[28. Uttiya]

On CChandabhāgā River’s bank
I was a crocodile back then.
Being engaged in getting food
I went up to the river bank. (1) [983]

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

When the Sambuddha had arrived
I also approached that [same] place.
Having approached I [then] uttered
these [kind] words to the Sambuddha: (3) [985]

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

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

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

After falling from that body
I went on to the world of gods.
Surrounded by celestial nymphs
I enjoyed [much] divine pleasure. (6) [989]

Seven times as the king of gods
I exercised divine rule [there].
Three times as a wheel-turning king
I was the lord of the [whole] earth. (7) [990]

Binding [myself] to solitude,
I am clever and self-controlled.
I’m [now] bearing [my] last body,
in the Sambuddha’s [great] teaching. (8) [991]

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

The four analytical modes,
and these eight deliverances,
six special knowledges mastered,
[I have] done what the Buddha taught! (9) [993]

Thus indeed Venerable Uttiya Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Uttiya Thera is finished.