17a: Buddha’s Journey to Kapilavatthu
King Suddhodana Invites the Buddha
[The first two sections of this chapter were attached to the end of the previous chapter, but better belong with the story that follows.]
It was during the waning moon of January (Phussa), in the year 528 BCE, the Buddha was then residing at the Veḷuvana monastery in Rājagaha administering the deathless elixir of Dhamma to humans, Devas and Brahmas who were in his presence. He had helped some sentient beings become established as firm believers in the Three Treasures; others were able to gain the paths and fruitions in accordance with their aspirations and resolve; while some people of good families from Aṅga and Magadha countries were granted ordination and gained attainment of the paths and fruitions. While this great festival of emancipation was being held daily, King Suddhodana heard the news that his son was now the most exalted Buddha, after undergoing a strenuous course of practice for six years and that, having taught the Dhamma Wheel (Dhamma-cakka) discourse, he was residing in great and noble glory at Veḷuvana monastery, Rājagaha, like the moon amidst the stars in the sky.
Hearing this news, the king sent for a minister and said to him: “Minister! Go now with 1,000 attendants to the city of Rājagaha and address my son, the
“Very well, your majesty,” replied the minister and he set off without delay, carrying the royal message and in the company of 1,000 attendants to Rājagaha which was 60 leagues from Kapilavatthu. He arrived there at a time when the Buddha was teaching Dhamma in the midst of an audience at the Veḷuvana monastery.
The minister thought to himself: “I may as well listen to the discourse before delivering the king’s message.” While standing and listening to the discourse from the far end of the audience, he and his 1,000 attendants, as a consequence, became Arahats. They therefore approached the Buddha and made the request: “Exalted Buddha, may we receive the going forth to the Saṅgha and higher ordination as monastics in your presence.” Thereupon, the Fortunate One stretched out his hand as before and said: Etha bhikkhu, etc. Instantly, the minister and the 1,000 royal attendants transformed into fully fledged monastics like senior monks (thera) of 60 year’s standing, readily robed and equipped with the eight supernaturally created requisites, each in its place, paying homage to the Buddha with due respect. Their state of minister and royal attendants miraculously disappeared as they were transformed into monastics.
From the moment of attainment of the Arahat fruition (Arahatta-phala), noble persons, as a matter of course, become indifferent to mundane affairs, as such, and so the minister did not convey the king’s message to the Buddha but simply passed his time enjoying the bliss of the Arahat fruition.
Finding that the minister whom he sent did not return in due time and no news was even heard from him, the king was anxious to know the reason for their silence. So he sent again another minister on the same mission and in the same manner. This minister, too, having gone to Veḷuvana monastery in Rājagaha with his attendants, became an Arahat after hearing the discourse given by the Buddha and they all became summoned monastics (ehi-bhikkhu). They neither conveyed to the Buddha the royal message nor did they send back any report to the king. They remained there enjoying the Arahat fruition.
King Suddhodana sent altogether nine ministers, each with 1,000 royal attendants on the same mission. All the nine ministers, with their attendants, became Arahats after hearing the discourse given by the Buddha and became summoned monastics. They neither conveyed to the Buddha the royal message nor did they send back any report to the king. They remained there enjoying the fruits of the Arahat fruition.
Sending Kāḷudāyī to the Buddha
When King Suddhodana understood that none of the ministers and attendants had returned or come into his presence to tell him anything, he thought: “So many, 9,009 persons, have not come back to my presence even to give a report, because they have no close affection and regard for me at all.” He wondered: “Who will carry out my orders with due speed and without delay.” His searching mind began to work and after scrutinising carefully, at last he saw his minister Kāḷudāyī. As an administrative official, he was charged with managing general affairs at the court and he was also one near and dear to the royal family. Thus, as a trustworthy confidant, the king picked out Kāḷudāyī, who was also his son’s birth-mate, as he was born on the same day. They were playmates since their infancy and had been intimate friends.
Therefore, the king told Kāḷudāyī: “My son, Kāḷudāyī, being desirous of paying homage to my son, the Buddha, I have sent nine ministers each accompanied by 1,000 attendants but not even one of them has returned with any news. One cannot know with certainty what danger there is to one’s life. I wish to see and pay homage to my son while I am still living. Dear son Kāḷudāyī, will you be able to strive your utmost to undertake this task so that I may see my son?” Kāḷudāyī replied: “Your majesty, it would be possible for me to do so if I am granted permission to become a monk afterwards.”
Then the king replied: “Dear son Kāḷudāyī, whether you enter monkhood or not, do try your utmost to undertake the task so that I may see my son.” – “Very well,” promised
After his Awakening, the Buddha spent his first Rains Retreat at the Deer Park at Isipatana. At the end of the retreat and having performed the Invitation (Pavāraṇā) ceremony, he set out for the Uruvelā forest where he stayed for the whole of three months teaching and instructing the three recluse brothers and their 1,000 followers till they became Arahats. Then, accompanied by the 1,000 Arahats who were former recluses, the Buddha made his way to Rājagaha where he arrived on the full moon day of January (Phussa) and resided there for the entire two months. The Buddha taught and instructed more than 10,000 young men of good families from Aṅga and Magadha countries until they became Arahats and ordained as monastics. Thus five months had passed since the Buddha departed from Bārāṇasī; the cold winter months were over and it was spring, the full moon day of March (Phagguṇa). And it was a week after Kāḷudāyī had arrived into the presence of the Buddha.
On that full moon day, Ven. Kāḷudāyī thought to himself: “The cold season is over and spring has arrived. Cultivators and farmers have finished gathering their harvests and they have opened up pathways leading to all destinations. The great earth is verdant, covered with the luxurious growth of green grass. In the surrounding woods, forest trees have shed their old leaves and look resplendent in their new leaves, bearing flowers and fruits. Neither too cold nor too hot, it is a good time for travelling, it is time now for the Buddha to visit his royal relatives and give them his blessings.” Having thought thus, he approached the Buddha and addressed him with the following 64 verses, supplicating him to make a visit to the royal city of Kapilavatthu.
1. Aṅgārino dāni dumā Bhadante,
phalesino chadanaṁ vippahāya,
te accimanto va pabhāsayanti,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, winter has gone and spring has set in, all the trees have shed their decayed leaves and as if to acquire fresh fruits, have sprouted tender leaves and flower buds of glowing ember-red. Stimulated by the changing weather, these colourful trees are shining bright.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
2. Dumā vicittā suvirājamānā,
rattaṅkureheva ca pallavehi,
ratanujjala-maṇḍapa-sannibhāsā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, all the trees, wearing their coral-red sprouts and tender emerald-green leaves, are wondrously and delightfully beautiful, resembling pavilions shining with jewel-like brilliancy.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
3. Supupphitaggā kusumehi bhūsitā,
manuñña-bhūtā suci-sādhu-gandhā,
rukkhā virocanti ubhosu passesu,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, on either side of the roadway, all kinds of trees and seasonal plants are crowded with blossoms to the very top. Adorned with flowers in full bloom, every tree stands lovely; the clear air is filled with fragrant odour and the environs are amazingly beautiful to behold.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
4. Phalehinekehi samiddhi-bhūtā,
vicitta-rukkhā ubhatovakāse,
khuddaṁ pipāsam-pi vinodayanti,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, on either side of the roadway, all kinds of trees have borne assorted fruits; wayfarers, both monastics and laity alike, can satisfy their hunger and quench their thirst.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
5. Vicitta-mālā suci-pallavehi,
susajjitā mora-kalāpa-sannibhā,
rukkhā virocanti ubhosu passesu,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, now that on either side of the road-way, seasonal shrubs and plants are adorned with the most fascinating sprigs and decoratively set with delicate leaves free from dirt and dust, looking like bouquets of peacock’s tails, they make all the environs seem a splendid and wonderful scene.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
6. Virocamānā phala-pallavehi,
susajjitā vāsa-nivāsa-bhūtā,
tosenti addhāna-kilanta-satte,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, seasonal trees and plants are adorned with young fruits and delicate leaves; the whole environs not only present a fascinating sight at every turn, but also, like welcoming home and rest houses they refresh and delight the heart of weary travelling monastics and laymen.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
7. Suphullitaggā vana-gumba-nissitā,
latā anekā suvirājamānā,
tosenti satte maṇi-maṇḍapā va,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, numerous species of creeping plants in full bloom, enveloping the bushy plants, afford a fine and splendid sight. Assuming the form of a big pavilion studded with a variety of precious jewels, it gladdens the heart of travellers, monastics and laity alike.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
8. Latā anekā dumanissitā va,
Piyehi saddhiṁ sahitā vadhūva,
Palobhayantī hi sugandha-gandhā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, like the daughters and daughters-in-law of good birth embracing their beloved husbands, just so numerous species of beautiful creeping plants cling to the trees and emit sweet odours and seem to be seductively attracting the delight of both monastics and laity.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
9. Vicitta-nīlādi-manuñña-vaṇṇā,
dijā samantā abhikūjamānā,
tosenti mañjussa-ratā ratīhi,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, from all directions, multifarious birds, strangely beautiful with bright darkly bluish plumage, can be seen flying, dancing, singing sweet and loud, mingling among themselves in couples in jubilant celebration, much to the joy and delight of the travelling monastics and laity.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
10. Migā ca nānā suvirājamānā,
uttuṅga-kaṇṇā ca manuñña-nettā,
disā samantā-m-abhidhāvayanti,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, numerous species of beasts, gambolling and running, can be seen trotting joyfully to and fro in groups or pairs with pricked-up ears and lovable wide eyes.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
11. Manuñña-bhūtā ca mahī samantā,
virājamānā haritā va saddalā,
supupphi-rukkhā moḷini-valaṅkatā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
The Burmese word-by-word translation (nissaya) translates this as:
Lord and great benefactor, Mother Earth, on all sides, everywhere covered with lush Bermuda grass, affords a fine and delightful scene. The trees, richly adorned with lovely blossoms, are like a maiden’s well-embellished tapering coiled hair.
Alternatively we could translate:
Stretches of land everywhere afford a delightful scene. These stretches of land are covered with green Bermuda grass. The trees, with flowers and full blossom atop them, resemble a charming maiden wearing a well-embellished curled hair.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
12. Susajjitā mutta-mayā va vālukā,
susaṇṭhitā cāru-suphassa-dātā,
virocayanteva disā samantā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, fine silvery sands, resembling brilliant white pearls of even size, orderly arranged by skilful smiths, lie in stretches for travellers to tread upon with ease and comfort and bind colour and beauty to the environs.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
13. Samaṁ suphassaṁ suci-bhūmi-bhāgaṁ,
manuñña-pupphodaya-gandha-vāsitaṁ,
virājamānaṁ sucimañ-ca sobhaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, Mother Earth is free from dirt, the whole stretch of land is void of knoll and trench, unbroken and even, affording a smooth and gentle sense of touch. The air is charged with sweet scents from lovely flowers. The whole spectacle is beautiful, all is clean and pleasant, making travelling most enjoyable and appropriate.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
14. Susajjitaṁ nandana-kānanaṁ va,
vicitta-nānā-duma-saṇḍa-maṇḍitaṁ,
sugandha-bhūtaṁ pavanaṁ surammaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, beautified by the presence of fascinating trees and an atmosphere laden with sweet and exotic scents of flowers, the woodland passage between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu has the appearance of Nandana garden as if Devas have transformed it into a stage for a tumultuous celebration of the festival of the Devas.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
15. Sarā vicittā vividhā manoramā,
susajjitā paṅkaja-puṇḍarīkā,
pasanna-sītodaka-cāru-puṇṇā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the ponds along the route are full of clear, clean and cool water, and decorated with the five varieties of lotus thriving from the silt, they are wonderfully beautiful to the view and fill the heart with delight.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
16. Suphulla-nānā-vidha-paṅkajehi,
virājamānā suci-gandha-gandhā,
pamodayan-teva narāmarānaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, fully bloomed lilies, dancing on the surface of the ponds, afford scenes of beauty, they are fragrant with the clean sweet smell of the flowers. The lovely ponds greatly delight the approaching Devas and humans.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
17. Suphulla-paṅkeruha-sannisinnā,
dijā samantā-m-abhinādayantā,
modanti bhariyāhi samaṅgino te,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, birds of varying hue, drunk with nectar from the proudly-blooming fully-bloomed lilies on which they have alighted, sing loud and melodiously from all round. Together with their true and lovely mates, they fly about in joyous delight.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
18. Suphulla-pupphehi rajaṁ gahetvā,
alī vidhāvanti vikūjamānā,
madhumhi gandho vidisaṁ pavāyati,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the bees and bumble bees buzz noisily and ceaselessly as they swarm about sipping the sweet and juicy nectar from the flowers in full bloom. These bees, big and small, fly about the entire area, diffusing the whole region with the sweet scent of nectar.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
19. Abhinna-nādā madavāraṇā ca,
girīhi dhāvanti ca vāri-dhārā,
savanti najjo suvirājitā va,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, huge elephants in must trumpet with voices as clear as those of singing cranes; great volumes of water rushing down from the hills and majestic rivers flowing swift and strong are beautiful to behold.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
20. Girī samantā va padissamānā,
mayūra-gīvā iva nīla-vaṇṇā,
disā rajindā va virocayanti,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, in all eight directions, everywhere we look, ranges of towering mountains, dark green and distinct as the colourful
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
21. Mayūra-saṅghā giri-muddhanasmiṁ,
naccanti nārīhi samaṅgi-bhūtā,
kūjanti nānā-madhurassarehi,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, on all hilltops on either side of the road, many peacocks, each with its own true and dear mate, strut about back and forth, with their tails raised fan-wise gorgeously, wings outstretched, and heads uplifted, dancing in emulation of humankind. With melodious voices and varying notes, in Magadha they joyously crow and sing: “Oway, Oway.”
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
22. Suvādikā neka-dijā manuññā,
vicitta-pattehi virājamānā,
girimhi ṭhatvā abhinādayanti,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, numerous lovely birds, each with the variegated and exotic plumage of its species, are perching on the hill-tops on either side of the route and singing sweet songs.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
23. Suphulla-pupphākaramābhikiṇṇā,
sugandha-nānā-dala-laṅkatā ca,
girī virocanti disā samantā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, on either side of the route, there are ranges of mountains with flowering trees of rare specimens emitting sweet-scents and presenting a delightful scene.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
24. Jalāsayā neka-sugandha-gandhā,
surinda-uyyāna-jalāsayā va,
savanti najjo suvirājamānā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, all the lakes and ponds, like those in the gardens of Sakka, the Lord of the Devas, are permeated with sweet scents and the rivers flow swiftly with strong currents and make the whole scene fascinating.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
25. Vicitta-titthehi alaṅkatā ca,
manuñña-nānā-miga-pakkhi-pāsā,
najjo virocanti susandamānā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, rows of fascinating riverine towns adorn the rivers along their course, and, like traps, these rivers attract various delightful birds of passage. Flowing swiftly and ceaselessly, they are beautiful to behold.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
26. Ubhosu passesu jalāsayesu,
supupphitā cāru-sugandha-rukkhā,
vibhūsitaggā sura-sundarī ca,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the trees on the banks of lakes and ponds, on either side of the route, are in full blossom and the whole region is permeated with sweet scents. With the fresh and decorative sprigs and leaf shoots gorgeously adorning their tops, they look like gracious maidens in the world of celestial beings.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
27. Sugandha-nānā-duma-jāla-kiṇṇaṁ,
vanaṁ vicittaṁ sura-nandanaṁ va,
manobhirāmaṁ satataṁ gatīnaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the woody section of the road, permeated with the sweet scent from the fragrant trees, is wonderful like the Nandana garden in the celestial world; it is a perpetual source of joy, a locality of peace and tranquillity for the travelling monastics and the laity.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
28. Sampanna-nānā-suci-anna-pānā,
sabyañjanā sādu-rasena yuttā,
pathesu gāme sulabhā manuññā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the section of the road between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu is lined with villages where varieties of hygienic food-stuff, sweet-meats and delicacies of the season are easily available at this time of harvesting.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
29. Virājitā āsi mahī samantā,
vicitta-vaṇṇā kusumāsanassa,
rattinda-gopehi alaṅkatā va
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the land above the flowing woodland is beautiful indeed. In the depths of night, as if with Indra’s help, a fantastically splendid scene is created; the land glows with reddish lights reflected from red flying insects, red as drops of betel juice.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
30. Visuddha-saddhā-diguṇehi yuttā,
Sambuddha-rājaṁ abhipatthayantā,
bahūhi tattheva janā samantā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, along the route from Rājagaha to Kapilavatthu, at the intermediate stations, all the virtuous people from the neighbourhood, with pure and holy faith, have been waiting with ardent expectation: “The Lord of the Three Worlds, the omniscient, the King of the Dhamma, will surely come past our place, along this very route.”
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
31. Vicitra-ārāma-supokkha-rañño,
vicitra-nānā-padumehi channā,
bhisehi khīraṁ va rasaṁ pavāyati,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the clear, clean ponds within the magnificent gardens are covered to full capacity by lilies of the choicest quality. The delicious juice, from the stalks and projecting roots of the lilies, is as delicious as milk and the whole area is permeated with their fragrance.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
32. Vicitra-nīlacchadanenalaṅkatā,
manuñña-rukkhā ubhatovakāse,
samuggatā satta-samūha-bhūtā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, on either side of the route, all the trees are thickly covered with lush, extraordinary decorative foliage of dark-green, jutting out splendidly to great heights and they resemble throngs of human beings.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
33. Vicitra-nīlabbham-ivāyataṁ vanaṁ,
surinda-loke iva Nandanaṁ vanaṁ,
sabbotukaṁ sādhu-sugandha-pupphaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, like a streak of wonderful dark-brown clouds, the long and narrow woodland route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu stretches, fresh and green, resembling a covered passage of emerald, like the garden of Nandana in the celestial abode of Sakka. The weather is fair and temperate at all seasons, and groves of various flowers
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
34. Subhañjasaṁ yojana-yojanesu,
subhikkha-gāmā sulabhā manuññā,
janābhikiṇṇā sulabhanna-pānā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, every league of the route is beautiful and delightful. To please the heart are affluent alms offering villages which are easy of access. These villages, at each stop, are dense with villagers having abundant alms food and drink, ungrudgingly offered, which is available without much effort.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
35. Pahūta-chāyūdaka-ramma-bhūtā,
nivāsinaṁ sabba-sukhappadātā,
visāla-sālā ca sabhā ca bahū,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, all along the route, there are spacious rest houses and assembly halls providing ample shade and water for the travelling monastics and laity who shelter to take refreshments, gain delight, and give every comfort to body and mind.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
36. Vicitta-nānā-duma-saṇḍa-maṇḍitā,
manuñña-uyyāna-supokkha-rañño,
sumāpitā sādhu-sugandha-gandhā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, all along the route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu, virtuous and pious people have constructed ponds and gardens and planted it with trees of exotic varieties and the whole region is filled with sweet scents.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
37. Vāto mudūsītala-sādhu-rūpo,
nabhā ca abbhā vigatā samantā,
disā ca sabbā va virocayanti,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the gently blowing breeze is soft and cool, the sky above is free from dark-brown and black threatening rain clouds and the whole environs in all directions is clear, bright, and beautiful to view.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
38. Pathe rajonuggam-anattham-eva,
rattiṁ pavassanti ca manda-vuṭṭhī,
nabhe ca sūro muduko va tāpo,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, along the route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu, wafted by gentle breezes, only light showers fall at night, just enough to prevent the dust from rising, and during the day, the sun shines softly with tolerable brightness and heat.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
39. Madappabāhā mada-hatthi-saṅghā,
kareṇu-saṅghehi sukīḷayanti,
disā vidhāvanti ca gajjayantā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, full-grown male elephants in must, strongly intoxicated, run hither and thither in the company of their mates and merrily enjoy themselves trumpeting aloud with voices resembling the crowing of cranes; they run wherever they wish, out of joy and happiness.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
40. Vanaṁ sunīlaṁ abhidassanīyaṁ,
nīlabbha-kūṭaṁ iva ramma-bhūtaṁ,
vilokitānaṁ ativimhanīyaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the route of lush, dark-green woodland, between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu, is really a splendid and attractive spectacle, resembling masses of dark-brown clouds in the sky. To the travelling monastics and laity, its charm and great beauty is a source of wonder and delight.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
41. Visuddham-abbhaṁ gaganaṁ surammaṁ,
maṇi-mayehi samalaṅkatā va,
disā ca sabbā atirocayanti,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the sky is filled with masses of clear, silvery clouds, joyful and delightful to view. As though adorned with precious ornaments set with emeralds, the environs are extremely beautiful to behold.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
42. Gandhabba-Vijjādhara-Kinnarā ca,
sugītiyantā madhurassarena,
caranti tasmiṁ pavane suramme,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, this delightful woody part of the route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu is the haunt of many heavenly musicians known as Gandhabba, beings possessed of supernormal powers called Vijjādhara and mystical winged beings, Kinnara, having the body of a bird but with a human face who sing with melodious notes as they move and fly about.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
43. Kilesa-saṅghassa bhitāsakehi,
tapassi-saṅghehi nisevitaṁ vanaṁ,
vihāra-ārāma-samiddhi-bhūtaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the woody route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu abounds with abodes that are suitable for permanent residence for the recluses and monks who greatly dread the oppression of the enslaving defilements.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
44. Samiddhi-nānā-phalino vanantā,
anākulā nicca-manobhirammā,
samādhi-pītiṁ abhivaḍḍhayanti,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, groves of fruit trees with various plump fruits are free from disturbance and ever delightful. The resulting tranquillity of the five senses greatly promotes the development of joyful satisfaction (pīti) and concentration (samādhi) for the travelling monastics and laity.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
45. Nisevitaṁ neka-dijehi niccaṁ,
gāmena gāmaṁ satataṁ vasantā,
pure pure gāma-varā ca santi,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, numerous birds of varying feathers take refuge in the woody tract between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu. Every town has its own hamlet filled with villagers, shifting from place to place in groups of common interest, at their will and pleasure, where monastics can go for alms.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
46. Vatthanna-pānaṁ sayanāsanañ-ca,
gandhañ-ca mālañ-ca vilepanañ-ca,
tahiṁ samiddhā janatā bahū ca,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, all along that route there are numerous hamlets where commodities or consumable goods such as food and
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
47. Puññiddhiyā sabba-yasagga-pattā,
janā ca tasmiṁ sukhitā samiddhā,
pahūta-bhogā vividhā vasanti,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, all along the woody tract, at many villages there are virtuous people enjoying the fruits of their past meritorious deeds at the height of wealth and high reputation, and leading a life of ease and comfort. With ample wealth and numerous accessories for use, they live a luxurious life in diverse ways.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
48. Nabhe ca abbhā suvisuddha-vaṇṇā,
disā ca cando suvirājito va,
rattiñ-ca vāto mudu-sītalo ca,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the clouds in the sky are clean and clear, the moon shines with all its brightness keeping the environs illuminated, at night, a mild breeze, cool and gentle, blows softly in contrast with the biting wind of winter.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
49. Canduggame sabba-janā pahaṭṭhā,
sakaṅgaṇe citra-kathā vadantā,
piyehi saddhiṁ abhimodayanti,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, when the moon rises, the happy, merry people on Mother Earth sit on the floors of the verandahs of their houses; and enter into conversation. Together with their loved ones, they are full of joy.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
50. Candassa raṁsīhi nabhaṁ viroci,
mahī ca saṁsuddha-manuñña-vaṇṇā,
disā ca sabbā parisuddha-rūpā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the silvery radiance of the moon keeps the sky becomingly bright. The earth also appears delightfully clean, and the environs in all directions are cool and clean.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
51. Dūre ca disvā vara-canda-raṁsiṁ,
Pupphiṁsu pupphāni mahītalasmiṁ,
samantato gandha-guṇatthikānaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, for the benefit of those lovers of sweet scents, various species of flowers all over the earth are in blossom through contact with the beams of the moon shining at a great distance in the sky.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
52. Candassa raṁsīhi vilimpitā va,
mahī samantā kusumenalaṅkatā,
viroci sabbaṅga-sumālinī va,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the entire surface of the earth looks splendid as though it has been besmeared with the cool, clear, silvery beams of the moon, and beautified and adorned with various night-blooming flowers. It resembles a fair maid profusely and becomingly decked with flowers.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
53. Kucanti hatthī pi madena mattā,
vicitta-piñchā ca dijā samantā,
karonti nādaṁ pavane suramme,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, all along the route from Rājagaha to Kapilavatthu, elephants in must trumpet with their voices resembling that of the sweet sounds of cranes. Multifarious birds with strange wonderful plumage sing sweetly and merrily from all directions.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
54. Pathañ-ca sabbaṁ paṭipajjanakkhamaṁ,
iddhañ-ca raṭṭhaṁ sadhanaṁ sabhogaṁ,
sabbatthutaṁ sabba-sukhappadānaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, winter has gone and the summer has just set in, it is the most opportune time to go on a journey. The countryside is rich and prosperous and replete with the seven characteristics, it is worthy of praise and capable of giving comfort to mind and body.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
55. Vanañ-ca sabbaṁ suvicitta-rūpaṁ,
sumāpitaṁ Nandana-kānanaṁ va,
yatī na pītiṁ satataṁ janeti,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the stretch of road ahead is wonderfully beautiful, resembling the enchanted Nandana garden which is created by the virtue of Devas. To monks travelling through the woodland it is ever a source of innocent delight in the beauty of wood and forest, in contrast to those associated with the five objects of sensual pleasures.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
56. Alaṅkataṁ Deva-puraṁ va rammaṁ,
Kapīlavatthuṁ iti nāma-dheyyaṁ,
kula-nagaraṁ idha sassirikaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the residential capital of your royal parents, relatives and their descents, Kapilavatthu, so named for being established on the site of the hermitage of Kapila, who was a holy recluse, is as delightful as Tāvatiṁsa, the beautiful abode of the celestials.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
57. Manuñña-aṭṭāla-vicitta-rūpaṁ,
suphulla-paṅkeruha-saṇḍa-maṇḍitaṁ,
vicitta-parikhāhi puraṁ surammaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the city of Kapilavatthu is majestic with turrets, bastions and tile-roofed structures. Fields of lovely lilies in full bloom adorn it and wonderful moats and make it extremely delightful.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
58. Vicitta-pākārañ-ca toraṇañ-ca,
subhaṅgaṇaṁ Deva-nivāsa-bhūtaṁ,
manuñña-vīthi sura-loka-sannibhaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the royal capital city of Kapilavatthu has a magnificent wall around it, a strong reinforced gateway, with the surface of the ground is as even as the face of a drum. The seat of the descendents of the ruling monarchs, with a delightful and clean and broad roadway, it is like the city of Tāvatiṁsa, the abode of the celestials.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
59. Alaṅkatā Sākiya-rāja-puttā,
virājamānā vara-bhūsanehi,
surinda-loke iva Deva-puttā,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, the princes, scions of the unbroken dynasty of the monarchs of Kapilavatthu, being bedecked with the best radiant costumes, are as graceful as their counterparts of the kingdom of Tāvatiṁsa where Sakka rules supreme.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
60. Suddhodano muni-varaṁ abhidassanāya,
amacca-putte dasadhā apesayi,
balena saddhiṁ mahatā muninda,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Lord and great benefactor, most exalted chief of the sages. Your father, King Suddhodana, being desirous of seeing and paying homage to you, his son, the most exalted of noble sages, in consideration of lengthy separation, and in view of his ripe old age, had sent ten groups of ministers ten times, each group accompanied by 1,000 attendants charged with the responsibility of inviting you to the royal city.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
61. Nevāgataṁ passati neva vācaṁ,
sokābhibhūtaṁ nara-vīra-seṭṭhaṁ,
tosetum-icchāmi narādhipattaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Most exalted chief of the sages, in spite of his efforts, your old father, King Suddhodana, pathetically, has not seen you come yet, nor has he even heard the news whether you will or will not make the visit. The supreme valorous monarch, your father, is depressed by anxiety and sorrow. My ardent prayer is that the desire of the gracious king be joyously fulfilled by the vision of your face.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
62. Taṁ-dassanenabbhuta-pīti-rāsi,
udikkhamānaṁ dvipadānam-indaṁ,
tosehi taṁ Muninda guṇa-seṭṭhaṁ,
samayo Mahā-vīra Aṅgīrasānaṁ.
Most exalted chief of the sages, it is certain that your gracious old father, King Suddhodana, will be extraordinarily moved with joy by your presence before him. Let the ardent wish of the gracious ruler, King Suddhodana, the praiseworthy benefactor providing sustenance to all human beings, who has been awaiting your coming, be joyously fulfilled by the vision of your face.
Lord of mighty diligence, Great Hero, of the lineage of Aṅgīrasa, the time is opportune to pay a visit to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
63. Āsāya kassate khettaṁ, bījaṁ āsāya vappati,
āsāya vāṇijā yanti, samuddaṁ dhana-hārakā,
yāya āsāya tiṭṭhāmi, sā me āsā samijjhatu.
Most exalted chief of the sages, a farmer ploughs the field many times with the expectation of securing crops and grains. Having furrowed the field repeatedly, he proceeds to sow the seeds with great effort, with the
64. Nāti-sītaṁ nāti-uṇhaṁ, nāti-dubbhikkha-chātakaṁ,
saddalā haritā bhūmi, esa kālo Mahā-muni.
Most exalted chief of the sages, at this transitional period from winter to summer, the weather is neither very cold nor very hot. At this time of harvesting and fair weather, food is abundant and there is no problem because of hunger and privation. The whole earth is emerald-tinted and verdant with tender Bermuda grass and this special period of the late winter-early summer is the most opportune time to travel to Kapilavatthu, the city of your birth.
This is how Ven. Kāḷudāyī addressed the Buddha with 60 beautifully composed verses of praise, persuading him to visit the royal city of Kapilavatthu.
Herein it should be noted especially that, although the actual total number of verses is 64, the commentaries and sub-commentaries count them as 60; thus there is a slight difference of four verses as in the case of the sub-commentary on the first book of the Abhidhamma, the Abundance of Meaning (Aṭṭha-sālinī, DsA) where defilements (kilesa) are counted in like manner, allowing such negligible numbers to go unheeded on the strength of the saying: Appakañ-hi ūnam-adhikaṁ vā gaṇanūpagaṁ na hoti, “such small shortage or excess should be neglected.” [See the Light on the Essence of Meaning (Sārattha-dīpanī). In other words, the figures are rounded up or down].
On such a presentation being made by Ven. Kāḷudāyī, the Buddha responded: “Friend Kāḷudāyī, why do you urge me to visit Kapilavatthu by presenting such words of praise and in such a sweet tone?” Ven. Kāḷudāyī answered: “Most Fortunate One, your old father, King Suddhodana, wishes so much to pay homage to you and the Saṅgha. I pray that you may do honour to the royal relatives by your visit.”
Then the Buddha granted his request in these words: “Your request is granted, son, Kāḷudāyī. You may give intimation to the Saṅgha of my forthcoming visit to Kapilavatthu to do honour to the royal relatives, and they will perform the usual, formal rites as demanded by this occasion.” – “Very well, my lord,” replied Ven. Kāḷudāyī and he duly informed the monastics as he was bid.
The Buddha left Veḷuvana monastery in Rājagaha for Kapilavatthu accompanied by 20,000 Arahats, which was made up of 10,000 Arahats who came from the good families of Aṅga and Magadha and 10,000 Arahats who came from the good families of Kapilavatthu. They set off on the waning moon of March (Phagguṇa), 528 BCE, travelling at the rate of one league per day and hoping to cover the distance of 60 leagues to Kapilavatthu within two months. Such a mode of travel is not too fast (aturita), and not too slow.
As the Buddha left for the royal city of Kapilavatthu adopting the not too fast (aturita) mode of travelling, Ven. Kāḷudāyī thought to himself: “I might go ahead to inform King Suddhodana of the Buddha’s departure for Kapilavatthu,” and using his supernormal power (iddhi-vidhābhiñña), he instantaneously appeared in the royal palace. King Suddhodana was moved with joy when he saw Ven. Kāḷudāyī and greeted him with words of warm welcome: “Welcome, beloved Kāḷudāyī, take your seat on the royal throne,” a seat befitting noble personalities, and he offered Ven. Kāḷudāyī a bowl of especially delicious food prepared for himself, filling the alms bowl to capacity.
When Ven. Kāḷudāyī showed signs of preparing for departure, King Suddhodana said: “Please take your meal on the throne.” Ven. Kāḷudāyī replied: “Noble King, I will take this food only in the presence of the Buddha.” Then the King inquired: “Beloved Kāḷudāyī, where is the Buddha?” Ven. Kāḷudāyī replied: “The Buddha, accompanied by 20,000 Arahats, is on his way to see you.” The king was extremely glad to hear this welcome news and said: “I pray thee then, take your meal which I have just offered in the palace and please do come every day to fetch food for the Buddha until his arrival here.” Ven. Kāḷudāyī gave his assent by keeping silent.
Having completed feeding Ven. Kāḷudāyī at the palace, King Suddhodana caused his bowl to be cleaned with scented power before filling it with delicious soft and hard food and handed it to Ven. Kāḷudāyī, saying: “Please offer it to the Buddha.” Ven. Kāḷudāyī sent up the bowl into the air ahead of him, and rising up himself, he made his way through the air while the officials and courtiers were looking on. He then made his offering of the alms bowl to the Buddha who partook of the meal brought thus by Kāḷudāyī from his royal father. Throughout the whole journey, Ven. Kāḷudāyī went every day to the king’s palace and brought food, offered by the king, for the Buddha.
Ven. Kāḷudāyī announced every day after his meal at the golden palace of Kapilavatthu, saying: “The Buddha has covered this much of the journey today.” With this preface, he told the whole royal family about the glorious attributes of the Buddha. He did this with the object of sowing the seed of devoted faith in the hearts of his royal relatives even before they got the chance of seeing him.
It is this reason that that Buddha, at a subsequent confirmation ceremony, said: Etad-aggaṁ, bhikkhave, mama sāvakānaṁ bhikkhūnaṁ kulappasādakānaṁ yad-idaṁ Kāḷudāyī, “monastics, Kāḷudāyī excels others in the matter of promoting faith and devotion of the royal relatives towards me.” [See chapter 43.32 for more on Ven. Kāḷudāyī.]
This was how the Buddha and 20,000 Arahats arrived at the city of Kapilavatthu, safe and sound, in two months’ time, on the first waxing moon of May (Vesākha) in the year 528 BCE after covering a distance of 60 leagues by adopting the not too fast (aturita) method of travelling one league per day.
Buddha’s Display of the Twin Miracle
All the members of the Sakyan clan headed by King Suddhodana gathered together to consider how they should pay respect to the Buddha, their noble blood relative, on his arrival at the city of Kapilavatthu. The first item on the agenda was to consider the question of accommodation for the Buddha, and they eventually came to the unanimous decision that the Park of the Sakyan Prince Nigrodha was delightful and the most suitable place because it was replete with every convenience, such as shady trees, sources of water, proximity to the town, with an adequate and easy means of communication, and above all, it was secluded. These were the five necessary provisions which would please Buddhas. As such, they reserved the Park for the accommodation of the Buddha. When all the preparations had been made, they left in the following order, each holding flowers to welcome the Buddha.
1. Fully dressed boys and girls, sons and daughters of the common town people, took the lead in the procession.
2. They were followed by the princes and princesses in their full ceremonial dresses.
3. The rest of the Sakyan clan came next, holding offerings of flowers and aromatic powder, which they took for the Buddha.
The long procession of welcome headed for the Nigrodha Park. On arrival at the Nigrodha Park accompanied by 20,000 Arahats, the Buddha seated himself on the Dhamma throne, prepared and kept in readiness for him.
Being stern and haughty through pride of birth, the Sakyan family members thought to themselves: “Prince Siddhattha is very junior to us in respect of age, being our younger brother, nephew, son or grandson,” so they told the young princes: “You, young folks, may pay homage. As for us, we will sit behind you.”
On seeing this, the Buddha realized the inner feeling and strong pride of birth of the Sakyans and thus considered and decided: “My haughty relatives have grown old in years profitlessly and thus do not make reverence to me. My conceited relatives are totally ignorant of the real nature of a Self-Awakened Buddha; the might and glory of Buddhas. They do not know such is the nature of a Self-Awakened One, and such is the might and glory of the Buddhas.”
Now I will let them know the real might and glory of a Buddha by the demonstration of the twin miracle, which involves simultaneous streaming forth of water and fire from various parts of my body, and, at the same time, I will create a walk in the sky, extending to the 10,000 world-element. On which I shall walk to and fro, pouring down the Dhamma rain on those beings who are gathered here according to the varying degrees of their inner disposition.” For this decision of the Buddha, all the Devas and Brahmas in the 10,000 world-element proclaimed instantly: Well done! Well done! in praise of the exalted Buddha.
Immediately after the thought and decision, the Buddha attained the fourth absorption which had white colour (odāta-kasiṇa) as its object of meditation. And arising therefrom, he willed that: “The 10,000 world-element be illuminated,” and the 10,000 world-element became illuminated instantly, much to the delight of humans, Devas and Brahmas. While they were thus exulting, the Buddha went up into the sky through supernormal power which was derived from the fourth absorption attainment and demonstrated the twin miracle of streaming alternately water and fire from twelve different parts of the body: 1) upward and downward; 2) front and back of the body; 3) left and right eyes; 4) ears; 5) nose; 6) shoulders; 7) hands; 8) sides of the body; 9) legs; 10 fingers and toes and spaces in between them; 11) every hair of the body; 12) every pore of hair of his body.
The twin miracle of fire-water, in pairs, springing from those parts or limbs of the body and producing alternately different patterns, was a matter for endless praise and admiration and it looked as if showers of particles from the soles of the Buddha were scattered on the heads of the Sakyan royalty – a strange and wonderful spectacle witnessed by humans, Devas and Brahmas.
Third Obeisance by King Suddhodana
When King Suddhodana saw this strange and awesome spectacle of the twin miracle, he bowed solemnly and addressed the Buddha: “Glorious, exalted son, on the day of your birth, as I tried to raise the clasped hands towards the recluse Kāḷadevila so as to show him respect, I saw your pair of feet being raised up and placed firmly on the head of the recluse. That was the occasion when I made obeisance to you for the first time. And on the day of performing the Ploughing Ceremony, we kept you in an excellent spot under the cool shade of a rose-apple tree which protected you without changing position with the passage of time. That was when I paid homage at your feet for the second time. Now that I have witnessed the never-before seen extraordinarily strange spectacle of the twin miracle, I bow at your feet in homage for the third time.”
When his royal father, King Suddhodana, made obeisance to the Buddha, all the members of the royal family without exception could not help but pay homage to him too.
Teaching the Dhamma on the Jewelled Walk
After subduing the pride of the royal relatives with the demonstration of the twin miracle in the sky and after duly considering the workings of their mind, the Buddha desired to teach them the Dhamma according to their mental dispositions, while he walked to and fro, on the Jewelled Walk he had created, which was finished with all kinds of gems, and extended from east to west, even beyond the 10,000 world-element.
The following is a brief description of the magnitude of the walk. With this universe as the centre, 10,000 Meru mountains belonging to the 10,000 world-element formed the mainstay of the entire structure of the walk and the whole file of posts was made to shine golden yellow like golden posts. Above this was created the clean and broad surface of the Jewelled Walk. The eastern perimeter of the walk rested on the eastern edge of the eastern-most universe, and in the same way the western perimeter rested on the edge of the western-most universe.
The bordering surfaces on either side of the walk were golden in colour. The middle portion of the entire walk was filled with earth of rubies, and the rafters, beams, purloins were finished with various kinds of shining gems. The roofing was of gold and the balusters lining the walk were of gold. Ruby and pearl grains were spread like sand on the entire surface of the structure. The walk resembled sun rising up and lighting all ten directions.
The Buddha, with peerless grace and glory which was the characteristic of Self-Awakened Buddhas, paced slowly up and down the walk. The Devas and Brahmas from the 10,000 world-element gathered together bringing Mandārava flowers, Paduma lilies and flowers of the Indian Coral tree (Erythirina indica) and scattering them on the walk, made their offerings and homage.
As regards the Indian Coral tree, it should be mentioned here that while the 33 virtuous youths headed by the youthful Māgha were performing meritorious deeds in the human world, they planted such a tree so that people might take shelter with ease and comfort. As a result of that good deed, an Indian Coral tree appeared in the Tāvatiṁsa Realm where they were reborn. The sweet fragrance of its seasonal flowers permeated the whole of the 10,000 leagues of that celestial world.
As the Buddha walked to and fro on the Jewelled Walk, some celestial beings paid homage from their abodes, while others, out of joy, gathered at various places. All those in the world of humans, Devas and Brahmas, together with Nāgas, Garuḷas and Kinnaras joyously worshipped the Buddha who was walking to and fro on the Jewelled Walk, looking like a moon at full waxing. With the exception of the unconscious (asaññasatta) Brahmas and the formless (ārūpa) Brahmas, all the Brahmas in the fifteen form realms, in their immaculately white garments, paid homage with clasped hands uttering such words of
There were 20 verses uttered by the Brahmas in praise of the Buddha. For particulars, readers may refer to the Chronicles of the Buddhas (Buddha-vaṁsa).