28. Uttiya

Walt 983 On Candabhāgā River’s bank
I was a crocodile back then.
Being engaged in getting food
I went up to the river bank. Verse 1

Walt 984 At that time the Self-Become One,
Siddhattha, the Best among Men,
approached a ford on that river
wishing to cross the river there. Verse 2

Walt 985 When the Sambuddha had arrived
I also approached that same place.
Having approached I then uttered
these kind words to the Sambuddha: Verse 3

Walt 986 “Climb aboard me, O Great Hero,
I’ll take you across the river.
This is the sphere of my fathers;
please have pity, O Sage So Great.” Verse 4

Walt 987 Having heard me growling loudly
the Great Sage then climbed up on me.
Smiling with a heart of laughter
I ferried the World-Chief across. Verse 5

Walt 988 Then that World-Chief named Siddhattha
gone to the other river bank
gave consolation to me there:
“you will achieve the deathless state.” Verse 6

Walt 989 After falling from that body
I went on to the world of gods.
Surrounded by celestial nymphs
I enjoyed much divine pleasure. Verse 7

Walt 990 Seven times as the king of gods
I exercised divine rule there.
Three times as a wheel-turning king
I was the lord of the whole earth. Verse 8

Walt 991 Binding myself to solitude,
I am clever and self-controlled.
I’m now bearing my last body,
in the Sambuddha’s great teaching. Verse 9

Walt 992 In the ninety-four aeons since
I thus ferried the Bull of Men
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth;
that is the fruit of ferrying.

Walt 993 The four analytical modes,
and these eight deliverances,
six special knowledges mastered,
I have done what the Buddha taught! Verse 10

Thus indeed Venerable Uttiya Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Uttiya Thera is finished.