“The noble Kaṇṭhaka, at a mere sign,
Carried the protector of this world across the sky.
Gatherings of gods and demigods, along with Śakra,
Escorted the Well-Gone One as he was leaving.
“The goddesses, so skilled in playing music,
Praised the qualities of the Bodhisattva.
They all gave Kaṇṭhaka strength
As they sang to him in the most delightful and touching way: [237]
“ ‘Kaṇṭhaka, carry the guide of this world!
Be swift and don’t feel sad!
When you assist the protector of this world,
You are free from the dangers of the lower realms and difficult rebirths.’
“ ‘Kaṇṭhaka, look at the path prepared for you in the sky!
It is so bright and beautiful.
Its bejeweled ledges are ornamented in various ways,
And it is censed with divine incense based on supreme essences.
“ ‘Kaṇṭhaka, because of your meritorious deed,
You will be magically reborn in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three.
As divine maidens surround you and attend to you,
You will delight in divine sense pleasures.’
“Gopā, do not shed any more tears!
Be happy and rejoice!
Before long you will witness the best among men attaining awakening.
You will see him honored and served by the immortals.
“You have served and paid respect
To the One Who Benefits Beings;
Thus you will find supreme and inconceivable attainment.
I believe that you shall become just like him, the most noble being!”
This concludes the fifteenth chapter, on leaving home. [B11]