the hides of lions, tigers, and leopards, and yellow blankets, with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, with the chariot named Vejayanta the foremost; eighty-four thousand jewels, with the jewel treasure the foremost; eighty-four thousand women, with Queen Subhaddā the foremost; eighty-four thousand householders, with the householder treasure the foremost; eighty-four thousand vassal aristocrats, with the counselor treasure the foremost; eighty-four thousand milk cows giving milk into bronze pails; eighty-four thousand crores of fine garments of linen, cotton, silk, and wool; and King Mahāsudassana, Ānanda, had eighty-four thousand meal servings brought to him as offerings morning and evening.
Tena kho panānanda, samayena rañño mahāsudassanassa caturāsīti nāgasahassāni sāyaṁ pātaṁ upaṭṭhānaṁ āgacchanti. Atha kho, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa etadahosi: ‘imāni kho me caturāsīti nāgasahassāni sāyaṁ pātaṁ upaṭṭhānaṁ āgacchanti, yannūna vassasatassa vassasatassa accayena dvecattālīsaṁ dvecattālīsaṁ nāgasahassāni sakiṁ sakiṁ upaṭṭhānaṁ āgaccheyyun’ti. Atha kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano pariṇāyakaratanaṁ āmantesi: ‘imāni kho me, samma pariṇāyakaratana, caturāsīti nāgasahassāni sāyaṁ pātaṁ upaṭṭhānaṁ āgacchanti, tena hi, samma pariṇāyakaratana, vassasatassa vassasatassa accayena dvecattālīsaṁ dvecattālīsaṁ nāgasahassāni sakiṁ sakiṁ upaṭṭhānaṁ āgacchantū’ti. ‘Evaṁ, devā’ti kho, ānanda, pariṇāyakaratanaṁ rañño mahāsudassanassa paccassosi. Atha kho, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa aparena samayena vassasatassa vassasatassa accayena dvecattālīsaṁ dvecattālīsaṁ nāgasahassāni sakiṁ sakiṁ upaṭṭhānaṁ āgamaṁsu.
Now at that time, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana’s eighty-four thousand royal elephants came to attend on him morning and evening. Then, Ānanda, this thought occurred to King Mahāsudassana: ‘These eighty-four thousand elephants of mine come to attend on me morning and evening. What if forty-two thousand elephants took turns to attend on me once every hundred years?’ Then, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana addressed the counselor treasure: ‘Friend counselor, these eighty-four thousand elephants come to attend on me morning and evening. Therefore, friend counselor, let forty-two thousand elephants take turns to attend on me once every hundred years.’ ‘Yes, Your Majesty,’ the counselor treasure replied to King Mahāsudassana. And after that, Ānanda, forty-two thousand elephants came to attend on King Mahāsudassana once every hundred years.
7. Queen Subhaddā’s Visit
Atha kho, ānanda, subhaddāya deviyā bahunnaṁ vassānaṁ bahunnaṁ vassasatānaṁ bahunnaṁ vassasahassānaṁ accayena etadahosi: ‘ciraṁ diṭṭho kho me rājā mahāsudassano. Yannūnāhaṁ rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkameyyan’ti.
Then, Ānanda, after the passage of many years, many hundred years, many thousand years, this thought occurred to Queen Subhaddā: ‘It has been a long time since I saw King Mahāsudassana. Why don’t I go to visit King Mahāsudassana?’
Atha kho, ānanda, subhaddā devī itthāgāraṁ āmantesi: ‘etha tumhe sīsāni nhāyatha pītāni vatthāni pārupatha. Ciraṁ diṭṭho no rājā mahāsudassano, rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissāmā’ti.
Then, Ānanda, Queen Subhaddā addressed the women of the harem: ‘Come, wash your heads and put on yellow garments. It has been a long time since we saw King Mahāsudassana; we will go to visit King Mahāsudassana.’
‘Evaṁ, ayye’ti kho, ānanda, itthāgāraṁ subhaddāya deviyā paṭissutvā sīsāni nhāyitvā pītāni vatthāni pārupitvā yena subhaddā devī tenupasaṅkami.
‘Yes, my lady,’ the women of the harem replied to Queen Subhaddā, washed their heads, put on yellow garments, and approached Queen Subhaddā.
Atha kho, ānanda, subhaddā devī pariṇāyakaratanaṁ āmantesi: ‘kappehi, samma pariṇāyakaratana, caturaṅginiṁ senaṁ, ciraṁ diṭṭho no rājā mahāsudassano, rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ dassanāya upasaṅkamissāmā’ti.
Then, Ānanda, Queen Subhaddā addressed the counselor treasure: ‘Prepare the fourfold army, friend counselor. It has been a long time since we saw King Mahāsudassana; we will go to visit King Mahāsudassana.’
‘Evaṁ, devī’ti kho, ānanda, pariṇāyakaratanaṁ subhaddāya deviyā paṭissutvā caturaṅginiṁ senaṁ kappāpetvā subhaddāya deviyā paṭivedesi: ‘kappitā kho, devi, caturaṅginī senā, yassadāni kālaṁ maññasī’ti.
‘Yes, Your Majesty,’ the counselor treasure replied to Queen Subhaddā, and having prepared the fourfold army, he announced to Queen Subhaddā: ‘The fourfold army is prepared, Your Majesty. You may proceed whenever you think it is time.’
Atha kho, ānanda, subhaddā devī caturaṅginiyā senāya saddhiṁ itthāgārena yena dhammo pāsādo tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā dhammaṁ pāsādaṁ abhiruhitvā yena mahāviyūhaṁ kūṭāgāraṁ tenupasaṅkami. Upasaṅkamitvā mahāviyūhassa kūṭāgārassa dvārabāhaṁ ālambitvā aṭṭhāsi.
Then, Ānanda, Queen Subhaddā, together with the fourfold army and the women of the harem, went to the Palace of the Dhamma. Having arrived and ascended the Palace of the Dhamma, she approached the Great Complex gabled hall and stood leaning against the doorpost.
Atha kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano saddaṁ sutvā: ‘kiṁ nu kho mahato viya janakāyassa saddo’ti mahāviyūhā kūṭāgārā nikkhamanto addasa subhaddaṁ deviṁ dvārabāhaṁ ālambitvā ṭhitaṁ, disvāna subhaddaṁ deviṁ etadavoca: ‘ettheva, devi, tiṭṭha mā pāvisī’ti.
Then, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana, hearing a sound, thought: ‘What is that sound as of a great crowd of people?’ Coming out from the Great Complex gabled hall, he saw Queen Subhaddā standing leaning against the doorpost. Seeing her, he said to Queen Subhaddā: ‘Stay right there, Queen, do not enter.’
Atha kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano aññataraṁ purisaṁ āmantesi: ‘ehi tvaṁ, ambho purisa, mahāviyūhā kūṭāgārā sovaṇṇamayaṁ pallaṅkaṁ nīharitvā sabbasovaṇṇamaye tālavane paññapehī’ti.
Then, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana addressed a certain man: ‘Come, good man, bring out the golden couch from the Great Complex gabled hall and prepare it in the all-golden palm grove.’
‘Evaṁ, devā’ti kho, ānanda, so puriso rañño mahāsudassanassa paṭissutvā mahāviyūhā kūṭāgārā sovaṇṇamayaṁ pallaṅkaṁ nīharitvā sabbasovaṇṇamaye tālavane paññapesi. Atha kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano dakkhiṇena passena sīhaseyyaṁ kappesi pāde pādaṁ accādhāya sato sampajāno.
‘Yes, sire,’ that man replied to King Mahāsudassana, and bringing out the golden couch from the Great Complex gabled hall, he prepared it in the all-golden palm grove. Then, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana lay down on his right side in the lion’s posture, placing one foot overlapping the other, mindful and clearly aware.
Atha kho, ānanda, subhaddāya deviyā etadahosi: ‘vippasannāni kho rañño mahāsudassanassa indriyāni, parisuddho chavivaṇṇo pariyodāto, mā heva kho rājā mahāsudassano kālamakāsī’ti rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ etadavoca: ‘Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti nagarasahassāni kusāvatīrājadhānippamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi.
Then, Ānanda, this thought occurred to Queen Subhaddā: ‘King Mahāsudassana’s faculties are clear, his complexion is pure and bright. May King Mahāsudassana not pass away!’ She said to King Mahāsudassana: ‘Sire, these eighty-four thousand cities headed by the royal capital of Kusāvati are yours. Generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life!
Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti pāsādasahassāni dhammapāsādappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti kūṭāgārasahassāni mahāviyūhakūṭāgārappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti pallaṅkasahassāni sovaṇṇamayāni rūpiyamayāni dantamayāni sāramayāni gonakatthatāni paṭikatthatāni paṭalikatthatāni kadalimigapavarapaccattharaṇāni sauttaracchadāni ubhatolohitakūpadhānāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi, jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti nāgasahassāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni uposathanāgarājappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti assasahassāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni valāhakaassarājappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti rathasahassāni sīhacammaparivārāni byagghacammaparivārāni dīpicammaparivārāni paṇḍukambalaparivārāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni vejayantarathappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti maṇisahassāni maṇiratanappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti itthisahassāni itthiratanappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti gahapatisahassāni gahapatiratanappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti khattiyasahassāni anuyantāni pariṇāyakaratanappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti dhenusahassāni duhasandanāni kaṁsūpadhāraṇāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti vatthakoṭisahassāni khomasukhumānaṁ kappāsikasukhumānaṁ koseyyasukhumānaṁ kambalasukhumānaṁ. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi, jīvite apekkhaṁ karohi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti thālipākasahassāni sāyaṁ pātaṁ bhattābhihāro abhihariyati. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ janehi jīvite apekkhaṁ karohī’ti.
These eighty-four thousand palaces of yours, sire, headed by the Palace of the Dhamma—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand gabled halls of yours, sire, headed by the Great Complex gabled hall—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand couches of yours, sire, made of gold, silver, ivory, and hardwood, spread with fleeces, white woolen blankets, embroidered flower sheets, and spreads of fine antelope hide, with canopies above and red cushions at both ends—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand royal elephants of yours, sire, with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, headed by the royal elephant Uposatha—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand horses of yours, sire, with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, headed by the royal steed Valāhaka—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand chariots of yours, sire, covered with the hides of lions, tigers, and leopards, and yellow blankets, with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, headed by the Vejayanta chariot—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand jewels of yours, sire, headed by the jewel treasure—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand women of yours, sire, headed by the woman treasure—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand householders of yours, sire, headed by the householder treasure—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand vassal aristocrats of yours, sire, headed by the counselor treasure—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand milk cows of yours, sire, giving milk into bronze pails—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand crores of fine garments of yours, sire, of linen, cotton, silk, and wool—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand meal servings of yours, sire, brought as offerings morning and evening—generate desire for them, sire; make a wish for life!’
Evaṁ vutte, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano subhaddaṁ deviṁ etadavoca: ‘Dīgharattaṁ kho maṁ tvaṁ, devi, iṭṭhehi kantehi piyehi manāpehi samudācarittha; atha ca pana maṁ tvaṁ pacchime kāle aniṭṭhehi akantehi appiyehi amanāpehi samudācarasī’ti.
When this was said, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana said to Queen Subhaddā: ‘For a long time, Queen, you have addressed me with pleasing, charming, dear, and agreeable words; but now in my final hour, you address me with unpleasing, uncharming, unloved, and disagreeable words.’
‘Kathaṁ carahi taṁ, deva, samudācarāmī’ti?
‘How then, sire, should I address you?’
‘Evaṁ kho maṁ tvaṁ, devi, samudācara: “sabbeheva, deva, piyehi manāpehi nānābhāvo vinābhāvo aññathābhāvo, mā kho tvaṁ, deva, sāpekkho kālamakāsi, dukkhā sāpekkhassa kālaṅkiriyā, garahitā ca sāpekkhassa kālaṅkiriyā. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti nagarasahassāni kusāvatīrājadhānippamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti pāsādasahassāni dhammapāsādappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti kūṭāgārasahassāni mahāviyūhakūṭāgārappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti pallaṅkasahassāni sovaṇṇamayāni rūpiyamayāni dantamayāni sāramayāni gonakatthatāni paṭikatthatāni paṭalikatthatāni kadalimigapavarapaccattharaṇāni sauttaracchadāni ubhatolohitakūpadhānāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti nāgasahassāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni uposathanāgarājappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti assasahassāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni valāhakaassarājappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti rathasahassāni sīhacammaparivārāni byagghacammaparivārāni dīpicammaparivārāni paṇḍukambalaparivārāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni vejayantarathappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti maṇisahassāni maṇiratanappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti itthisahassāni subhaddādevippamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti gahapatisahassāni gahapatiratanappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti khattiyasahassāni anuyantāni pariṇāyakaratanappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti dhenusahassāni duhasandanāni kaṁsūpadhāraṇāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti vatthakoṭisahassāni khomasukhumānaṁ kappāsikasukhumānaṁ koseyyasukhumānaṁ kambalasukhumānaṁ. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti thālipākasahassāni sāyaṁ pātaṁ bhattābhihāro abhihariyati. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsī”’ti.
‘Address me thus, Queen: “Sire, you must be parted, separated, and severed from all who are dear and agreeable. Do not pass away with longing, sire. Dying with longing is painful and blameworthy. These eighty-four thousand cities headed by the royal capital of Kusāvati—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand palaces headed by the Palace of the Dhamma—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand gabled halls headed by the Great Complex gabled hall—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand couches made of gold, silver, ivory, and hardwood, spread with fleeces, white woolen blankets, embroidered flower sheets, and spreads of fine antelope hide, with canopies above and red cushions at both ends—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand royal elephants with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, headed by the royal elephant Uposatha—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand horses with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, headed by the royal steed Valāhaka—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand chariots covered with the hides of lions, tigers, and leopards, and yellow blankets, with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, headed by the Vejayanta chariot—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand jewels headed by the jewel treasure—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand women headed by Queen Subhaddā—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand householders headed by the householder treasure—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand vassal aristocrats headed by the counselor treasure—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand milk cows giving milk into bronze pails—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand crores of fine garments of linen, cotton, silk, and wool—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand meal servings brought as offerings morning and evening—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life!”’
Evaṁ vutte, ānanda, subhaddā devī parodi assūni pavattesi. Atha kho, ānanda, subhaddā devī assūni puñchitvā rājānaṁ mahāsudassanaṁ etadavoca: ‘Sabbeheva, deva, piyehi manāpehi nānābhāvo vinābhāvo aññathābhāvo, mā kho tvaṁ, deva, sāpekkho kālamakāsi, dukkhā sāpekkhassa kālaṅkiriyā, garahitā ca sāpekkhassa kālaṅkiriyā. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti nagarasahassāni kusāvatīrājadhānippamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti pāsādasahassāni dhammapāsādappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti kūṭāgārasahassāni mahāviyūhakūṭāgārappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti pallaṅkasahassāni sovaṇṇamayāni rūpiyamayāni dantamayāni sāramayāni gonakatthatāni paṭikatthatāni paṭalikatthatāni kadalimigapavarapaccattharaṇāni sauttaracchadāni ubhatolohitakūpadhānāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti nāgasahassāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni uposathanāgarājappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti assasahassāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni valāhakaassarājappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha, jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti rathasahassāni sīhacammaparivārāni byagghacammaparivārāni dīpicammaparivārāni paṇḍukambalaparivārāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni vejayantarathappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti maṇisahassāni maṇiratanappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti itthisahassāni itthiratanappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha, jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti gahapatisahassāni gahapatiratanappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti khattiyasahassāni anuyantāni pariṇāyakaratanappamukhāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti dhenusahassāni duhasandanāni kaṁsūpadhāraṇāni. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti vatthakoṭisahassāni khomasukhumānaṁ kappāsikasukhumānaṁ koseyyasukhumānaṁ kambalasukhumānaṁ. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsi. Imāni te, deva, caturāsīti thālipākasahassāni sāyaṁ pātaṁ bhattābhihāro abhihariyati. Ettha, deva, chandaṁ pajaha jīvite apekkhaṁ mākāsī’ti.
When this was said, Ānanda, Queen Subhaddā cried and shed tears. Then, Ānanda, Queen Subhaddā, having wiped away her tears, said to King Mahāsudassana: ‘Sire, you must be parted, separated, and severed from all who are dear and agreeable. Do not pass away with longing, sire. Dying with longing is painful and blameworthy. These eighty-four thousand cities headed by the royal capital of Kusāvati—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand palaces headed by the Palace of the Dhamma—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand gabled halls headed by the Great Complex gabled hall—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand couches made of gold, silver, ivory, and hardwood, spread with fleeces, white woolen blankets, embroidered flower sheets, and spreads of fine antelope hide, with canopies above and red cushions at both ends—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand royal elephants with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, headed by the royal elephant Uposatha—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand horses with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, headed by the royal steed Valāhaka—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand chariots covered with the hides of lions, tigers, and leopards, and yellow blankets, with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, headed by the Vejayanta chariot—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand jewels headed by the jewel treasure—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand women headed by the woman treasure—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand householders headed by the householder treasure—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand vassal aristocrats headed by the counselor treasure—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand milk cows giving milk into bronze pails—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand crores of fine garments of linen, cotton, silk, and wool—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life! These eighty-four thousand meal servings brought as offerings morning and evening—abandon desire for them, sire; do not make a wish for life!’
8. Rebirth in the Brahmā World
Atha kho, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano na cirasseva kālamakāsi. Seyyathāpi, ānanda, gahapatissa vā gahapatiputtassa vā manuññaṁ bhojanaṁ bhuttāvissa bhattasammado hoti; evameva kho, ānanda, rañño mahāsudassanassa māraṇantikā vedanā ahosi.
Then, Ānanda, not long after, King Mahāsudassana passed away. Just as a householder or a householder’s son feels drowsiness after eating a delicious meal, even so, Ānanda, was the dying feeling of King Mahāsudassana.
Kālaṅkato ca, ānanda, rājā mahāsudassano sugatiṁ brahmalokaṁ upapajji. Rājā, ānanda, mahāsudassano caturāsīti vassasahassāni kumārakīḷaṁ kīḷi. Caturāsīti vassasahassāni oparajjaṁ kāresi. Caturāsīti vassasahassāni rajjaṁ kāresi. Caturāsīti vassasahassāni gihibhūto dhamme pāsāde brahmacariyaṁ cari. So cattāro brahmavihāre bhāvetvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā brahmalokūpago ahosi.
And having passed away, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana was reborn in a good destination, the Brahmā world. For eighty-four thousand years, Ānanda, King Mahāsudassana played childhood games; for eighty-four thousand years he ruled as viceroy; for eighty-four thousand years he ruled as king; for eighty-four thousand years, as a layman, he lived the spiritual life in the Palace of the Dhamma. Having developed the four divine abidings, upon the breaking up of the body, after death, he was reborn in the Brahmā world.
Siyā kho panānanda, evamassa: ‘añño nūna tena samayena rājā mahāsudassano ahosī’ti, na kho panetaṁ, ānanda, evaṁ daṭṭhabbaṁ. Ahaṁ tena samayena rājā mahāsudassano ahosiṁ.
Now, Ānanda, it may occur to you: ‘Perhaps at that time King Mahāsudassana was someone else.’ But it should not be seen in that way, Ānanda. I was King Mahāsudassana at that time.
Mama tāni caturāsīti nagarasahassāni kusāvatīrājadhānippamukhāni, mama tāni caturāsīti pāsādasahassāni dhammapāsādappamukhāni, mama tāni caturāsīti kūṭāgārasahassāni mahāviyūhakūṭāgārappamukhāni, mama tāni caturāsīti pallaṅkasahassāni sovaṇṇamayāni rūpiyamayāni dantamayāni sāramayāni gonakatthatāni paṭikatthatāni paṭalikatthatāni kadalimigapavarapaccattharaṇāni sauttaracchadāni ubhatolohitakūpadhānāni, mama tāni caturāsīti nāgasahassāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni uposathanāgarājappamukhāni, mama tāni caturāsīti assasahassāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni valāhakaassarājappamukhāni, mama tāni caturāsīti rathasahassāni sīhacammaparivārāni byagghacammaparivārāni dīpicammaparivārāni paṇḍukambalaparivārāni sovaṇṇālaṅkārāni sovaṇṇadhajāni hemajālapaṭicchannāni vejayantarathappamukhāni, mama tāni caturāsīti maṇisahassāni maṇiratanappamukhāni, mama tāni caturāsīti itthisahassāni subhaddādevippamukhāni, mama tāni caturāsīti gahapatisahassāni gahapatiratanappamukhāni, mama tāni caturāsīti khattiyasahassāni anuyantāni pariṇāyakaratanappamukhāni, mama tāni caturāsīti dhenusahassāni duhasandanāni kaṁsūpadhāraṇāni, mama tāni caturāsīti vatthakoṭisahassāni khomasukhumānaṁ kappāsikasukhumānaṁ koseyyasukhumānaṁ kambalasukhumānaṁ, mama tāni caturāsīti thālipākasahassāni sāyaṁ pātaṁ bhattābhihāro abhihariyittha.
Mine were those eighty-four thousand cities headed by the royal capital of Kusāvati; mine were those eighty-four thousand palaces headed by the Palace of the Dhamma; mine were those eighty-four thousand gabled halls headed by the Great Complex gabled hall; mine were those eighty-four thousand couches made of gold, silver, ivory, and hardwood, spread with fleeces, white woolen blankets, embroidered flower sheets, and spreads of fine antelope hide, with canopies above and red cushions at both ends; mine were those eighty-four thousand royal elephants with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, headed by the royal elephant Uposatha; mine were those eighty-four thousand horses with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, headed by the royal steed Valāhaka; mine were those eighty-four thousand chariots covered with the hides of lions, tigers, and leopards, and yellow blankets, with gold adornments and golden banners, draped with nets of gold, headed by the Vejayanta chariot; mine were those eighty-four thousand jewels headed by the jewel treasure; mine were those eighty-four thousand women headed by Queen Subhaddā; mine were those eighty-four thousand householders headed by the householder treasure; mine were those eighty-four thousand vassal aristocrats headed by the counselor treasure; mine were those eighty-four thousand milk cows giving milk into bronze pails; mine were those eighty-four thousand crores of fine garments of linen, cotton, silk, and wool; mine were those eighty-four thousand meal servings brought as offerings morning and evening.
Tesaṁ kho panānanda, caturāsītinagarasahassānaṁ ekaññeva taṁ nagaraṁ hoti, yaṁ tena samayena ajjhāvasāmi yadidaṁ kusāvatī rājadhānī. Tesaṁ kho panānanda, caturāsīti pāsādasahassānaṁ ekoyeva so pāsādo hoti, yaṁ tena samayena ajjhāvasāmi yadidaṁ dhammo pāsādo. Tesaṁ kho panānanda, caturāsīti kūṭāgārasahassānaṁ ekaññeva taṁ kūṭāgāraṁ hoti, yaṁ tena samayena ajjhāvasāmi yadidaṁ mahāviyūhaṁ kūṭāgāraṁ. Tesaṁ kho panānanda, caturāsīti pallaṅkasahassānaṁ ekoyeva so pallaṅko hoti, yaṁ tena samayena paribhuñjāmi yadidaṁ sovaṇṇamayo vā rūpiyamayo vā dantamayo vā sāramayo vā. Tesaṁ kho panānanda, caturāsīti nāgasahassānaṁ ekoyeva so nāgo hoti, yaṁ tena samayena abhiruhāmi yadidaṁ uposatho nāgarājā. Tesaṁ kho panānanda, caturāsīti assasahassānaṁ ekoyeva so asso hoti, yaṁ tena samayena abhiruhāmi yadidaṁ valāhako assarājā. Tesaṁ kho panānanda, caturāsīti rathasahassānaṁ ekoyeva so ratho hoti, yaṁ tena samayena abhiruhāmi yadidaṁ vejayantaratho. Tesaṁ kho panānanda, caturāsīti itthisahassānaṁ ekāyeva sā itthī hoti, yā tena samayena paccupaṭṭhāti khattiyānī vā vessinī vā. Tesaṁ kho panānanda, caturāsīti vatthakoṭisahassānaṁ ekaṁyeva taṁ dussayugaṁ hoti, yaṁ tena samayena paridahāmi khomasukhumaṁ vā kappāsikasukhumaṁ vā koseyyasukhumaṁ vā kambalasukhumaṁ vā. Tesaṁ kho panānanda, caturāsīti thālipākasahassānaṁ ekoyeva so thālipāko hoti, yato nāḷikodanaparamaṁ bhuñjāmi tadupiyañca sūpeyyaṁ.
Yet of those eighty-four thousand cities, Ānanda, there was only one city that I resided in at that time: the royal capital of Kusāvati. Of those eighty-four thousand palaces, only one palace that I resided in: the Palace of the Dhamma. Of those eighty-four thousand gabled halls, only one gabled hall that I resided in: the Great Complex gabled hall. Of those eighty-four thousand couches, only one couch that I used: made of gold, silver, ivory, or hardwood. Of those eighty-four thousand elephants, only one elephant that I mounted: Uposatha the royal elephant. Of those eighty-four thousand horses, only one horse that I mounted: Valāhaka the royal steed. Of those eighty-four thousand chariots, only one chariot that I mounted: the Vejayanta chariot. Of those eighty-four thousand women, only one woman who attended upon me: an aristocratic lady or a merchant woman. Of those eighty-four thousand crores of fine garments, only one pair of garments that I wore: of fine linen, fine cotton, fine silk, or fine wool. Of those eighty-four thousand meal servings, only one dish from which I ate: at most a measure of rice and suitable curry.
Passānanda, sabbete saṅkhārā atītā niruddhā vipariṇatā. Evaṁ aniccā kho, ānanda, saṅkhārā; evaṁ addhuvā kho, ānanda, saṅkhārā; evaṁ anassāsikā kho, ānanda, saṅkhārā. Yāvañcidaṁ, ānanda, alameva sabbasaṅkhāresu nibbindituṁ, alaṁ virajjituṁ, alaṁ vimuccituṁ.
See, Ānanda: all those conditioned phenomena are past, ceased, and changed. So impermanent are conditioned phenomena, Ānanda; so unreliable are conditioned phenomena, Ānanda; so precarious are conditioned phenomena, Ānanda. Therefore, Ānanda, it is enough to become disenchanted, to become detached and to become free from all conditions.
Chakkhattuṁ kho panāhaṁ, ānanda, abhijānāmi imasmiṁ padese sarīraṁ nikkhipitaṁ, tañca kho rājāva samāno cakkavattī dhammiko dhammarājā cāturanto vijitāvī janapadatthāvariyappatto sattaratanasamannāgato, ayaṁ sattamo sarīranikkhepo. Na kho panāhaṁ, ānanda, taṁ padesaṁ samanupassāmi sadevake loke samārake sabrahmake sassamaṇabrāhmaṇiyā pajāya sadevamanussāya yattha tathāgato aṭṭhamaṁ sarīraṁ nikkhipeyyā”ti.
Six times, Ānanda, I recall laying down this body in this place when I was a wheel-turning monarch, a righteous king ruling by the Dhamma, a conqueror of the four quarters, who had attained stability in his realm, endowed with the seven treasures. This is the seventh laying down of the body. But I do not see any place, Ānanda, in this world with its deities, Māras, Brahmas, among this generation with its ascetics and brahmins, kings and commoners, where the Tathāgata would lay down his body for an eighth time.”
Idamavoca bhagavā. Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:
The Blessed One said this. Having spoken thus, the Accomplished One, the Teacher, further said this:
“Aniccā vata saṅkhārā,
uppādavayadhammino;
Uppajjitvā nirujjhanti,
tesaṁ vūpasamo sukho”ti.
“Conditioned phenomena are impermanent,
marked by arising and going away;
having arisen, they cease;
their subsiding is contentment.”