2.
Men's Mansions
5.
The Chapter of the Great Chariot
1.
The Story of the Mansion of the Frog Deity
857.
With surpassing beauty, illuminating all directions?"
858.
While listening to your teaching, a cowherd killed me.
859.
And see my splendour, see my beauty and my effulgence.
860.
They have attained the unshakeable state, where having gone they do not grieve."
The Frog God's Son Mansion is the first.
2.
The Story of the Mansion of Revatī
861.
Relatives, friends and companions delight in his arrival.
862.
Merits receive him, like relatives a dear one who has arrived.
863.
We shall lead you where the ill-fated groan, those doomed to hell, afflicted with suffering."
864.
Having seized Revatā by each arm, they departed to the presence of the host of gods.
865.
Whose is this mansion thronged with people, shining like the rays of the sun?
866.
It appears with a colour like the sun, who rejoices in the mansion, having attained heaven?"
867.
His is this mansion thronged with people, shining like the rays of the sun.
868.
It appears with a colour like the sun, he rejoices in the mansion, having attained heaven."
869.
I shall delight in my husband's mansion, having given gifts, I do not wish for hell even to see it."
870.
For a stingy one, an irritator, of bad character, does not obtain the company of those who have gone to heaven."
871.
What is this foul-smelling excrement, what is this that blows towards me?"
872.
Where for thousands of years, you will be cooked, Revatā."
873.
By what was the Saṃsavaka obtained, deep, of the height of a hundred men?"
874.
You deceived them with lying, that evil was done by you.
875.
There for thousands of years, you will be cooked, Revatā.
876.
And also flocks of ravens, having come together, having assembled, eat while she is trembling."
877.
By giving, by righteous conduct, by self-control and by taming;
Which having done they are happy, and do not feel remorse afterwards."
878.
You will experience the result of actions done by yourself."
879.
'Give gifts to those who have laid down the rod, clothing, sleeping place, food and drink;
For a stingy one, an irritator, of bad character, does not obtain the company of those who have gone to heaven.'
880.
Bountiful, accomplished in morality, I will do much wholesome;
By giving, by righteous conduct, by self-control and by taming.
881.
And drinking halls and wells, with a clear mind.
882.
And the extra holiday, well endowed with the eight factors.
883.
And I shall not be negligent in giving, this has been seen by me myself."
884.
They threw her into the terrible hell, feet upward, head downward.
885.
And having deceived my husband with falsehood, I am being cooked in a hell of terrible form."
The Revatī Mansion is the second.
3.
The Story of the Young Man with the Umbrella's Mansion
886.
Gone beyond, endowed with power and energy, go to that Fortunate One for the purpose of refuge.
887.
Sweet is this, well-practised, well-divided, go to this teaching for the purpose of refuge.
888.
And the eight individuals who see the Teaching, go to this Community for the purpose of refuge.
889.
As does this incomparable great radiance - who are you who has come from the celestial realm to the earth?"
890.
Even as it makes night like day, the pure, spotless, beautiful mansion.
891.
Covered with a stainless, pure golden net, it shines in the sky just like the sun.
892.
With skin resembling slender gold, full like the sky with stars.
893.
Released by the wind, they waft fragrance, spread with gold, covered with gold.
894.
And how you have attained this mansion, tell that word by word, come now, being asked."
895.
Having heard the teaching of your excellent jewel, Chatta said 'I will do it.'"
896.
'No,' I said at first, venerable sir, but afterwards I did just as you said.
897.
For the wise have not praised one unrestrained towards living beings;
'No,' I said at first, venerable sir,
But afterwards I did just as you said.
898.
'No,' I said at first, venerable sir, but afterwards I did just as you said.
899.
'No,' I said at first, venerable sir, but afterwards I did just as you said;
900.
For the wise have not praised lying;
'No,' I said at first, venerable sir, but afterwards I did just as you said.
901.
'No,' I said at first, venerable sir, but afterwards I did just as you said.
902.
I went along the crossroad amidst thieves, they killed me there on account of wealth.
903.
By that good conduct and action, I arose in the celestial abode, one who possesses sensual pleasures as desired.
904.
Blazing as it were with fame, looking on, many of inferior deeds envy me.
905.
And those who constantly hear your Teaching, I imagine they experience the Deathless, the secure.
906.
See Chatta, through having done merit, illuminates the earth just like the sun.
907.
We, having again obtained human state, practising, may we dwell as moral ones.
908.
I have approached the one of true name, have compassion, let us hear the teaching again."
909.
They do not again go to lying in a womb, for having attained final nibbāna, they have become cooled."
The Umbrella Young Man Mansion is the third.
4.
The Story of the Crab Curry Donor's Mansion
910.
Seven hundred lofty pinnacle chambers, with lapis lazuli pillars, spread with gold tiles, beautiful.
911.
Divine flavours, the five kinds of sensual pleasure are here, and women dance, covered with gold.
912.
And there arise for you pleasures, whatever are dear to the mind.
913.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
914.
Asked a question, he explained of which action this is the fruit.
915.
Made of gold, the ten-footed one shines beautifully.
916.
And there arise for me pleasures, whatever are dear to the mind.
917.
By that I am of such radiant power, and my beauty illuminates all directions."
The Crab-Curry-Giver Mansion is the fourth.
(The following five mansions should be expanded as with the Crab-Curry-Giver's Mansion.)
5.
The Story of the Gatekeeper's Mansion
918.
Seven hundred lofty pinnacle chambers, with lapis lazuli pillars, spread with gold tiles, beautiful.
919.
Divine flavours, the five kinds of sensual pleasure are here, and women dance, covered with gold.
920.
922.
Asked a question, he explained of which action this is the fruit.
923.
To this extent one of meritorious action will remain, endowed with divine sensual pleasures.
924.
The Gatekeeper Mansion is the fifth.
6.
The First Story of the To Be Done Mansion
926.
Seven hundred lofty pinnacle chambers, with lapis lazuli pillars, spread with gold tiles, beautiful.
927.
Divine flavours, the five kinds of sensual pleasure are here, and women dance, covered with gold.
928.
And your beauty illuminates all directions?"
930.
931.
Among the Buddhas who have come to the right path, where what is given is of great fruit.
932.
Having gladdened my mind there, I went to the Tāvatiṃsa heaven.
933.
The First Duty Mansion is the sixth.
7.
The Second Story of the To Be Done Mansion
935.
Seven hundred lofty pinnacle chambers, with lapis lazuli pillars, spread with gold tiles, beautiful.
936.
Divine flavours, the five kinds of sensual pleasure are here, and women dance, covered with gold.
937.
939.
940.
Among the monks who have come to the right path, where what is given is of great fruit.
941.
Having gladdened my mind there, I went to the Tāvatiṃsa heaven.
942.
And my beauty illuminates all directions."
The Second Duty Mansion is the seventh.
8.
The First Story of the Needle Mansion
944.
Seven hundred lofty pinnacle chambers, with lapis lazuli pillars, spread with gold tiles, beautiful.
945.
Divine flavours, the five kinds of sensual pleasure are here, and women dance, covered with gold.
946.
948.
949.
And whatever one would give, that itself is better;
A needle given, the needle itself is better.
950.
The First Needle Mansion is the eighth.
9.
The Second Story of the Needle Mansion
952.
Seven hundred lofty pinnacle chambers, with lapis lazuli pillars, spread with gold tiles, beautiful.
953.
Divine flavours, the five kinds of sensual pleasure are here, and women dance, covered with gold.
954.
956.
957.
958.
To him I gave a needle, devoted, with my own hands.
959.
The Second Needle Mansion is the ninth.
10.
The First Story of the Elephant Mansion
961.
Having ascended the excellent elephant, well-harnessed, she came here through the sky, in mid-air.
962.
And on the lotuses groups of musical instruments play, and these captivating ones dance.
963.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
964.
Asked a question, he explained of which action this is the fruit.
965.
I placed upon the stupa, devoted, with my own hands.
966.
The First Elephant Mansion is the tenth.
11.
The Second Story of the Elephant Mansion
968.
He wandered from forest to forest, attended by a group of women;
Illuminating all directions, like the healing star.
969.
971.
Asked a question, he explained of which action this is the fruit.
972.
I was abstaining from killing living beings, I avoided what is not given in the world.
973.
With a gladdened mind, I gave food and drink, attentively I gave an abundant gift.
974.
The Second Elephant Mansion is the eleventh.
12.
The Third Story of the Elephant Mansion
976.
With the sound of musical instruments being struck, is honoured in the sky?"
977.
Not knowing you, we ask, how may we know you?'
978.
Of those gods named Sudhammā, I am one of them."
979.
Having done what action as a human, is one reborn in Sudhamma?"
980.
Having given one of the three, is reborn in Sudhamma."
The Third Elephant Mansion is the twelfth.
13.
The Story of the Small Chariot Mansion
981.
Are you a warrior, a prince, or a fierce forest-dweller?"
982.
I tell you my name, monk, the wise know me as Sujāta.
983.
I did not see that deer, but having seen you, I stood here."
984.
Having taken water from here, wash your feet."
985.
Prince, having drunk from it, sit down upon the rug."
986.
Faultless, full of meaning, lovely, having considered, you speak what is beneficial.
987.
Having listened to your way of speaking, may we practise the path of beneficial teaching."
988.
And abstinence from theft and from sexual misconduct, and from drinking intoxicants.
989.
Praiseworthy in this very life, these qualities are to be praised."
990.
Prince, understand this, free yourself."
991.
Or by what true knowledge, might I become free from ageing and death?"
992.
Where having gone a mortal might become, O prince, free from ageing and death.
993.
Those with abundant wealth and grain, they too are not free from ageing and death.
994.
They too reached the exhaustion of life-span, demolished, though equal to eternity.
995.
These and others by birth, they too are not free from ageing and death.
996.
These and others by true knowledge, they too are not free from ageing and death.
997.
They too in time abandon the body, those austere ascetics.
998.
They lay down this body, with the utter elimination of merit and demerit."
999.
I am convinced by what is well spoken, and may you be my refuge."
1000.
The son of the Sakyans, the great hero, to whom I have gone for refuge."
1001.
I too will go to see the Victor, the matchless one."
1002.
There was a remarkable man, but he has attained final Nibbāna."
1003.
I would go a thousand yojanas to attend upon him.
1004.
I go for refuge to the great hero, even though he is quenched.
1005.
And to the Community of the king of men, I go for refuge.
1006.
I abstain from intoxicants and do not speak falsehood, and I am satisfied with my own wife."
1007.
So is the appearance of this great chariot of yours, extending seven yojanas all around.
1008.
Lines of lapis lazuli, well-fashioned, adorn the gold and silver.
1009.
Yoked with gold and silver, these horses shine, swift as thought.
1010.
I ask you, O glorious one, skilled one, how was this lofty one obtained by you?"
1011.
And you, out of compassion for me, established me in self-restraint.
1012.
Venerate this, Sujāta, it will be for your benefit."
1013.
On discarding the human body, I was reborn in the celestial Garden of Delight.
1014.
I delight in dancing and singing, honoured by the nymphs."
The Small Chariot Mansion is the thirteenth.
14.
The Story of the Great Chariot Mansion
1015.
Proceeding towards the pleasure ground, like Vāsava, the first of givers, lord of beings.
1016.
With well-formed clusters, completed by master craftsmen, it shines like the moon on the fifteenth day.
1017.
With delightful sound and beautiful voice, it shines with arms holding chowrie whisks.
1018.
And these wheel-hubs, variegated with a hundred stripes, with a hundred spokes, shine forth like lightning.
1019.
Their sound is heard, lovely in form, like a five-part musical ensemble being played.
1020.
Exceedingly well-joined with golden streaks, it shines exceedingly like lapis lazuli streaks.
1021.
Lofty, great, powerful, of great speed, knowing your mind, they move just so.
1022.
Bearing evenly, soft, not agitated, rejoicing, the finest of horses.
1023.
Their sound is heard, lovely in form, like a five-part musical ensemble being played.
1024.
The sweet sound of the assembly is heard, like gandhabba instruments in a variegated grove.
1025.
Covered with nets of lapis lazuli, with delicate skin, worshipped by gods, gandhabba deities, and foremost beings.
1026.
Well-born in family, with slender bodies and pure smiles, standing in the chariot with joined palms, they attended.
1027.
With rounded fingers, lovely-faced, beautiful to see, standing in the chariot with joined palms, they attended.
1028.
Devoted, they delighting in your mind, standing in the chariot with joined palms, they attended.
1029.
Devoted, they delighting in your mind, standing in the chariot with joined palms, they attended.
1030.
Devoted, they delighting in your mind, standing in the chariot with joined palms, they attended.
1031.
They illuminate all ten directions completely, like the radiant sun rising in autumn.
1032.
They emit a sound, pleasant, pure, beautiful, worthy to be heard by all the wise.
1033.
They delight that very lord of gods, like a lute with lotus-leaf arms.
1034.
As they are being played, exceedingly the nymphs, maidens trained on lotuses, whirl about.
1035.
Then here the nymphs dance, then here the excellent women illuminate both sides.
1036.
Among these many lovely lutes, of delightful form, stirring joy in the heart.
1037.
What Observance did you observe, what righteous conduct, what religious duty did you delight in?
1038.
This supernormal power of yours is vast, by which you outshine the assembly of gods exceedingly.
1039.
Or else of salutation with joined palms? Tell me this when asked."
1040.
Asked a question, he explained of which action this is the fruit.
1041.
Opening the door to the Deathless, the god above gods, with the marks of a hundred merits.
1042.
Having seen him, I quickly became pure-minded, having seen him indeed, the one whose banner is well-spoken.
1043.
In my own dwelling strewn with flowers, I established that, with unattached mind.
1044.
Having satisfied the highest of two-footed beings, I rejoice in the celestial city in heaven after heaven.
1045.
On discarding the human body, like Indra I rejoice in the celestial city.
1046.
Food and drink, abundant and well-prepared, should be established in one with an unattached mind.
1047.
He has reached the supreme offering among those worthy of offerings, for those seeking merit with abundant fruit."
The Great Chariot Mansion is the fourteenth.
The Great Chariot Chapter is concluded as fifth.
Its summary:
Two Karaṇīya, two Sūci, three Nāga and two Chariots;
The first chapter on Men is called.
The third recitation section is concluded.
6.
The Chapter on Pāyāsi
1.
The First Story of the Householder's Mansion
1048.
So too this mansion of yours stands illuminating in mid-air.
1049.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1050.
Asked a question, he explained of which action this is the fruit.
1051.
With confident minds, we gave food and drink, attentively we gave an abundant gift.
1052.
The First Householder Mansion is the first.
2.
The Second Story of the Householder's Mansion
1054.
So too this mansion of yours stands illuminating in mid-air.
1055.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1056.
1057.
With confident minds, we gave food and drink, attentively we gave an abundant gift.
1058.
The Second Householder Mansion is the second.
3.
The Story of the Fruit Donor's Mansion
1060.
Seven hundred lofty pinnacle chambers, with lapis lazuli pillars, spread with gold tiles, beautiful.
1061.
Sixty-four trained maidens of good dispositions, and divine maidens dwelling among the deities, lofty;
They dance and sing and delight.
1062.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1063.
1064.
He indeed rejoices, gone to heaven in the celestial abode, and experiences the extensive fruit of merit.
1065.
1066.
Or by one aspiring for divine pleasures, or by one wishing for good fortune among humans.
1067.
And my beauty illuminates all directions."
The Fruit-Giver Mansion is the third.
4.
The Story of the First Dwelling Donor's Mansion
1069.
So too this mansion of yours stands illuminating in mid-air.
1070.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1071.
1072.
With confident minds, we gave food and drink, attentively we gave an abundant gift.
1073.
The First Dwelling-Giver Mansion is the fourth.
5.
The Story of the Second Dwelling Donor's Mansion
1075.
(As with the former mansion, so should it be expanded.)
1079.
The Second Dwelling-Donor's Mansion is the fifth.
6.
The Story of the Almsfood Donor's Mansion
1081.
Seven hundred lofty pinnacle chambers, with lapis lazuli pillars, spread with gold tiles, beautiful.
1082.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1083.
1084.
I supplied one day's almsfood, I then made him endowed with a meal.
1085.
The Almsfood-Donor's Mansion is the sixth.
7.
The Story of the Barley Keeper's Mansion
1087.
1089.
1090.
I saw a stainless monk, with a clear and untroubled mind.
1091.
Having given a lump of barley-gruel, I rejoice in the celestial Garden of Delight.
1092.
The Barley-Keeper's Mansion is the seventh.
8.
The Story of the First Kuṇḍalī's Mansion
1094.
Wearing bracelets on his hands, famous, in a divine mansion, just like the moon.
1095.
And divine maidens dwelling among the deities, lofty, dance and sing and delight.
1096.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1097.
1098.
Accomplished in true knowledge and conduct, famous, very learned, having attained the elimination of craving;
With a gladdened mind, I gave food and drink, attentively I gave an abundant gift.
1099.
The First Kuṇḍalī Mansion is the eighth.
9.
The Story of the Second Kuṇḍalī's Mansion
1101.
Wearing bracelets on his hands, famous, in a divine mansion, just like the moon.
1102.
And divine maidens dwelling among the deities, lofty, dance and sing and delight.
1103.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1104.
1105.
Accomplished in true knowledge and conduct, famous, very learned, virtuous, devoted;
With a gladdened mind, I gave food and drink, attentively I gave an abundant gift.
1106.
The Second Kuṇḍalī Mansion is the ninth.
10.
The Story of the (Uttara) Pāyāsi's Mansion
1108.
So too this mansion of yours stands illuminating in mid-air.
1109.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1110.
1111.
Having obtained wealth, I made a sharing, and those dear to me were moral ones;
With a gladdened mind, I gave food and drink, attentively I gave an abundant gift.
1112.
The (Uttara) Pāyāsi Mansion is the tenth.
The Chapter on Pāyāsi is concluded as sixth.
Its summary:
Barley-field Keeper and two, Earring Wearer, Pāyāsi;
The second chapter on Men is called.
7.
The Chapter on Sunikkhitta
1.
The Story of the Cittalatā Mansion
1114.
So too this mansion of yours stands illuminating in mid-air.
1115.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1116.
1117.
And I supported my aged mother and father, and those dear to me were moral ones;
With a gladdened mind, I gave food and drink, attentively I gave an abundant gift.
1118.
The Cittalatā Mansion is the first.
2.
The Story of the Mansion in the Celestial Garden of Delight
1120.
So too this mansion of yours stands illuminating in mid-air.
1121.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1122.
1123.
And I supported my aged mother and father, and those dear to me were moral ones;
With a gladdened mind, I gave food and drink, attentively I gave an abundant gift.
1124.
The Mansion in the Celestial Garden of Delight is the second.
3.
The Story of the Jewelled Pillar Mansion
1126.
Seven hundred lofty pinnacle chambers, with lapis lazuli pillars, spread with gold tiles, beautiful.
1127.
Divine flavours, the five kinds of sensual pleasure are here, and women dance, covered with gold.
1128.
1130.
1131.
And I planted park trees, and those dear to me were moral ones;
With a gladdened mind, I gave food and drink, attentively I gave an abundant gift.
1132.
The Jewelled-Pillar Mansion is the third.
4.
The Story of the Golden Mansion
1134.
Covered with a golden net, adorned with a network of tinkling bells.
1135.
On each and every facet, seven jewels were created.
1136.
With cat's-eye gems and pearls, and with rubies.
1137.
The groups of rafters are yellow, created, they support the pinnacle.
1138.
With inner chambers of various jewels, it shines like the sun.
1139.
Shining brightly they illuminate, all around the four directions.
1140.
You outshine in beauty, like the rising sun.
1141.
Or else of salutation with joined palms? Tell me this when asked."
1142.
1143.
Had a dwelling built for the Teacher, devoted, with my own hands.
1144.
I gave a dwelling to the Teacher, with a clear mind;
By that this was obtained by me, I exercise mastery in the celestial Garden of Delight.
1145.
I delight in dancing and singing, honoured by the nymphs."
The Golden Mansion is the fourth.
5.
The Story of the Mansion of the Mango
1146.
Seven hundred lofty pinnacle chambers, with lapis lazuli pillars, spread with gold tiles, beautiful.
1147.
Divine flavours, the five kinds of sensual pleasure are here, and women dance, covered with gold.
1148.
1150.
1151.
A man, a hired servant of others, was watering the mango grove.
1152.
Weary in body, yet unwearied in mind.
1153.
'It would be good, venerable sir, if I could bathe you, which would bring me happiness.'
1154.
He sat down at the root of a tree, in the shade, wearing a single robe.
1155.
Bathed him at the root of a tree, in the shade, wearing a single robe.
1156.
Thus he pervades his whole body with joy.
1157.
On discarding the human body, I was reborn in the celestial Garden of Delight.
1158.
I delight in dancing and singing, honoured by the nymphs."
The Mango Mansion is the fifth.
6.
The Story of the Cowherd's Mansion
1159.
Wearing bracelets on his hands, famous, in a divine mansion, just like the moon.
1160.
Wearing bracelets on his hands, famous, in a divine mansion, just like the moon.
1161.
And divine maidens dwelling among the deities, lofty, dance and sing and delight.
1162.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1163.
1164.
Then an ascetic came near me, and the cows went to eat the beans.
1165.
And having wisely obtained the perception, 'I give, venerable sir,' I threw the bundle.
1166.
Then a black snake, greatly venomous, bit me on the foot as I was hurrying mindfully.
1167.
Ate the food made with flour out of compassion for me, passed away from there, deceased, I became a deity.
1168.
For by you, venerable sir, I was greatly shown compassion, out of gratitude I pay homage to you.
1169.
For by you, venerable sir, I was greatly shown compassion, out of gratitude I pay homage to you.
1170.
For by you, venerable sir, I was greatly shown compassion, out of gratitude I pay homage to you."
The Cowherd's Mansion is the sixth.
7.
The Story of the Kaṇḍaka Mansion
1171.
Goes round about on all sides, the moon, lord of the stars.
1172.
Outshines in beauty, like the rising radiant one.
1173.
With cat's-eye gems and pearls, and with rubies.
1174.
Pinnacle chambers beautiful and charming, your mansion is well built.
1175.
With clear water, very pure, spread with golden sand.
1176.
They emit fragrance, delightful, stirred by the wind.
1177.
Endowed with flowering trees and fruit trees - both.
1178.
Nymphs attend upon him seated, as upon a king of gods.
1179.
They delight you, the one of great supernormal power, you rejoice like one wielding power.
1180.
You delight, accomplished in pleasure, in dancing, singing, and well-played music.
1181.
Odours too are desired by you, and tangible objects delightful.
1182.
You outshine in beauty, like the rising sun.
1183.
Or else of salutation with joined palms? Tell me this when asked."
1184.
1185.
Was born together with the son of Suddhodana, I am Kaṇḍaka.
1186.
He, with soft hands, webbed and with copper-coloured nails.
1187.
'I shall help the world cross over, having attained the highest enlightenment.'
1188.
Elated in mind, glad at heart, I then wished for that.
1189.
Elated in mind, joyful, I would carry the highest of men.
1190.
Leaving me and Channa behind, without attachment he departed.
1191.
And as the great hero departed, weeping I looked on.
1192.
I contracted a grave illness, quickly my death came about.
1193.
Endowed with all types of sensual pleasure, divine, in the city of the gods.
1194.
By that very wholesome root, I shall experience the elimination of mental corruptions.
1195.
In my name too, pay respect to him with your head in homage.
1196.
Rare is the seeing of such Protectors of the World."
1197.
Having heard the word of the One with Vision, he purified the eye of the Teaching.
1198.
Having paid homage at the Teacher's feet, disappeared right there.
The Kaṇḍaka Mansion is the seventh.
8.
The Story of the Many-Coloured Mansion
1199.
Surrounded by a company of nymphs, well-created, you rejoice like a lord of beings.
1200.
And all the gods, the hosts of the Thirty-three, having come together, pay homage to you, like the gods to the moon;
And these nymphs of yours all around, dance and sing and delight.
1201.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1202.
1203.
I was a worldling without understanding, and I wandered forth for seven years.
1204.
I inspired my mind with faith at the stupa.
1205.
'Venerate the relic of one worthy of veneration, thus indeed you will go from here to heaven.'
1206.
I rejoice in the midst of the company of the Thirty-three, I have not reached even the exhaustion of that merit."
The Many-Coloured Mansion is the eighth.
9.
The Story of the Maṭṭhakuṇḍalī Mansion
1207.
Having raised your arms you weep, in the midst of the forest why are you afflicted?"
1208.
I cannot find a pair of wheels for it, by that suffering I give up life."
1209.
Tell me, good young man, I will provide a pair of wheels for you."
1210.
My chariot is made of gold, it shines with that pair of wheels."
1211.
I think you will die, for indeed you will not obtain the moon and sun."
1212.
The ghost who has died is not seen, who here among those crying is more foolish?"
1213.
Like a child crying for the moon, I longed for the ghost who has died."
1214.
Pouring down as if with water, he extinguished all my anguish.
1215.
He who, for me overcome with sorrow, dispelled my sorrow for my son.
1216.
I do not grieve, I do not weep, having heard you, young man."
1217.
Who are you, or whose son are you? How may we know you?"
1218.
I, having done wholesome action, have gone to the company of the Thirty-three."
1219.
Nor such Observance practice - by what action have you gone to the world of the gods?"
1220.
I saw the Buddha, free from defilement, who has crossed over uncertainty, the Fortunate One of superior wisdom.
1221.
I, having done that wholesome action, have gone to the company of the Thirty-three."
1222.
I too, with gladdened mind and devoted consciousness, go for refuge to the Buddha this very day."
1223.
Likewise undertake the five training rules, unbroken and complete.
1224.
Abstain from intoxicants and do not speak falsehood, and be satisfied with your own wife."
1225.
I will do your word, you are my teacher."
1226.
And to the Community of the king of men, I go for refuge.
1227.
I abstain from intoxicants and do not speak falsehood, and I am satisfied with my own wife."
The Maṭṭhakuṇḍalī Mansion is the ninth.
10.
The Story of the Serīsaka Mansion
1228.
And how the discussion went between them, listen all to that well-spoken exchange.
1229.
He, rejoicing in his own mansion, a non-human, addressed the humans."
1230.
In the midst of the sandy waste, difficult to traverse, humans with lost minds through fear of peril.
1231.
Apart from dust and sand, hot and harsh and cruel.
1232.
This is an ancient dwelling of the cruel, a piece of land as if accursed.
1233.
Have you entered suddenly, coming together, through greed, through fear, or else bewildered?"
1234.
We travel to the land of Sindhu and Sovīra, desiring wealth, aspiring for profit.
1235.
With this speed we all came, having set out on the path at night at the improper time.
1236.
In the midst of the sandy waste, difficult to traverse, we do not know the direction, bewildered in mind.
1237.
Hoping for life beyond that, having seen, we are delighted, glad, and elated."
1238.
And rivers and the difficult passes of mountains, you go to various directions on account of wealth.
1239.
Whatever you have heard or also seen, that is wonderful, let us hear it from you, dear ones."
1240.
Having seen all this surpassing human experience, we are delighted by one of superior beauty.
1241.
And these trees are endowed with perpetual fruit, odours blow forth exceedingly fragrant.
1242.
Made of emerald together with ruby, these pillars are radiant, free from illness.
1243.
Interspersed with jewels, combined with golden railings, and well covered with refined gold plates.
1244.
Firm and lovely and well-joined, exceedingly pleasing to contemplate, delightful.
1245.
Resounding with tambourines, drums, and musical instruments, you are honoured with praise and homage.
1246.
Inconceivable, possessed of all virtues, like King Vessavaṇa at Naḷinī.
1247.
The merchants, the caravan leaders, ask you, tell us what is your name, demon?"
1248.
I protect this region, obedient to King Vessavaṇa."
1249.
The merchants, the caravan leaders, ask you, how was this delightful thing obtained by you?"
1250.
Through my own actions, non-evil, through merit, this delightful thing was obtained by me."
1251.
The merchants, the caravan leaders, ask you, how was this mansion obtained by you?"
1252.
I held the view of nihilism, was miserly, of bad character, and was an annihilationist then.
1253.
He then spoke to me a talk on the Teaching, he dispelled my wriggling views.
1254.
I was abstaining from killing living beings, I avoided what is not given in the world;
I abstained from intoxicants and did not speak falsehood, and I was satisfied with my own wife.
1255.
Through those very actions, non-evil, through merit, this mansion was obtained by me."
1256.
Wherever the one of meritorious action goes, there he rejoices, one who possesses sensual pleasures as desired.
1257.
There goes the one of evil action, never is he freed from an unfortunate realm."
1258.
For this people and for you, young man, by what indeed was there displeasure?"
1259.
They pervade this mansion, by day and by night, having dispelled the darkness.
1260.
A human hundred years has passed, since I was reborn here in this realm.
1261.
Due to the exhaustion of life-span and the exhaustion of merit I shall pass away, by that very sorrow I have fainted."
1262.
But those who have been reborn in a brief state, they indeed would grieve, being of little merit."
1263.
And you, dear ones, protected by me, go safely wherever you wish."
1264.
With undertakings according to our promise, with generosity fulfilled, we shall make a grand Serīsa festival."
1265.
Avoid evil actions, and undertake the pursuit of the Teaching.
1266.
Faithful and generous and well-behaved, discerning, contented, and wise.
1267.
One should not engage in divisive slander, and one should speak smooth and kindly speech.
1268.
That being supports his mother and father too, righteously, with noble conduct.
1269.
And he who, after the passing of his mother and father, inclined to renunciation, will live the holy life.
1270.
Such a one, a doer of well-done deeds, established in the Teaching, how could he obtain suffering?
1271.
Without him you would have become ashes here, blind and confused, lost in the forest;
With one who is quick and swift, with another, happy indeed is the meeting with a good person."
1272.
What is his appellation and what then is his clan;
We too wish to see him, demon, for whose compassion you have come here;
Indeed it is a gain for him, for whom you have affection."
1273.
A lay follower who lives by comb and blade;
Know him, he is your servant,
Do not despise him, he is well-behaved."
1274.
But we did not know he was such;
We too shall honour him, demon,
Having heard your noble word."
1275.
Young, great, or else middling;
Let them all ascend the mansion,
Let the miserly see the fruit of merits."
1276.
Having put that barber in front there;
They all ascended the mansion,
Like the Masakkasāra of Vāsava.
1277.
They were abstaining from killing living beings, they avoided what is not given in the world;
They abstained from intoxicants and did not speak falsehood, and they were satisfied with their own wives.
1278.
The caravan departed, giving thanks, approved by the demon's supernormal power again and again.
1279.
With undertakings according to their efforts, with gains fulfilled, they returned to Pāṭaliputta unharmed.
1280.
Endowed with sons and wives;
Joyful, delighted, glad, elated,
They made a grand Serīsa festival;
They built a residential compound called Serīsaka.
1281.
Of great benefit is the association with the qualities of the Teaching;
For the sake of one lay follower,
All beings became happy.
The Serīsaka Mansion is the tenth.
11.
The Story of the Sunikkhitta Mansion
1282.
Seven hundred lofty pinnacle chambers, with lapis lazuli pillars, spread with gold tiles, beautiful.
1283.
Divine flavours, the five kinds of sensual pleasure are here, and women dance, covered with gold.
1284.
And there arise for you pleasures, whatever are dear to the mind.
1285.
By what are you of such radiant power, and your beauty illuminates all directions?"
1286.
Asked a question, he explained of which action this is the fruit.
1287.
And I am of great supernormal power, of great might, endowed with divine sensual pleasures.
1288.
By that it succeeds for me here;
And there arise for me pleasures,
Whatever are dear to the mind.
1289.
What I did when I was a human being;
By that I am of such radiant power,
And my beauty illuminates all directions."
The Sunikkhitta Mansion is the eleventh.
The Sunikkhitta Chapter is concluded as seventh.
Its summary:
Many-coloured, Polished-earring, Serīsaka, Well-deposited;
The third chapter on Men is called.
The fourth recitation section is concluded.
The Vimānavatthu Pāḷi is concluded.