Maha Buddhavamsa - The Birth of The Bodhisatta

Maha Buddhavamsa - The Birth of The Bodhisatta


Maha Buddhavamsa
The Great Chronicle of The Buddhas
by Tipitakadhara Mingun Sayadaw

Edited and Translated by
U Ko Lay and U Tin Lwin

Women other than the mother of a Bodhisatta in his last existence are apt to give birth either after or before the ten-month period of pregnancy. They know no definite time when their baby would be delivered. Their childbirth takes place unexpectedly while they are in one of the four postures. Some deliver their babies while lying, others while sitting, still others while standing or walking.

As for the mother of a Bodhisatta in the last of his existences, it is quite to the contrary. Her pregnancy lasts precisely ten full months or 295 days from the date of conception. Furthermore a Buddhisatta is born only while the mother is assuming the standing posture. When he is born thus he is immaculately clean, without even a speck of impurity, like a ruby placed on a freshly woven cloth of Kasi origin.

An ordinary man has to go through a very miserable ordeal at the time of his birth. When the first spasms of the mother signalling the impending delivery begin, they set in motion a sequence of events, turning the baby into a head-down position; he has also to force his way out through the tight grip of the hard muscles in the region of the birth-canal, suffering excruciating pains in the process—the process which could be compared to a man falling into a fathomless pit, or to an elephant being pulled through a narrow keyhole.

But unlike such childbirth, the Bodhisatta always comes out at birth as easily as water filtered through a water strainer. Like a preacher of Dhamma slowly and calmly descending from the Dhamma throne after having delivered a sermon; or like a man slowly coming down to the covered stairways of a pagoda; or like the sun with its one thousand brilliant shafts of light breaking through the golden mountain and peering out, the Bodhisatta emerges in ease and comfort with stretched legs, open hands, wide-opened eyes, with mindfulness and comprehension, totally without fear.

Mahamaya Devi's journey to Devadaha City

When Queen Mahamaya reached the final stage of her pregnancy, carrying the Bodhisatta for ten full months in the lotus-like chamber of her womb as though she were carrying oil in a bowl, she felt the urge to visit Devadaha City of her royal relatives. She requested permission from King Suddhodana, saying: " O Great King, I would like to pay a visit to my relatives in Devadaha."

King Suddhodana gave his assent and had adequate preparations made for the queen's journey. The entire stretch of road from Kapilavatthu to Devadaha was repaired and smoothed out evenly, banana plants, betel palms, and water pots filled to the brim were placed (on stand) lining both sides of the roadway; flags and banners were also hoisted on poles along the road. Having prepared and decorated the highway comparable to a divine one, the king had Mahamaya Devi seated in state on a newly made golden palanquin which was carried by one thousand royal servants, accompanied by guards and attendants to perform sundry duties on the way. With such pomp and grandeur, the queen was sent off to Devadaha City.

(Different versions regarding the journey of Mahamaya Devi from Kapilavatthu to Devadaha are given in the Anudipani of this volume.)

Lumbini Garden of Sala trees

Between Kapilavatthu and Devadaha cities, there was a grove of sala trees by the name of Lumbini Garden frequented by people from both kingdoms for recreation. When Mahamaya Devi reached it, every sala tree in the grove was in full bloom from the bottom of the tree to the topmost branches.

Amidst flowers and twigs of sala trees swarms of bumblebees in five colours hummed, and flocks of birds of many species chirped, producing sweet melodious sounds. The whole sala grove was so delightful and enjoyable with special features that it might be likened to Cittalata Garden of Sakka, the Deva King. It was also like a place constantly filled with the sounds of mirth and merriment at a feast well organized by a powerful king. (This is the description of Garden given in the Jataka Commentary.)

On account of the melodious sounds emanating from the female bees which were buzzing delightfully among the buds and flowers, the twigs and branches; which were excited with the intoxicating nectar produced by fragrant sala flowers (and which were hovering around and enjoying the nectar themselves and carrying it for others as well); Lumbini was very much like Nandavana Garden, the delight of Devas.

(For the note on the words within the brackets, see the Anudipani)

Vibhusita balajanaticalini

Vibhusitangi vaniteva malini

Sada jananam nayanaIimalini

Vilumpinivativiroci lumbini

Just as a youthful maiden who can infatuate all men, who is possessed of limbs adorned with strings of beads and ear-ornaments, who is wearing flowers, is exceedingly fair, even so Lumbini Garden with all its ornamental features, the ever delightful resort which human beings feast their bee-like eyes on, was exceedingly beautiful as though it could even vie in splendour with that fair damsel. (These are the words in praise of Lumbini Garden by the Venerable Buddhadatta, the author of the Buddhavamsa Commentary)

On seeing Lumbini Garden of such immense splendour Mahamaya Devi felt a desire to amuse herself in it.

The ministers sought permission from King Suddhodana and with the royal consent they entered the garden carrying the Chief Queen on the golden palanquin.

The congregation of Devas and Brahmas

The moment Mahamaya Devi entered Lumbini Garden, all Devas proclaimed with an uproar which reverberated throughout the ten thousand world-systems, "Today the Bodhisatta will be born from the lotus-like chamber of the mother's womb." The Devas and Brahmas from the ten thousand world-systems congregated, crowding the whole of this universe, bringing with them a large variety of auspicious treasures as gifts to pay homage with in celebration of the birth of the Bodhisatta. The vault of heaven was covered all over with their celestial white umbrellas and the entire universe resounded with their auspicious songs, celestial music and the sounds of conch shells blown by them.

As soon as Mahamaya Devi got into Lumbini Garden, she felt a sudden urge to grasp with her hand a branch of the fully blooming sila tree, the trunk of which was straight and round. As if it were animate, the branch bent down itself like a cane stalk, made pliant by boiling, until it reached the palm of the queen, a marvellous event that stirred up the minds of many.

Queen Mahamaya stood holding the sala branch that came down into the palm of her outstretched lovely right hand which was adorned with brand-new gold bracelets with her fingers shapely like a lotus stem, her finger-nails bright red like the colour of a parrot's beak. The great beauty of Queen Mahamaya at that instant resembled the moon that newly emerges from the dark, sombre clouds showing signs of impending rain or the lightning that dazzles in a momentary flash, or a celestial nymph who makes her appearance in Nandavana Garden.

5 The Birth of the Bodhisatta

Holding the sala branch, Queen Mahamaya stood majestically in a dress of gold-threaded brocade and draped down to the tip of her feet in a full-length white embroidered shawl with exquisite patterns resembling the eyes of a carp. At that very moment she felt the unmistakable signs of the impending birth. Her retinue hastily cordoned off the area with curtains and withdrew.

Instantaneously, the ten thousand world-systems together with the great ocean roared, quaked, and trembled like the potter's wheel. Devas and Brahmas acclaimed in joy and showered flowers from the sky; all musical instruments produced mellifluous melodies automatically. The entire universe became unveiled with unobstructed visibility in all directions. These and other strange, marvellous phenomena, thirty-two in all, occurred simultaneously to herald the birth of the Bodhisatta. As the flying precious jewel emerging from the top of Mount Vepulla hovers and then descends slowly on a readily placed receptacle, so the Bodhisatta magnificently adorned with major and minor physical marks, was delivered clean and pure from the stupa-like lotus-womb of Mahamaya Devi on Friday the full moon of Vesakha, a summer month in the year 68, Maha Era, when the moon was in conjunction with the constellation Visakha.

The moment the Bodhisatta was born, two fountains of pure spring water, warm and cold, flowed down from the sky and fell on the already pure and clean bodies of the Bodhisatta and the mother as a token of homage, thereby enabling them to adjust the heat and cold in their bodies.

(Note on this is given in the Anudipani)


Receiving the Bodhisatta successively by Brahmas, Devas and humans

The four great Brahmas who were free from all sensual defilements first received the Bodhisatta on a golden net the moment he was born. Then they placed him before the mother and said:

"Great Queen, rejoice yourself; a son of great power has been born to you!"

Next, the four Great Devas received the Bodhisatta from the hands of the four Brahmas on a black antelope skin regarded as an auspicious object. Again, from the hands of the four Great Devas, the human beings received the Bodhisatta on a piece of white cloth.

Then, after leaving the hands of the people, the Bodhisatta stood firmly on his feet with the soles like those of a golden footwear, and touching the ground fully and squarely, he looked towards the eastern direction. As he did so, thousands of world-systems in the east became one continuous stretch of open space without any barrier or boundary between one another. The Devas and human beings in the eastern quarter most respectfully paid homage to the Bodhisatta with perfumes, flowers, etc. and said:

"O Noble Man, there is no one in this eastern direction who is your equal. How can there be anyone who is superior to you?"

Similarly, the Bodhisatta looked out in the rest of the ten directions—the four cardinal, the four intermediate, the downward and the upward directions—one after another. He saw no one equal to him in all these quarters. Thereupon, he faced northward from where he stood and took seven steps forward.

The Bodhisatta was followed by Maha Brahma, King of Brahmas, giving cover to him with the white umbrella and by Deva Suyama holding a fly-flap made of a yak tail. Other Devas with the remaining emblems of royalty such as the footwear, the sword and the crown also followed him from behind. The celestial beings in this procession were not visible to the people who could see only the regalia.

The Special Points for Note

When the Bodhisatta walked he did so the natural ground, but to the human beings he appeared to be walking through the air. The Bodhisatta walked 'au natural' without any clothes on, but to the human beings he appeared to be walking fully clad. Only as a new born child the Bodhisatta walked, but to the human beings he appeared to be sixteen years old.

(What has been heretofore narrated in connection with the Bodhisatta's taking the seven steps in the northern direction is in accordance with the Commentaries on the Buddhavamsa, the Sutta Mahavagga and the Jataka. In the Chapter on Vijata Mangala of the Jinalankara, however, the birth of the Bodhisatta is somewhat more elaborately related as follows:)

While the Bodhisatta took his steps the great Brahmas followed and shaded him with the royal white umbrella measuring three yojanas. So did the great Brahmas from the remaining worlds with their white umbrellas of the same size. Thus the whole universe was fully covered by white umbrellas resembling the garlands of white blooms.

The ten thousand Suyama Devas living in the ten thousand world systems stood holding individually their yak-tail fly-flaps; the ten thousand Santusita Devas of the same world-systems stood, holding their ruby-studded round fans, all swinging their fly-flaps and round fans right up to the mountain sides on the edge of the universe.

In the same way, the ten thousand Sakkas residing in the ten thousand world-systems stood blowing ten thousand conches.

All other Devas stood in like manner, some carrying flowers of' gold while others carrying natural flowers or scintillating glass flowers (flowers glittering like glass); some carrying flaps and banners, while others carrying gem-studded objects of offering. Female deities with various gifts in their hands also stood crowding the entire universe.

While the phenomenal display of homage which was like the rasayana, gratifying sight for the eye was in progress, while thousands of conches were being blown melodiously by human and devas, while celestial and terrestrial musical instruments were being played and female deities were joyfully dancing, the Bodhisatta halted after taking seven steps in the northward direction.

At that moment all the Brahmas, Devas and humans maintained complete silence, waiting expectantly with the thought "What is the Bodhisatta going to say?"

The fearless roar

When he halted after taking the seven steps in the direction of north the Bodhisatta made a fearless roar to be heard simultaneously by all throughout the entire ten thousand world-systems as follows:

(a) "Aggo' ham asmi lokassa!"

"I am the most superior among the living beings of the three worlds!";

(b) "Jettho' ham asmi lokassa! ",

"I am the greatest among the living beings of the three worlds!";

(c) "Settho' ham asmi lokassa!

"I am the most exalted among the living beings of the three worlds!"

(d) "Ayam antima jati! ",

"This is my last birth!";

(e) "Natthi dani punabbhavo! "

"There is no more rebirth for me!"

When the Bodhisatta made this bold speech, there was no one capable of challenging or rebutting him; the whole multitude of Brahmas, Devas and humans had to tender their felicitations.

The extraordinary acts of the Bodhisatta and their significance

Out of the extraordinary acts at the time of the Bodhisatta's birth, the following were omens, each with its significance.

(1) The Bodhisatta's firm standing with both feet evenly on the earth's surface was the omen signifying his future attainment of the four bases of Psychic Power (Iddhipada);

(2) The Bodhisatta's facing northwards was the omen signifying his future supremacy over all living beings;

(3) The Bodhisatta's taking seven steps was the omen signifying his future attainment of the seven Constituents of Enlightenment, the Jewel of the Dhamma;

(4) The Bodhisatta's having the cool shade of the celestial white umbrella was the omen signifying his future attainment of the fruition of Arahatship;

(5) The Bodhisatta's acquisition of the five emblems of royalty was the omen signifying his future attainment of five kinds of Emancipation (Vimutti), namely, Emancipation through performance of meritorious deeds of sensuous sphere (Tadanga Vimutti); Emancipation through attainment of Jhanas (Vikkhambhana Vimutti); Emancipation through attainment of the Paths (Samuccheda Vimutti; Emancipation through attainment of Fruitions (Patippassaddhi Vimutti); Emancipation through attainment of Nibbana (Nissarana Vimutti).

(6) The Bodhisatta's seeing in the ten directions without any obstruction was the omen signifying his future attainment of Unobstructed Knowledge (Anavaran nana)

(7) The Bodhisatta's fearless roar, "I am the most superior, the greatest and the most exalted!", was the omen signifying his future turning of the Wheel of the Dhamma (Dhamma Cakka) which no Brahmas, Devas or human beings are capable of halting or retarding its process;

(8) The Bodhisatta's fearless roar, "This is my last birth!; There is no more rebirth for me!," was the omen signifying his future attainment of Nibbana with no remaining physical and mental aggregates (anupadisesa).

The three existences in which the Bodhisatta spoke at birth

The Bodhisatta spoke immediately after his birth, not only in this last existence as Prince Siddhattha, but also when he was born to become Mahosadha the Wise, and when he was born to become King Vessantara. Hence there were three existences in which he spoke at birth.

Brief explanation: (1) In his existence as Mahosadha the Wise, the Bodhisatta came out of the mother's womb holding a piece of sandalwood which had been placed in his hand by Sakka, King of Devas. The mother on seeing the object in the hand of her newly born baby asked, "My dear son, what have you brought in your hand?" " O mother, it is medicine," answered the Bodhisatta.

He was thus initially named Osadha Kumara meaning "Medicine Boy." The medicine was carefully stored in a jar. All patients who came with all kinds of ailment, such as blindness, deafness, etc., were cured with that medicine, beginning with the Bodhisatta's wealthy father Sirivaddhana, who was cured of his headache. Thus because of the great efficacy of his medicine, the youthful Bodhisatta later came to be popularly known as Mahosadha, the young possessor of the most efficacious medicine.

(2) In the existence of the Bodhisatta as King Vessantara also, the moment he was born he extended his right hand with open palm and said. "O mother, what do you have in your golden palace that I can give in charity." The mother answered, "My dear son, you are born to wealth in this golden palace." Then the mother took the child's open hand, placed it on her palm and put a bag of one thousand silver pieces. Thus the Bodhisatta also spoke at birth in the existence of King Vessantara.

(3) As has been narrated above, in his last existence as Prince Siddhattha, the Bodhisatta made the fearless roar the moment he was born.

These are the three existences in which the Bodhisatta spoke immediately after the mother had given birth to him.

The phenomenal events at the Bodhisatta's birth and what they presaged

Also at the moment of the birth of the Bodhisatta certain events manifested clearly. These events and what they presaged will be explained below in accordance with the Mahapadana Sutta and Buddhavamsa Commentaries.

(l) At the time of the birth of the Bodhisatta the ten thousand world-systems quaked.

This was the omen presaging his attainment of Omniscience.

(2) Devas and Brahmas living in the ten thousand world-systems congregated in this universe.

This was the omen presaging the assembly of Devas and Brahmas for listening to the Discourse of the Wheel of Dhamma when delivered.

(3) The Brahmas and Devas were the first to receive the Bodhisatta at the time of his birth.

This was the omen presaging his attainment of the four Rupavacara Jhanas.

(4) The human beings received the newborn Bodhisatta after the Brahmans and Devas.

This was the omen presaging his attainment of the four Arupavacara Jhana.

(5) The stringed instruments such as harps made sound of music without being played.

This was the omen presaging his attainment of the nine Anupubba Vihara Samapatti consisting of the four Rupavacara-Samapatti, the four Arupavacara-Samapatti and the Nirodha-Samapatti.

(6) Leather instruments such as big and small drums made sound of music without being played.

This was the omen presaging his beating of the most sacred drum of Dhamma to be heard by humans and Devas alike.

(7) Prisons and fetters keeping men in bondage broke up into pieces.

This was the omen presaging his complete elimination of the conceited notion of 'I'.

(8) All kinds of diseases afflicting the sick disappeared like the dirt on copper when washed away by acid.

This was the omen presaging the attainment by human beings of the four Noble Truths, eradication of all suffering of samsara.

(9) The blind since birth could see all forms and colours as do normal people.

This was the omen presaging the acquisition by human beings of the Divine Eye (Dibbacakkhu.)

(10) The deaf since birth could hear all sounds as do normal people.

This was the omen presaging the acquisition by human beings of the Divine Ear (Dibbasota).

(11) The cripple gained healthy legs and could walk about.

This was the omen presaging the acquisition of the four Bases of Psychic Power (Iddhipadas).

(12) The dumb since birth gained mindfulness and could speak

This was the omen presaging the acquisition of the four Methods of Steadfast Mindfulness (Satipatthana).

(13) Ships on perilous voyages abroad reached their respective havens.

This was the omen presaging the acquisition of the fourfold Analytical Knowledge (Patisambhida Nana).

(14) All kinds of precious gems, both celestial and terrestrial, glittered most brilliantly.

This was the omen presaging the acquisition of the light of Dhamma; it was the omen presaging the brilliant glory of the Buddha who disseminated the light of Dhamma to those who were bent on receiving

(l5) Loving-kindness pervaded among all beings who were at enmity with one another.

This was the omen presaging the attainment of four Sublime States (Brahmavihara).

(16) The hell-fires were extinguished.

This was the omen presaging the cessation of eleven kinds of fires such as greed, anger, etc.

(17) There appeared light in the Lokantarika hells which normally are in total darkness.

This was the omen presaging the ability to dispel the darkness of ignorance and to shed the light of Wisdom.

(18) The river water which had been perennially flowing ceased to flow.

This was the omen presaging the acquisition of Fourfold Confidence (Catuvesarajja Nana).

(19) All the waters in the great ocean turned sweet in taste, This was the omen presaging the acquisition of unique sweet taste of peace resulting from the cessation of defilements.

(20) Instead of stormy winds light winds blew cool and pleasant.

This was the omen presaging the disappearance of the sixty-two kinds of wrong beliefs.

(21) All kinds of birds in the sky or on top of trees or mountains alighted to the ground.

This was the omen presaging the life-long taking of refuge (in the Triple Gem) by human beings after listening to the teaching of the Buddha.

(22) The moon shone forth far brighter than ever before.

This was the omen presaging the delighted mood of human beings.

(23) The sun being of moderate heat and clear radiance brought clement weather.

This was the omen presaging the physical and mental happiness of human beings.

(24) The Devas standing at the doorways of their mansions slapped their arms with the other hands, whistled and flung their clothes in merriment.

This was the omen presaging his attainment of Omniscient Buddhahood and making solemn utterance of joy.

(25) Torrential rain fell all over the four continents.

This was the omen presaging the heavy Dhamma rain of Deathlessness which fell with the great force of wisdom.

(26) All human beings felt no hunger.

This was the omen presaging their attainment of the Deathless Dhamma of kayagatasati which is mindfulness related to the body, or freedom from hunger for defilements after enjoying the Deathless food of kayagatasati.

(27) All human beings felt no thirst.

This was the omen presaging their attainment of the bliss of the Fruition of Arahatship.

(28) Closed doors burst open by themselves.

This was the omen presaging the opening up of the gates of Nibbana which is the eightfold Noble Path.

(29) Flower trees and fruit trees bore flowers and fruits respectively.

This was the omen presaging the people's bearing the flowers of

Emancipation (Vimutti) and the fruits of the four Noble Ones (Ariyaphala.)

(30) All the ten thousand world-systems were covered with the one and only flower-banner. The ten thousand world- systems were covered with the banner of victory.

This was the omen presaging the overspreading by the flower-banner, i.e., the Noble Path.

Moreover, the showering of exquisite flowers and exceedingly fragrant flowers, the brightness of stars and constellations even in sunlight the appearance of springs of pure clean water, the coming out of burrowing animals from their places, the absence of greed, hate and bewilderment, the absence of clouds of dust from the ground, the absence of obnoxious smells, the pervasion of celestial perfumes, the clear visibility of Rupa Brahmas to human beings, the absence of birth and death of human beings and other phenomena occurred distinctly. The occurrence of these phenomena constituted omens presaging the Buddha's attainment of attributes other than those mentioned above.

The seven connatals of the Bodhisatta

At that precise moment of the birth of the Bodhisatta, the following seven were born simultaneously:

(1) Princess Yasodhara, also named Baddakaccana, mother of Prince Rahula,

(2) Prince Ananda,

(3) Minister1 Channa,

(4) Minister Kaludayi,

(5) Royal stallion Kandaka2,

(6) Maha Bodhi or Assattha Bodhi Tree, and

(7) Four jars of gold.

Since they were born or coming into being at the same time as the Bodhisatta, they were known as the seven connatals of the Bodhisatta.

Of these seven:

(1) Princess Yasodhara Bhaddakaccana was born of Suppabuddha, King of Devadaha City, and Queen Amitta

(2) Prince Ananda was the son of the Sakyan Amittodana, younger brother of King Suddhodana;

1. Minister: Minister is the translation of the Myanmar word {short description of image} which in turn is the author's rendering of the Pali amacca. Among the meaning of amacca given in the Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar Dictionary are minister, chief minister, king's advisor; friend, companion. In using the designation 'Minister' for Channa, the author obviously means one of these person of intimate relationship apart from the official rank as in 'Minister Kaludayi. Malalasekera describes Channa only as Charioteer.

2.The name of the Bodhisatta's steed is spelt in various ways: Kantaka, Kandaka and Kanthaka. Here in this chapter the author's choice is Kantaka but later on he changes it to Kandaka. Since the second word usually overrules the first, we write Kandaka even here and stick to it throughout for the sake of consistency.

(3) The Maha Bodhi Tree grew at the centre of the site of victory where the Buddha attained Enlightenment in Uruvela forest of the Middle Country;

(4) The four large jars of gold appeared within the precincts of the palace of Kapilavatthu City. Of these four:

(a) one was named Sankha, the diameter of its brim being one gavuta;

(b) another was named Ela, the diameter of its brim being two gavutas;

(c) the third was named Uppala, the diameter of its brim being three gavutas;

(d) the last one named Pundarika, the diameter of its brim being four gavutas, equivalent to one yojana.

When some gold was taken out of these four jars, they became replenished; there was no trace of any loss. (The account of these four jars of gold is given in the exposition of the Canki Sutta of the Majjhimapannsa Commentary, and also in the exposition of the Sonadanda Sutta of the Digha Nikaya Silakkhandhavagga Commentary.)

The order of the name of the seven birth-mates of the Bodhisatta given above is that contained in the Commentaries on the Jataka and the Buddhavamsa and also in the exposition of the Mahapadana Sutta of the Digha Nikaya Mahavagga Commentary.

In the exposition of the story of Kaludayi in the Anguttara Commentary and also in the exposition of the story of Rahula in the Vinaya Sarattha Dipani TikaAnanda's name has been left out from the list. It includes: (1) Bodhi Tree, (2) Yasodhara, (3) The four jars of gold, (4) Royal elephant named Arohaniya, (5) Kandaka the steed, (6) Minister Channa, (7) Minister Kaludayi, in that order.

It should be noted that the order of the items is given according to their respective reciters (bhanakas).

The Return of Mahamaya Devi to Kapilavatthu

The citizens from the two cities of Kapilavatthu and Devadaha conveyed Queen Mahamaya and her noble Bodhisatta son back to the city of Kapilavatthu.

Maha Buddhavamsa - The Conception of The Bodhisatta

Maha Buddhavamsa - The Conception of The Bodhisatta

Maha Buddhavamsa
The Great Chronicle of The Buddhas
by Tipitakadhara Mingun Sayadaw

Edited and Translated by
U Ko Lay and U Tin Lwin

At the precise moment of Bodhisatta Deva Setaketu's demise, Siri Mahamaya, the Chief Queen of King Suddhodana of the Kingdom of Kapilavatthu, was enjoying magnificent regal pleasures. She had now reached the third portion of the second stage of life called majjhima vaya. (majjhima vaya = Third portion of the second stage of life: see Anudipani of this book. The human life-span then was one hundred years. Thus the age of Siri Mahamaya Devi was around fifty-five years and four months. This is elaborated in the Samanta Cakkhu Dipani.)

The festival of the constellation Uttarasalha

It was the ninth waxing day of Asaha (June-July) in the year 67, Maha Era, when the Chief Queen Siri Mahamaya was fifty-five years and four months old. The people of the kingdom were joyously celebrating the festival of the constellation Uttarasalha, a traditional annual event. One and all participated hilariously in the festivity, outdoing one another in merry-making.

Siri Mahamaya Devi also took part in the festival that was celebrated from the ninth to the fourteenth waxing moon. The festival was distinguished by total abstinence from liquor and by beautification with flowers, perfumes and ornaments. On the full-moon day of the month, the Chief Queen woke up early, took a perfumed bath, made a most generous donation, giving away money and materials worth four hundred thousand. She then dressed up herself and had breakfast of choicest food, after which she took the eight precepts (from her teacher hermit Devila), and proceeded to the exquisitely decorated royal chamber, and spent the entire day on a couch of splendour, observing the eight precepts.

Mahamaya's dream

Observing the eight precepts and lying on the couch of splendour in the last watch of the full-moon night, Siri Mahamaya Devi fell into a short slumber and had a dream, which foretold the conception of a Bodhisatta, as follows:

The four Catumaharaja Devas lifted and carried her together with the bed to Lake Anotatta in the Himalayas. Then she was placed on the flat surface of the orpiment slab measuring sixty yojanas under the shade of a saIa tree which was seven yojanas high.

Thereafter, consorts of the four Catumaharaja Devas came on the scene, took the queen to Lake Anotatta and bathed her and helped her get clean. Then they dressed her in celestial costumes and applied celestial cosmetics to her; they also adorned her with celestial flowers. Then she was put to sleep with her head towards the east in the inner chamber of a golden mansion inside a silver mountain not far away from the lake.

At that moment in her dream she saw a pure white elephant grazing around the golden mountain not far from the silver mountain where there was the golden mansion inside which she slept. Then the white elephant descended from the golden mountain, ascended the silver mountain and entered the golden mansion. The white elephant then walked around the Queen clockwise, and effected entry into her womb from the right side by breaking it open.

The conception of the Bodhisatta

At the time when the queen was thus dreaming, Bodhisatta Deva Setaketu was going round Nandavana Garden in Tusita, enjoying delightful sights and sounds; while doing so he passed away from the abode of Devas with full comprehension and awareness. At that very instant the Bodhisatta was conceived in the lotus-like womb of his mother with the first great resultant consciousness (mahavipaka citta), one of 19 initial thought moments (patisandhi citta), a resultant of the first great wholesome consciousness (mahakusala citta) accompanied by joy (somanassa sahagata), combined with knowledge nana sampayuta), unprompted (asankharika) and caused by preparatory development (parikamma bhavana) prior to the attainment of the Jhana of Loving-kindness (Metta jhana). The event took place on the morning of Thursday the full moon of Asalha in the year 67, Maha Era, founded by King Anjana, grandfather of the Bodhisatta. The precise moment of his conception was marked by the conjunction of the moon with the constellation Uttarasalha.

(The name of the year and the days of the Bodhisatta's conception and birth are mentioned here in accordance with the calculations given in secular works of astrology and chronicles of kings. The Pali Texts, Commentaries and Sub-commentaries are silent about them. The Gotamapurana gives the 2570th year of the kaliyuga as the date of birth of Buddha Gotama.)

The violent earthquake

Simultaneous with the Bodhisatta's conception, there occurred a violent earthquake. The ten thousand world-systems trembled and shook in the following six modes:

(1) the earth surface rose up in the east and sank down in the west;

(2) it rose up in the west and sank down in the east;

(3) it rose up in the north and sank down in the south;

(4) it rose up in the south and sank down in the north;

(5) it rose up in the centre and sank down along the circumference;

(6) it rose up along the circumference and sank down in the centre.

The thirty-two great prophetic phenomena

Moreover, there appeared the thirty-two great prophetic phenomena that usually accompany the conception of a Bodhisatta in his last existence. From these wonderful events the wise could learn: "The Bodhisatta has been conceived." The thirty-two prophetic phenomena as enumerated in the introduction to the Jataka Commentary are given as follows:

(1) a great light of unsurpassed brilliance spread throughout the entire ten thousand world-systems;

(2) the blind gained eyesight at that moment as if they were desirous of seeing the glory of the Bodhisatta;

(3) the deaf also gained hearing at that moment;

(4) the dumb also gained the ability to speak at that moment;

(5) the deformed also became normal at that moment;

(6) the lame also gained the ability to walk at that moment;

(7) the imprisoned and the fettered (with handcuffs, chains, etc., for confinement) become free of all bondage;

(8) fires in every hell became extinguished;

(9) those suffering in the woeful state of petas were relieved of thirst and hunger;

(10) animals became free from danger;

(11) all beings afflicted with diseases were cured;

(12) all beings spoke endearingly to one another;

(13) horses neighed gleefully in a sweet and pleasant manner

(14) elephants trumpeted in a sweet and pleasant manner;

(15) all musical instruments such as cymbals, harps, trumpets, etc.; produced their normal sounds without being played.

(16) ornaments such as bracelets, anklets, etc., worn by human beings tinkled without striking one another;

(17) open spaces and sceneries in all directions became distinct and clear;

(18) soft breeze blew gently, bringing peace and comfort to all living beings;

(19) unseasonable rain fell heavily, (although it was not the raining season, heavy rain fell roaringly),

(20) subterranean waters oozed out of earth and flowed away in this and that directions;

(21) no birds flew in the sky, (at that moment birds did not fly in the air at all);

(22) river waters that normally flowed continuously ceased to flow "as a frightened servant stops moving at the shout of his master";

(23) natural salty water in the ocean became sweet at that moment;

(24) all directions were covered with five kinds of lotus in three colours, (all lakes and ponds had their water surface covered with five kinds of lotus);

(25) all aquatic and terrestrial flowers blossomed simultaneously at that moment;

(26) flowers on tree trunks (khandha paduma) bloomed exquisitely;

(27) flowers on branches (sakha paduma) bloomed exquisitely;

(28) flowers on creepers (latapaduma) bloomed exquisitely;

(29) inflorescent flowers (danda paduma) sprouting all over the land appeared in seven tiers after breaking through stone-slabs;

(30) celestial lotus flowers dangled earthwards;

(31) flowers rained down continuously in the environs;

(32) celestial musical instruments made sound of music automatically.

These thirty-two great prophetic phenomena can also be called the thirty-two great wonders. The thirty-two wonders, that have been promised in the above Chapter on the Chronicle of the Twenty-Four Buddhas to be mentioned later in the "Chapter on the Chronicle of Buddha Gotama", were the same thirty-two great prophetic phenomena given here.

The entire ten thousand world-systems being adorned with such great prophetic phenomena appeared resplendent like a huge ball of flowers, or like a large bouquet massively made or a vast bed of flowers spread layer upon layer; the air around was laden with fragrance as though this were caused by the gentle movement of a yak-tail fly-flap

(Note on the thirty-two wonders is mentioned in the Anudipani of this book.)

Siri Mahamaya's dream read by learned Brahmins

When Queen Siri Mahamaya Devi woke up, she reported her dream to King Suddhodana.

On the following morning King Suddhodana summoned sixty-four leading Brahmin gurus and gave them prepared seats, that were fit fur noble ones, on the ground besmeared evenly with fresh cow dung and strewn all over with rice flakes and the like as an act of honour. The king also offered the Brahmins delicious milk-rice cooked with ghee, honey and molasses, filled to the brim of gold cups covered with gold and silver lids. And to make them pleased and satisfied the king presented them with starched clothes (brand new clothes), milch cows, and did other forms of honour.

After serving them with food etc., and honouring them thus to their pleasure and satisfaction, King Suddhodana had the queen's dream related to the Brahmins and asked them: "What does the dream mean, fortune or misfortune? Read it and give me your interpretations."

The Brahmins replied to the king, giving their interpretations: "Great King, lay all your anxieties to rest. The queen has now conceived. The baby in the womb is a boy, not a girl. A son will be born to you. If he chooses to lead a princely life he will surely become a Universal Monarch reigning over the four continents. If he renounces the household life as a recluse, he will surely become an Omniscient Buddha who destroys and removes the 'roof' of defilements in the three worlds."

The protection given by Deva Kings

From the moment the Bodhisatta was conceived, the Catumaharaja Devas, namely, Vessavana and others living in this universe, entered the splendid chamber of Queen Siri Mahamaya and gave protection continuously day and night, each holding a sword to ward of ghosts and ogres, unsightly beasts and birds, that could be seen or heard by the Bodhisatta and his mother. In this way forty thousand Maharaja Devas residing in the ten thousand world-systems (each system having four such deities) guarded the entire space from the doors of the queen's splendid chamber up to the edges of the world-system, driving away the ghosts, ogres, etc.

Such protection was afforded not because of the fear that someone would harm the lives of the Bodhisatta and his mother; verily, even if one hundred thousand crores of Maras were to bring one hundred thousand crores of gigantic Mount Merus to threaten the lives of the Bodhisatta in his last existence and his mother, all the Maras as well as the mountains would surely be destroyed; the Bodhisatta and his mother would remain unharmed.

Inspite of that, the protection had to he provided by the Catumaharaja Devas, each holding a sword just to ward off evil sights and sounds which could possibly cause anxiety and fear to the Queen. Another reason might be that Deva Kings protected the Bodhisatta through sheer veneration and devotion inspired by the Bodhisatta's glorious power.

The question may arise then whether the Deva Kings who came and kept guard inside the royal chamber of the Bodhisatta's mother made themselves visible or not to her. The answer is: they did not make themselves visible when she was bathing, dressing, eating and cleaning her body. They made themselves apparent when she entered her chamber of splendour and lay down on her excellent couch.

The sight of Devas might tend to frighten ordinary people, but it did not scare the Chief Queen at all by virtue of the Bodhisatta's glory and of her own. Seeing them was just like seeing familiar female and male palace guards.

The Mother's steadfast observance of moral precepts

The mother of a Bodhisatta in his last existence is usually steadfast in observing moral Precepts. Before the appearance of a Buddha, people usually took precepts from wandering ascetics by bowing and squatting respectfully before them, Queen Siri Mahamaya, prior to the conception of the Bodhisatta, also used to receive the precepts from Hermit Kaladevila. But when the Bodhisatta began to be conceived in her womb, it was no longer proper for her to sit at the feet of any other person. Only the precepts received from somebody as an equal (not as a subordinate) were observed. From the time of her conception of the Bodhisatta, she kept the precepts by herself. It should be noted that the Precepts were kept not at all by submitting herself as a disciple to hermit Kaladevila.

The absence of sensuous desires

The mother of a Bodhisatta in his last existence, from the time of pregnancy, becomes totally free of all sensuous desire for any man, even for the father of the Bodhisatta. It is her nature to remain chaste and pure. On the contrary, it cannot be said the sensuous thoughts would not arise in worldlings at the sight of her person. Because, by virtue of her long fulfilment of Perfections and performance at acts of merit, the mother of a Bodhisatta in his last existence is endowed with splendour or superb beauty, and elegance which could not be faithfully represented in any painting or sculpture of her by the most accomplished master artists and sculptors.

On seeing such a mother of the Bodhisatta, if onlookers are not satisfied with the mere sight of her, and if they would attempt to approach her with passionate thoughts, their feet would become transfixed on the spot as if they were fettered with iron chains. Therefore, it should be well borne in mind that the mother of Bodhisatta in his last existence is a noble, unique woman inviolable by any man or Deva.

The mother's womb likened to a stupa

The auspicious womb wherein a Bodhisatta is conceived is so sacred like a temple that no one else is worthy of occupying or making use of it. Besides, while the mother of a Bodhisatta is living no woman other than herself can be raised to the highest position as Chief Queen. Therefore, seven days after giving birth to the Bodhisatta, it is a natural phenomenon that she should pass away to Tusita abode of Devas. The lotus-like womb of Mahamaya Devi wherein the Bodhisatta remained was as if filled with brilliant diamonds.

The arrival of gifts

On hearing the good tidings that Mahamaya Devi, Chief Queen of King Suddhodana, ruler of the Kingdom of Kapilavatthu, had conceived a precious son of power and glory, kings from far and near sent most valuable gifts such as clothing, ornaments, musical instruments, etc., which might delight the Bodhisatta. The gifts that arrived in tribute from various quarters owing to the deeds of merit performed in previous existences by the Bodhisatta and his mother were so numerous as to defy any measure or count.

The mother seeing the child in her womb

Although Mahamaya Devi had conceived the Bodhisatta, she had no suffering at all such as swelling, pain, heaviness, etc. in the limbs unlike other pregnant women. Being thus free of these discomforts she easily passed through the first stage of her pregnancy. When she reached the advanced stage and the embryo took concrete shape with the development of the five main branches of the body, she often had a look at her child to find out whether the child was in a proper, comfortable position and, if not, to do the needful as in the way of all mothers. Whenever she took a look, she saw the Bodhisatta clearly like iridescent silk thread passing through the pure, clean, beautiful veluriya gem of eight facets; or, she saw him seated cross-legged reposefully leaning on the backbone of the mother like a speaker of Dhamma seated on the Dhamma throne leaning on its back-support.

The visibility or the Bodhisatta

The reason why Mahamaya Devi was able to see from outside the son remaining in the lotus-like chamber of her womb: by virtue of the deeds of merit performed by her in her previous existences, her skin texture and colour became extraordinarily clean and smooth, free from all impurities. The skin around the stomach was also smooth, clean and translucent like a sheet of glass or that of a priceless ruby. Thus the embryo was plainly visible to the mother who could see the Bodhisatta with naked eyes through the skin of her stomach, like an object encased in a crystal clear glass box.

Note: Though Mahamaya Devi could clearly see the son inside her womb, the latter from inside her womb could not see her because his eye consciousness (cakkhuvinnana) had not yet developed whilst in the mother's womb.

Maha Buddhavamsa - Nandavana Garden

Maha Buddhavamsa - Nandavana Garden


Maha Buddhavamsa
The Great Chronicle of The Buddhas
by Tipitakadhara Mingun Sayadaw

Edited and Translated by
U Ko Lay and U Tin Lwin

An account of Nandavana Garden will be given here as described in Nandana Vagga, etc., of the Sagatha Vagga Samyutta Commentary. Nandavana Garden is so named because it gives delight to all Devas who visit it.

Each of the six planes of the Deva world has its own Nandavana Garden. All these gardens give the same delight whether they belong to lower or upper celestial planes. Therefore only the Nandavana Garden of Tavatimsa abode is described in detail in the Texts (as an example).

This Nandavana Garden is a pleasant, splendid place with all kinds of precious celestial trees, flowers, pavilions, vehicles and a variety of enjoyable things which are enchanting, marvellous, awe-inspiring to the worldling. It is a true garden resort where Devas can amuse themselves with singing, dancing and other entertainments presented by dancers and artistes of various ages, various beauties, various voices, various forms and various colours; each troupe of performers tries to rival and outplay another in providing freely all kinds of sensual pleasures to those who come from all the four quarters.

This Nandavana Garden, considered by Devas to be a great adornment of their abode with all its splendour and auspiciousness, stands as the most charming resort, and those entering it to seek the five pleasures of senses—enjoyable sights, enjoyable sounds, enjoyable scents, enjoyable tastes and enjoyable touch—are all delighted and satisfied.

This Nandavana Garden is also a place of solace to those Devas who are nearing the end of their life-span; the five portents of impending demise which warn them of the coming fate inevitably appear then. Many Devas break down, sobbing and grieving at their imminent predicament of losing the blissful life for ever. But once they enter this enchanting garden they feel transformed back into persons of serenity, peace and happiness in an instant.

On whatever account they are afflicted with despair and lamentation, once Devas step inside Nandavana Garden they get absorbed in pleasures. As the morning dew and mist evaporate at the touch of the rays of the rising sun, as the flame of the oil lamp flickers and dies out through a strong gust of wind, so the worries of the dying Devas are laid to rest. A saying has come into existence thus: "He, who has not been to Nandavana Garden where all the best sensual pleasures of the world converge, cannot understand the real worldly happiness." Such is the attraction of Nandavana Garden to all worldlings.

In the exposition of Veranjakanda in the Vinaya Sarattha Dipani , Volume One, is given the following description: "Nandavana Garden of Tavatimsa Devas covers the area of sixty yojanas in extent. (According to some teachers, its extent is five hundred yojanas.) It is splendidly decorated by celestial trees of one thousand species." .

The Jinalankara Tika in its comment on Tividha Buddha Khetta also says: 'Nandavana Garden lies to the east of Sudassana City of Tavatimsa and is surrounded by walls, fire screens and arched gate ways made of jewels. The area measures one thousand yojanas. It is a recreational resort for all Devas. Two beautiful lakes, Mahananda and Culananda, are located between Nandavana Garden and Sudassana City. The environment of the lakes is clean. The surface water of the lakes is dark blue green, matching the sky free of mist and clouds.

" Time for the Bodhisatta Deva's demise.

When Bodhisatta Deva Setaketu entered Nandavana Garden, the accompanying retinue of male and female deities addressed him: .

"On your demise from this abode of Devas, may you proceed to a good abode, the destination of beings accomplished in meritorious deeds!"

The Devas accompanying Bodhisatta Setaketu also urged him to recollect again and again his acts of merit done in the past and moved about in Nandavana Garden, surrounding the Bodhisatta. While the Bodhisatta was roaming about in Nandavana Garden in the company of the Devas, who were urging him to reflect upon his previous meritorious life, the time of his demise arrived.

Maha Buddhavamsa - The Story of Setaketu Deva

THE STORY OF SETAKETU DEVA - THE FUTURE BUDDHA


Maha Buddhavamsa
The Great Chronicle of The Buddhas
by Tipitakadhara Mingun Sayadaw

Edited and Translated by
U Ko Lay and U Tin Lwin

In this way, our Future Gotama had adorned himself with the flower of prophecy, "This man will certainly become a Buddha amongst three kinds of beings (men, Devas and Brahmas)", uttered by the twenty-four Buddhas, ranging from Dipankara to Kassapa, out of the twenty seven Buddhas who appeared in the period of time lasting four asankhyeyya and one hundred thousand aeons. Throughout that period of four asankhyeyya and one hundred thousand aeons, the Bodhisatta had endeavoured to fulfil the Perfections (Parami), sacrifices (caga) and virtues through practices (cariya) by the aforesaid four means of development (bhavana) and reached the pinnacle of the fulfillment of all these requisites conducive to the attainment of Buddhahood. This being so, in the last existence as a Future Buddha when he was reborn as Prince Vessantara, he brought to termination the entire period of Parami-accumulation by performing all the final acts of merit which surpassed everything, which was beyond comparison and which was to be crowned with success of enlightenment. This commanded the awe and veneration even of the inanimate great earth (mahapathavi) that quaked and trembled seven times. And having ended his life-span in the human abode, the Future Buddha was reborn as a Deva by the name of Setaketu in the abode of Tusita. He was endowed with the ten attributes in which he was superior to other Devas, namely, (1) long life; (2) physical beauty; (3) great happiness; (4) immense wealth and retinue; (5) authority and power, (6) sense of sight; (7) sense of hearing; (8) sense of smell, (9) sense of taste; (10) sense of touch.

(When it is said that "the great ocean, starting from the Cakkavala range of mountains, gets deeper and deeper till it reaches the foot of Mount Meru, and its depth becomes eighty-four thousand yojanas," it goes without saying that counting all droplets of water in the ocean is impossible. In the same way, when virtuous people learned briefly from hearing or from reading that the Future Buddha, in four asankhyeyya and one hundred thousand aeons, untiringly and continuously fulfilled the Parami, cagas and cariyas by the four means of development, one can reflect profoundly with devotional faith on how the Bodhisatta had developed the Perfections, etc. in the course of existences that were more numerous than the countless droplets of water in the great ocean.)

The uproar announcing appearance of a Buddha
(Buddha kolahala)

Deva Setaketu, the Future Buddha, enjoyed the supreme divine bliss in the abode of Tusita for four thousand years according to Deva reckoning, which is equivalent to five hundred and seventy-six million years in the human world. Then one thousand years by human calculations before the end of his life-span an Tusita, Suddhavasa Brahmas proclaimed:

"Friends, in a thousand years from today, there will appear in the human abode an Omniscient Buddha!"

Because of this proclamation from the vault of heaven, the uproar announcing the appearance of a Buddha (Buddha kolahala), "An Omniscient Buddha will be appearing! An Omniscient Buddha will be appearing!" reverberated across the entire human world one thousand years ahead of the event.

(With reference to the name of the Bodhisatta Deva, it is mentioned in the Chapter on Ratanasankama, Buddhavamsa Pali, as follows: Yada'ham tusite kaye santusito nama'ham tada. This shows that the Deva had the name of Santusita. Also in the Buddhavamsa Commentary and Jinalankara Tika the same name is mentioned. But in the exposition of the Pubbenivasa-katha, Veranja-kanda of the Parajika Commentary, and in the exposition of the Bhayabherava Sutta of the Mulapanasa Commentary, the Deva's name is given as Setaketu. Moreover, successive authors of Myanmar Buddhavamsas such as the Tathagata-Udana Dipani, Malalankara Vatthu, Jinatthapakasani etc., give Setaketu as the name of the Deva. Therefore, it has been explained by various teachers that Santusita was a common name derived from Tusita, the name of the celestial abode, whereas Setaketu was the proper name that specifically refers to the Deva who would become Buddha Gotama.)

The request made to the Bodhisatta Deva

On hearing the uproar announcing the advent of a Buddha, all Deva kings belonging to the ten thousand world-systems, such as Catu Maharajas, Sakka, Suyama, Santusita, Sunimmita, Vasavatti and all Maha-Brahmas congregated in a certain universe to hold a discussion on the Future Buddha whose divine life-span remained only seven days by human reckoning, and whose approaching end of life had become manifest through five predicting signs (pubbanimittas) (pubbanimittas: See the Anudipani in this book for details. ) Then they all approached Setaketu Deva with their hands joined in adoration and requested him as follows:

"O Bodhisatta Deva, you had completely fulfilled the ten Perfections, not with the desire to gain the bliss of Sakka, of Mara, of Brahma, or of a Universal Monarch. You had fulfilled these Perfections, aspiring only after Omniscient Buddhahood in order to acquire for yourself freedom from the three worlds as well as to liberate the multitudes of humans, Devas and Brahmas. O Bodhisatta Deva, this is the most propitious time for you to become an Omniscient Buddha! This is truly the right moment to become an Omniscient Buddha! Therefore, may you take conception in the womb of your mother of the human abode. After attaining Supreme Enlightenment, may you liberate humans, Devas and Brahmas from samsara by teaching the Dhamma on Deathlessness, Nibbana."

The Bodhisatta made the five great investigations

The Bodhisatta Deva Setaketu did not hastily give his consent to the supplication of the Devas and Brahmas who had come together from the ten thousand world-systems; in consonance with the tradition of previous Bodhisattas, he made the five great investigations as follows:

(1) appropriate time for the appearance of a Buddha,

(2) appropriate island-continent for the appearance of a Buddha,

(3) appropriate country for the appearance of a Buddha,

(4) the family into which the Bodhisatta (in his last existence) is reborn, and

(5) the span of life of the Bodhisatta's mother.

(1) Of these five great investigations, the Bodhisatta considered first: "Is the time right or not for the appearance of a Buddha in the human world?" The time is not proper for the advent of a Buddha when the life-span of human beings is on the increase from one hundred thousand years. Owing to such longevity, suffering caused by birth, suffering caused by disease, suffering caused by old age and suffering caused by death are not manifest. Veiled by their lengthy life-span, human beings tend to be oblivious of all suffering. The Dhamma sermons to be delivered by Buddhas invariably centre around the characteristics of impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha) and non-self (anatta). If Buddhas who appear when the life-span is more than one hundred thousand years give sermons on the nature of anicca, dukkha and anatta the people of that period will be perplexed, wondering what the Buddhas are teaching; they will neither listen to nor believe the sermons. Without listening or believing, human beings will surely wonder what the Buddhas' preaching is. They will never realize the Four Noble Truths and never achieve Nibbana. It will be fruitless to teach the non-believers the discourse on the three characteristics which would liberate them from samsara. Therefore, the period when the life span extends more than one thousand years is not the proper time for Buddhas to appear.

The period when the life-span of human beings falls below one hundred years is also not proper for a Buddha's appearance because beings belonging to such a period abound in the defilements of sensual pleasures. The Dhamma sermons given to such people will not endure; in fact, they will fade away instantly just as the scribbling with a stick on the surface of the water will disappear, leaving no mark whatsoever. Therefore the short period of the declining life-span below one hundred years is also not the proper time for the Buddhas to appear.

Only the periods ranging from one hundred thousand years life-span to one hundred years' life-span are right for the coming of a Buddha. These are the periods in which birth, old age and death manifest themselves easily, in which the teaching on the three characteristics and the teaching as to how beings can be liberated from samsara as understood easily and in which beings are not so overwhelmed by the defilements of sensual pleasures. Hence the appropriateness of the period for the most opportune arrival of a Buddha. Therefore, only the period below the one hundred thousand years' life span and the period above the one hundred years' life-span by human reckoning is the most propitious time for a Bodhisatta to attain Buddhahood. (Incidentally, when the Devas and Brahmas made their entreaty to Setaketu, the life span of human beings was in the one-hundred-year range.) Thus Bodhisatta Setaketu Deva came to see the right time clearly and decided, "This is the most propitious time for me to become a Buddha."

(2) Then he investigated the island-continent which serves as the place for the appearance of Buddhas. There are four large island-continents, each surrounded by five hundred smaller islands. Of these, one, which is called Jambudipa as it is distinguished by a Jambu (rose apple or Eugenia) tree growing on it, was discerned clearly by the Bodhisatta as the only island-continent on which previous Buddhas had appeared.

(3) Then he went on investigating thus: "This Jambudipa is extremely vast measuring ten thousand yujanas. Where did former Buddhas appear in this vast expanse of land?" Then he saw Majjhimadesa, the Middle Country, in Jambudipa as the place for the appearance of ancient Buddhas.

(Majjhimadesa, the Middle Country, is demarcated on the east by the great sala tree east of the market-town of Gajangala; on the south-east by the river Sallavati; on the south by the market town of Setakannika; on the west by the Brahmin village of Thuna; on the north by Usiraddhaja mountain. The Middle country having the said five demarcations is three hundred yojanas in length and two hundred and fifty yojanas in breadth with the circumference of nine hundred yojanas. Regions outside this boundary are called border areas (paccanta). Only in Majjhimadesa do Omniscient Buddhas, Pacceka Buddhas, Chief Disciples, eighty Great Disciples, Universal Monarchs and powerful, wealthy Khattiya, Brahmana and Gahapati clans live and prosper.)

In the Middle Country was situated Kapilavatthu, the royal city of the kingdom of the Sakyas. Bodhisatta Deva Setaketu decided that he should be reborn in that royal city.

(4) Investigating the family in which the Bodhisatta in his last existence should be reborn, he clearly perceived: "The former Bodhisattas in their respective last existences belonged neither to the merchant class nor to the poor class. They were born only in a royal or a brahmin family, whichever is considered superior by the people of the period. At the time when people show the highest honour to the ruling families, the Bodhisatta is born in their class. At the time when people do so to the brahmins, he is born in one of their families. The present time witnesses the aristocrats being honoured by the people; I should be reborn in one of these families. Among them King Suddhodana of Kapilavatthu is a direct descendent of Mahasammata, the first elected primeval king, through an uninterrupted Khattiya lineage of pure Sakya clan. This King Suddhodana of pure, noble birth shall be my father."

(5) Finally, he investigated as to who should be his mother in his last human existence. He clearly perceived: "The royal mother of a Buddha is a paragon of modesty and chastity; she never indulges in liquor or intoxicants; she has accumulated merit and fulfilled perfections throughout one hundred thousand aeons to become the mother of a Buddha. From the moment she is born as the future mother of a Buddha, she continuously observes and upholds the five precepts without any breach. Siri Mahamaya Devi, the Chief Consort of King Suddhodana, is fully endowed with all these qualities. Thus this Chief Queen Siri Mahamaya Devi shall be my mother." Then investigating further the remaining life-span of Siri Mahamaya Devi, he perceived clearly that she had only ten months and seven days more to live.

The consent given to the Devas and Brahmas

In this way, after making the five great investigations, the Bodhisatta Deva Setaketu resolved, "I will descend to the human abode and become a Buddha." Having so resolved, to the Devas and Brahmas from the ten thousand world-systems who had assembled to request him, the Bodhisatta gave his consent thus: "O Devas and Brahmas, now is the time for me to become a Buddha as requested by you. You may now take leave as you please; I will go down to the human abode to attain Buddhahood."

After delivering his pledge and bidding farewell to all Devas and Brahmas, Bodhisatta Deva Setaktu, entered Nandavana Celestial Garden accompanied by Tusita Devas.

Khuddaka Nikaya - Buddhavamsa - The Story of Hatthakalavaka of Uposatha Habit

Khuddaka Nikaya - Buddhavamsa - The Story of Hatthakalavaka of Uposatha Habit

The Great Chronicle of The Buddhas
by Mingun Sayadaw

Edited and Translated by
U Ko Lay and U Tin Lwin
Yangon, Myanmar

(a) The past aspiration of the Uposatha-habituate

The Future-Hatthakalavaka was born into a worthy family in the City of Hamsavati during the time of Padumuttara Buddha. On one occasion when he was listening to the Buddha's sermon he saw a lay disciple being designated the foremost among those lay disciples who were accomplished in the practice of the four ways of kind treatment to others*. He emulated that man, and making an extraordinary offering, he aspired to that title. The Buddha prophesied that his aspiration would be fulfilled.

(b) The last existence as Prince Alavaka.

That worthy man fared in the good destinations for the entire one hundred thousand world-cycles. During the time of Gotama Buddha he was born as Prince Alavaka, son of King Alavaka in the city of Alavi.

(In this connection, the background events beginning with the sporting expedition of King Alavaka, to the establishment in the Uposatha precepts of Prince Alavaka, his attainment of Anagami phala, and his following of five hundred lay disciples established in the Uposatha precept, have been described fully in The Great Chronicle, Volume Four. The reader is advised to refer to the relevant pages therein.)

(c) Hatthakalavaka being designated as the Foremost lay disciples.

One day Hatthakalavaka the Uposatha- habituate visited the Bhagava accompanied by five hundred lay disciples. After making obeisance to the Bhagava he sat in a suitable place. When the Bhagava saw the big following of very sedate manners that came with Hatthakalavaka, he said, "Alavaka, you have a big following; what sort of kind treatment do you extend to them?" And Hatthakalavaka replied,

"Venerable Sir,

(1) I practise charity towards those persons who would be delighted by my act of charity.

(2) I use pleasant words to those who would be delighted by pleasant words,

(3) I give necessary assistance to those who are in need of such assistance and who would be delighted by my assistance,

(4)And I treat those as my equals in respect of those who would be delighted by such treatment.

With reference to that conversation between the Bhagava and Hatthakalavaka, on another occasion, during the Bhagava's residence at the Jetavana monastery, when he was conferring titles to outstanding lay disciples, he declared:

"Bhikkhus, among my lay disciples who kindly treat their followers in four ways, Hatthakalavaka is the foremost."

(Here ends the story of Hatthakalavaka the Uposatha-Habituate.)

(Here ends the story of Hatthakalavaka)

* Four ways of kind treatment to others: Sangaha - Vatthu: Liberality, kindly speech, beneficial actions, impartiality (A. IV, 32: VIII 24).

Khuddaka Nikaya - Buddhavamsa - The story of Citta, the Householder

Khuddaka Nikaya - Buddhavamsa - The story of Citta, the Householder

The Great Chronicle of The Buddhas
by Mingun Sayadaw

Edited and Translated by
U Ko Lay and U Tin Lwin
Yangon, Myanmar

(Both Anathapindika and Citta are termed as gahapati, the English rendering being 'Householders'. In Myanmar renderings, Anathapindika is usually termed as 'thuthay' whereas Citta is usually rendered as 'thukywe' Both these Myanmar terms are synonymous)

(a) The past aspiration of the Householder.

The Future-Citta, the Householder, was born into a worthy family in the city of Hamsavati during the time of Padumuttara Buddha. On one occasion, while listening to the Buddha's discourse, he saw a certain disciple being named by the Buddha as the foremost in expounding the Doctrine The worthy man aspired to that distinction. After making an extraordinary offering, he expressed his wish that at some future existence he be designated by a Buddha as the foremost disciple in expounding the Doctrine

In his existence as son of a hunter.

That worthy man fared in the deva realm and the human realm for a hundred thousand world-cycles. During the time of Kassapa Buddha he was born as a son of a hunter. When he came of age he took up the vocation of hunter. One rainy day, he went to the forest to hunt, carrying a spear While searching for game he saw a bhikkhu sitting, with his head covered with his robe of dirt-rags, on a rock platform inside a natural cavern. He thought that must be a bhikkhu meditating. He hurried home and had two pots cooked simultaneously, one in which rice was boiled, the other, meat.

When the rice and the meat had been cooked he saw two bhikkhus coming to his house for alms-food. He invited them into his house, took their alms-bowls, and requested them to accept his offering of alms-food, out of compassion for him. Having had the two offerees seated, he left his family to see to the service of alms-food while he hurried back to the forest to offer the alms-food to the meditating bhikkhu. He carried the rice and the meat in a pot properly covered up with banana leaves. On the way he gathered various kinds of flowers and packed them in some leaves. He went to the bhikkhu in the cavern, filled his alms-bowl with the alms-food, offered it and the flowers to the bhikkhu reverentially.

Then he sat in a suitable place and said to the bhikkhu, "Just as this offering of delicious food and flowers makes me very glad, may I, in the future existences in the course of samsara be blessed with all kinds of gifts; may flowers of five hues shower down on me!" The bhikkhu saw that the donor was destined to gain sufficient merit leading to wining of magga phala and taught him in detail the method of contemplating the thirty-two aspects of parts of the body.

That son of the hunter lived a life full of good deeds and at his death he was reborn in the deva realm. There he was blessed with showers of flowers that rained down on him up to knee-deep.

(b) Discipleship in his last existence.

That worthy man fared in the fortunate destinations through out the world-cycle that intervened the appearance of the two Buddhas, and during the time of Gotama Buddha he was reborn as the son of the Rich Man in the town of Macchikasanda in the Province of Magadha. At the time of his birth flowers of five hues rained down over the whole town up to knee-deep. His parents said, "Our son has brought his own name. For he has delighted the mind of the whole town by being blessed with the wondrous floral tribute of five colours. Let us call him 'Citta'."

When young Citta came of age he got married and at the death of his father he succeeded to the office of the Rich Man of Macchikasanda. At that time the Venerable Mahanama, one of the Group of Five Ascetics came to Macchikasanda. Citta, the Householder was full of reverential adoration for the Venerable Mahanama for his serenity. He took the alms-bowl of the Venerable one, and invited him to his house for offering alms-food. After the Venerable one had finished his meal, Citta the Householder took him to his orchard, had a monastery built for him and requested him to reside there as well as to accept daily alms-food from his house. The Venerable Mahanama consented out of compassion, and seeing that the householder was destined to acquire sufficient merit leading to attainment of magga phala, used to discourse to him extensively on the six internal sense-bases and the six external sense-bases i.e., sense-objects. This subject was taught to Citta because he was a person of middling intelligence, majjhumpuggala.

As Citta the Householder had in his past existences cultivated Insight into the impermanence, woefulness (dukkha) and unsubstantiality of mind and matter which are conditioned phenomena, his present efforts at Insight-meditation led him to the Enlightenment stage of Never-Returner (Anagami). (It is not mentioned in the scriptures by which method of meditation be attained Anagami phala. However, considering his training, it might be assumed that he won Path Knowledge by meditating on the Sense-bases.)

[ Incidentally, the difference in the attainments between Citta and Anathapindika should be noted here. Anithapindika the Householder, donor of the Jetavana monastery in Savatthi was a Stream-Enterer who delighted in charity, Dana bhirata. Citta the Householder, donor of the Ambataka monastery in Macchikasanda, was a Never-Returner who delighted in charity as well as in the Dhamma-Dana bhirata, Dhammabhirata. ]

Householder Citta's delight in charity and in the Dhamma:

A few instances:

A few instances of Citta's natural delight in charity and in the Dhamma are mentioned here as recorded in the Citta Samyutta.

The first Isidatta Sutta.

At one time many bhikkhus were living at the Ambataka monastery donated by Citta the Householder in Macchikasanda. One day Citta went to the monastery and after making obeisance to the bhikkhu elders invited them to an offering of food at his home the next day. When the bhikkhu elders got seated at the prepared seats the next day Citta the Householder made obeisance, sat in a suitable place, and said to the Venerable Thera, the senior most bhikkhu present there. "Venerable Sir, 'Diversity of Elements', 'Diversity of Elements', Dhatu Nanattam it has been said. To what extent are there the diversity of Elements as taught by the Bhagava"

The Venerable Thera knew the answer but he was diffident to give a reply to the question, and the Venerable Thera remained silent. For a third time too the Venerable One kept his silence.

Then the Venerable Isidatta, the junior most bhikkhu among the bhikkhus present, thought, "bhikkhu elder Thera does not answer the question, nor ask another bhikkhu to answer. The Samgha by not answering to Citta's question, makes Citta appear as harassing. I shall save the situation by answering the Householder's question." He went near the Venerable Thera and said "Venerable Sir, may I be allowed to answer the question put by Citta." And the Venerable Thera gave him permission to do so. Then the Venerable Isidatta returned to his seat and said to Citta the Householder: "Householder, you asked the question, 'Venerable Thera, 'Diversity of Elements.' Diversity of Elements', it has been said. To what extent are there the Diversity of Elements?"

"Yes, Venerable Sir, that is so" replied Citta. "Householder, as taught by the Bhagava there are various Elements such as:

Eye-element, (Cakkhu Dhatu) Element of visual object, (Rupa Dhatu), Eye-consciousness element; (Cakkhu Vinnana Dhatu); Ear-element (Sota Dhatu), Element of sound (Sadda Dhatu), Ear-consciousness element (Sota Vinnana Dhatu), .. . p... Mind- Element (Mano Dhatu), Element of phenomena (dhamma Dhatu), Mind-consciousness element (Mano Vinnana Dhatu). Householder, these are the various Elements, Nanatta Dhatu as taught by the Bhagava."

Citta the Householder was satisfied with the answer given by the Venerable Isidatta and personally attended on the Venerable One at the food offering. When, after finishing the meal, the bhikkhus returned to monastery, the Venerable Thera said to the Venerable Isidatta, "Friend Isidatta, you perceived the problem well, I have no such perception. Therefore, friend Isidatta, when similar questions are asked of us, you may do the answering."

The second Isidatta sutta.

On another occasion when Citta the Householder was making an offering of food to the Samgha at his place before serving the food he put this question to the Venerable Thera: "Is the world permanent or is it impermanent?" The question is characteristic of wrong views, and implies the arising or otherwise of such view. As in the previous case, the Venerable Thera did not answer although he knew it. When he kept his silence for three repeated questionings by the Householder the Venerable Isidatta obtained the elder Thera's permission to answer and replied to the questioner: "When there is the erroneous concept regarding the present body or the five aggregates, Sakkaya ditthi, wrong views arise; when there is no erroneous concept regarding the five aggregates wrong views do not arise."

Citta the Householder pursued the problem with questions as to how the erroneous concept regarding the present body of five aggregates arise, and how that concept does not arise. The Venerable Isidatta gave analytical answers to the satisfaction of the Householder (For the complete set of questions and answers the reader may see 'The Second Isidatta sutta, 1 — Citta Samyuta, Salayatana Samyuta.)

After that a conversation between Citta and the Venerable Isidatta took place as follows:

(Citta) "From which place do you come, Venerable Sir?"

(Isidatta) "I come from Avanti country."

(Citta) "Venerable Sir, in Avanti county there is a friend of mine, whom I have never met, by the name of Isidatta who had turned bhikkhu. Have you met him, Venerable Sir?"

(Isidatta) "Yes, I have, Householder"

(Citta:) "Venerable Sir, where is that bhikkhu now?"

The Venerable Isidatta did not give a reply

(Citta) "Venerable Sir, are you my friend whom I had never seen?"

(Isidatta:) "Yes, Householder"

(Citta:) "Venerable Sir, may the Venerable Isidatta be pleased to stay in Macchikasanda. The Ambataka monastery is pleasant to live in. I will see to all the four requisites (robes, alms-food, dwelling, medicines)."

(Isidatta) "Householder, you speak well (You say what is good.)" (The Venerable Isidatta said so merely to express his appreciation of the donation, but he did not say so with the intention of accepting the donation in any of the four requisites.)

Citta the Householder was delighted with the answer given by the Venerable Isidatta and personally attended on the Venerable one in making offering of alms-food. When the bhikkhus got back to the monastery, the Venerable Thera said to the Venerable Isidatta in the same words as he did previously (on the occasion of the First Isidatta Sutta.)

Then the Venerable Isidatta considered that after revealing his identify as an unseen friend of Citta the Householder before turning bhikkhu, it would not be proper for him to stay in the monastery donated by the Householder. So after tidying up his living quarters and the monastery he took his alms-bowl and great robe and left the monastery for good, never to return to the town of Macchikasanda.

At one time many bhikkhus are living at the Ambataka monastery donated by Citta the Householder in Macchikasanda. Then Citta the Householder went to the monastery and after paying respects to the Samgha he invited them to his farmyard the next day where his cows were kept. On the following day the Samgha came to his farmyard and sat in the seats prepared for them. Then the Householder personally offered milk-rice to the Samgha.

He was served the milk-rice in a gold vessel by his servants at the same time the Samgha were being served. For he was accompanying the Samgha after the meal to the monastery, he gave orders to his servants to make offerings of remaining milk-rice to suitable offerees. Then he accompanied the Samgha to their monastery.

It was scorching hot when the Samgha left the Householder farmyard. Walking in the hot sun a rich meal was a rather inconvenient thing for the Samgha. Then the Venerable Mahaka, the juniormost bhikkhu, said to the Venerable Thera, the seniormost bhikkhu, "Venerable Thera, would a cool breeze in an overcast-sky with slight rain drops he convenient for everyone?" And the Venerable Thera replied, "Friend Mahaka, a cool breeze in an overcast sky with slight rain drops would be convenient for everyone." Thereupon the Venerable Mahaka, by his powers, changed the weather, letting the cool breeze blow in an overcast sky with slight rain drops.

Citta the Householder noted this event as a marvellous power possessed by the junior bhikkhu. When they got to the monastery the Venerable Mahaka said to the Venerable Thera, "Venerable Thera, is that enough?" And the Venerable Thera replied, "Friend Mahaka, that is enough, Friend Mahaka, that is something done well, friend Mahaka, that deserves reverence." After this recognition of the Venerable Mahaka's powers, all the bhikkhus returned to their respective dwelling places (within the monastery complex)

Then, Citta the Householder requested the Venerable Mahaka to display his miraculous powers. The Venerable One said, "In that case, Householder, spread your cloak at the door-step to my monastery. Put a pile of grass from the bundle of grass on the cloak." The Householder did as was required of him. Then the Venerable Mahaka entered the monastery, bolted the door from inside and sent out flames through the keyhole and through the edges of the door. The flames burned up the grass but the cloak remained unburnt. Then, Citta the Householder picked up his cloak and, awe-struck and gooseflash forming on his skin, he sat in a suitable place.

Thereafter, the Venerable Mahaka came out of the monastery said to Citta the Householder, "Householder, is that enough?" Citta replied, "Venerable Mahaka, that is enough. Venerable Mahaka, that is something accomplished. Venerable Mahaka, that deserves reverence. "Venerable Mahaka, may the Venerable Mahaka be pleased to stay in Macchikasanda. The Ambataka monastery is pleasant to live in. I will see to the four requisites (robes, alms-food, dwelling, medicines)"

The Venerable Mahaka said, "Householder, you say what is good."

However, Venerable Mahaka considered that it would not be proper for him to stay at the Ambataka monastery. So after tidying up his living quarters and the monastery, he took his alms-bowl and big robe and left the place for good.

[ In the above two suttas, Citta the Householder had great reverence and admiration for the Venerable Isidatta and the Venerable Mahaka in donating his monastic complex to the two bhikkhus. However, from the point of view of the bhikkhus, the four requisites they had been donated with were flawed because they amounted to rewards for their actions — Isidatta for expounding the Dhamma, and Mahaka for displaying miraculous power. Hence, out of regard for the bhikkhu rules of conduct, they left the place for good (The Commentary and the Sub-Commentary are silent on this point. ]

We have chosen these three suttas, the two Isidatta suttas and the Mahakapatihariya as examples of how Citta the Householder cherished the Dhamma The reader is earnestly advised to go through the suttas in the Citta Samyutta, Salayatana Samyutta .]

One day the two Chief Disciples accompanied by a thousand bhikkhu disciples paid a visit to the Ambataka monastery. (At that time the Venerable Sudhamma was the Abbot of the monastery.) Citta the Householder, donor of the monastery, made magnificent preparations to honour the visiting Samgha (without consulting the Venerable Sudhamma). The Venerable Sudhamma took exception to it and remarked, "There is one thing missing in this lavish array of offerings and that is sesamum cake." This was an innuendo to belittle Citta the Householder whose family in the earlier generation consisted of a seller of sesamum cakes.

Citta made a suitably rude response in vulgar language to the sarcastic remark of the Abbot who was touched to the quick and took the matter to the Bhagava. After listening to the Bhagava's admonition, the Abbot Venerable Suddhamma made amends to Citta the Householder. Then, staying at the Ambataka monastery, and practising the Dhamma, the Venerable Sudhamma gained Insight and attained Arahatship (This is as mentioned in the Commentary on the Anguttara Nikaya For details see the Commentary on the Dhammapada, Book One, and Vinaya Culavagga, 4- Patisaraniya kamma.)

Citta's Pilgrimage to the Buddha.

(The following account is taken from the Commentary on the Dhammapada.)

When the Venerable Sudhamma attained Arahatship Citta the Householder reflected thus "I have become a Never-Returner. But my stages of Enlightenment from Sotapatti phala to Anagami phala had been attained without even meeting with the Bhagava. It behoves me to go and see the Buddha now." He had five hundred carts fully laden with provisions such as sesamum, rice, ghee, molasses, honey, clothing, etc., for the long journey to Savatthi. He made a public invitation to the populace in Macchikasanda that anyone, bhikkhu, bhikkhuni, lay disciple or lay female disciple, might, if they wished, join him on a pilgrimage to the Buddha and that he would see to every need of the pilgrims. And in response to his invitation, there were five hundred bhikkhus, five hundred bhikkhunis, five hundred lay disciples and five hundred lay female disciples who joined him on the pilgrimage.

The two thousand pilgrims who joined Citta the Householder plus the one thousand of his entourage, totalling three thousand, were well provided for the thirty-yojana journey. However, at every yojana of his camping on the way devas welcomed them with temporary shelter and celestial food such as gruel, eatables, cooked rice and beverages and every one of the three thousand pilgrims was attended on to his satisfaction.

By travelling a yojana a day, meeting with the devas' hospitality at every step, the pilgrims reached Savatthi after a month. The provisions carried along in five hundred carts remained intact. They even had surfeit of provisions offered by the devas and human beings along the way which they donated to other persons

On the day when the pilgrims were due to arrive in Savatthi the Buddha said to the Venerable Ananda. "Ananda, this evening Citta the Householder accompanied by five hundred lay disciples will be paying homage to me."

Ananda asked, "Venerable Sir, are there miracles to happen then?"

"Yes, Ananda, there will be miracles"

"In what manner will they happen, Venerable Sir?"

"Ananda, when he comes to me, there will rain a thick floral tribute of five hues that will rise to knee-deep over an area of eight karisas."( 1 karisa: a measure of land equivalent to 1.75 acres. )

This dialogue between Buddha and the Venerable Ananda aroused the curiosity of the citizens of Savatthi. People passed on the exciting news of Citta's arrival, saying, "A person of great past merit by the name of Citta, a householder, is coming to town. Miracles are going to happen! He is arriving today! We will not miss the opportunity of seeing such a great person." They awaited on both sides of the road the visitor and his friends were coming by, ready with presents.

When the pilgrim party got near the Jetavana monastery the five hundred bhikkhus of the party came first. Citta told the five hundred lay female disciples to stay behind, and follow later and went to the Bhagava accompanied by five hundred lay disciples. (It should be noted that disciples paying homage to the Buddha were not an unruly crowd but well-disciplined; whether sitting or standing, they left a passage way for the Buddha to come to his raised platform, and they would remain motionless and silent on either side of the aisle.)

Citta the Householder now approached the aisle between a huge gathering of devotees. Whichever direction the Ariya disciple who had been established in the Fruition of the three lower Paths glanced, the people murmured, "That is Citta the Householder!" He made a thrilling object in that big gathering. Sutta the Householder drew close to the Bhagava and he was enveloped by the six Buddha-rays. He stroke the Bhagava ankles with great reverence and vigour and then the floral tribute of five colours described earlier rained. People cheered enthusiastically loud and long.

Citta the Householder spent one whole month in close attendance on the Buddha During that time he made a special request to the Buddha and the Samgha not to go out for alms-food, but to accept his offerings at the monastery. All the pilgrims that had accompanied him also were taken care of in every aspect. In this month-long stay at the Jetavana monastery none of his original provisions needed to be used to feed everyone, for devas and men made all sorts of gifts to Citta the Householder.

At the end of one month Citta the Householder made obeisance to the Buddha and said "Venerable Sir, I came with the intention of making offerings of my own property to the Bhagava. I spent one month on the way and another month here in the Jetavana monastery. Still I have had no opportunity to offer my own property, for I have been blessed with all sorts of gifts from devas and men. It would seem that even if I were to stay here a year, I still may not have the chance to make offerings of my own property It is my wish to deposit all my property I have brought here in this monastery for the benefit of the Samgha. May the Bhagava be pleased to show me the place to do so.

The Buddha asked the Venerable Ananda to find a suitable place for depositing Citta's provisions; there the five-hundred cart-loads of provisions were deposited and offered to the Samgha: Then Citta the Householder returned to Macchikasanda with the five hundred empty carts, people and devas, seeing the empty carts, remarked in mild rebuke "O, Citta, had you done such deeds in the past as would lead to your going about with empty carts?" Then they loaded his empty carts to the full with seven kinds of treasures. Citta also received sufficient gifts of all kinds with which he catered to the needs of the pilgrims till he reached Macchikasanda in ease and comfort

The Venerable Ananda paid his obeisance to the Bhagava and said:

"Venerable Sir, Citta the Householder took one month coming to Savatthi, and spent another month at the Jetavana monastery. During this period he had made great offerings with gifts received from devas and men. He had emptied his five hundred carts of all provisions he had brought, and he was returning to his place with empty carts." However, people and devas who saw the empty carts said to them in mild rebuke "Citta, you had done such deeds in the past as would lead to your going about with empty carts7" And they are said to have filled Citta's five hundred carts with seven kinds of treasures. And Citta is said to get home comfortably, looking after the needs of his companions with gifts received from devas and men.

"Venerable Sir, may I be allowed to ask a question: Does Citta meet with such abundance of honour and tribute only because he was on a pilgrimage to the Buddha? Would he meet the same kind of honour and tribute if he were to go elsewhere?"

The Bhagava said to the Venerable Ananda: "Ananda, Citta the Householder will receive the same kind of honour and tributes whether he comes to me or goes elsewhere. This is indeed so, Ananda because Citta the Householder had been one who had firm conviction about Kamma and its consequences both in the mundane aspect and the Supramundane aspect. Further, he had been fully convinced about the Supramundane benefits that the Triple Gem are capable of. For a person of such nature honour and tribute lines his path wherever he goes.''

The Bhagava further uttered this verse: (translation in prose):

"(Ananda,) the Ariya disciple who is endowed with conviction (regarding the mundane and the Supramundane aspects) of one's own actions and morality, and is possessed of following and wealth, is held in reverence (by men and devas) wherever he goes" (Dh, V 303).

At the end of the discourse many hearers attained Path-Knowledge such as Stream-Entry, etc.

(c) Citta designated as the foremost lay disciple.

From that time onwards Citta the Householder went about accompanied by five hundred Ariya lay disciples. On another occasion when the Buddha conferred distinguished titles to lay disciples according to their merit, he declared with reference to the discourses made by Citta as recorded in the Cula vagga of Salayatana samyutta:

"Bhikkhus, among my lay disciples who are exponents of the Dhamma, Citta the Householder is the foremost"

(The proficiency of Citta in expounding the Dhamma may be gleaned from Salyatana vagga Samyutta, 7- Citta samyutta, 1- Samyojana Samyutta, and 5- Pathana kamabhu sutta)

The Gilanadassana Sutta, an example of Householder Citta's discourse given even on his deathbed.

As became an Anagami ariya who was the foremost expounder of the Dhamma among lay disciples, Citta the Householder gave a discourse even on his deathbed. This story is given in Gilanadassana Samyutta in Citta Samyutta.

Once Citta the Householder was terminally ill. Then many devas who were guardians of the Householder's premises, guardians of the forest, guardians of certain trees and guardians who had power over herbs and deified trees, (because of huge proportions), assembled before him and said to him, "Householder, now make a wish saying, 'May I be reborn as the Universal Monarch when I die". Citta the Householder replied to them, "Being a universal Monarch is impermanent in nature, unstable in nature. It is something that one must leave behind at last."

His relatives and friends by his bedside thought he was uttering those strange words in a fit of delirium and said to him, "Lord, be careful. Do not talk absent-mindedly"

Citta the Householder said to them, "You say, 'Lord be careful. Do not talk absent-mindedly. With respect to what words of mine do you say so?" And the relatives and friends said, "Lord, you were saying, Being a Universal Monarch is impermanent in nature, unstable in nature. It is something that one must leave behind at last."'

Citta the Householder then said to them, "O men, devas who are guardians of my premises, guardians of the forest, guardians of trees, guardians who have power over herbs and defied trees, came and said to me, 'Householder, now make a wish saying, May I be reborn as the universal Monarch when I die' So I told them, "Being a Universal Monarch is impermanent in nature, unstable in nature It is something one must leave behind at last' I was' not saying these words absent-mindedly"

Thereupon Citta's friend and relatives said to him, "Lord, what advantages did these devas see in advising you to wish for rebirth as Universal Monarch?"

Citta replied: "O men, those devas thought, that this Householder Citta has morality, has clean conduct, if he would wish for it he could easily have his wish fulfilled. One who is righteous can see benefits accruing to the righteous.' This was the advantage they saw in advising me to wish for rebirth as a Universal Monarch I replied to them, "Being a Universal Monarch is impermanent in nature, unstable in nature. It is something one must leave behind at last.' I was not saying these words absent-mindedly"

The friends and relatives of Citta the Householder then asked him, "In that case, Lord, give us some admonition" And Citta made his last discourse thus:

"In that case, friend and relatives, you should practise with the resolve, 'We will have perfect confidence in the Buddha, reflecting that:

1. The Buddha is called Araham because he is worthy of homage by the greatest of men, devas and brahmas;

2. The Buddha is called Sammasambuddha because he knows all things fundamentally and truly by his own perfect wisdom;

3. The Buddha is called Vijjacaranasampanna because he is endowed with supreme Knowledge and perfect practice of morality;

4. The Buddha is called Sugata because he speaks only what is beneficial and true,

5. The Buddha is called Lokavidubecause he knows all the three worlds;

6. The Buddha is called Annuttropurisa dammasarathi because he is incomparable in taming those who deserve to be tamed;

7. The Buddha is called Satthadeva manussana because he is the Teacher of devas and men;

8. The Buddha is called Buddha because he makes known the Four Ariya Truths;

9. The Buddha is called Bhagavabecause he is endowed with the six great qualities of glory.

'We will have perfect confidence in the Dhamma reflecting that:

1. The Teaching of the Bhagavi, the Dhamma, is well expounded;

2. Its Truths are personally appreciable;

3. It is not delayed in its results;

4. It can stand investigation;

5. It is worthy of being perpetually borne in mind;

6. Its Truths can be realized by the Ariyas individually by their own effort and practice.

We will have perfect confidence in the Samgha reflecting that:

1. The eight categories of Ariya disciples of the Bhagava, the Samgha, are endowed with the noble practice,

2. They are endowed with straightforward uprightness;

3. They are endowed with right conduct;

4. They are endowed with the correctness in practice deserving reverence;

(Being thus endowed with these four attributes-)

5. The eight categories of ariya disciples of the Bhagava consisting of four pairs are worthy of receiving offerings brought even from afar,

6. They are worthy of receiving offerings specially set aside for guests.

7. They are worthy of receiving offerings made for the sake of acquiring great merit for the hereafter;

8. They are worthy of receiving obeisance;

9. They are the incomparable fertile field for all to sow the seed of merit;

And also you should practice with the resolve, "We shall always lay everything we have to be at the disposal of donees who have morality and who conduct themselves well.'

Citta the Householder then made his friends and relatives to be established in the routine of paying reverence to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Samgha and in charity. With those last words he expired.

(The scriptures do not specifically say in which realm Citta the Householder was reborn, but since he is an Anagami he is presumed to be reborn in one of the fifteen Brahma realms of the Fine Material Sphere outside of the Non-material Sphere, most probably in the Pure Abodes Suddha vasa Brahma realm)

(Here ends the story of Citta the Householder.)