[38. Āyāgadāyaka1]

When the World’s Protector had died,
Sikhi [Buddha], Best Debater,
I worshipped his superb stupa,
happy, [and] with a happy heart. (1) [1096]

Having spoken with the workmen
I provided the capital;2
I constructed an eating hall,
happy, [and] with a happy heart. (2) [1097]

[After that] I lived among gods
for eight aeons without a break.
In the remaining aeons I
transmigrated in a mixture.3 (3) [1098]

Poisons don’t enter my body,
enemies are not hurting me,
I do not sink down in water:
that’s the fruit of an eating hall. (4) [1099]

A massive cloud rains [heavy] rain
whenever I [may] wish [for it].
Even gods4 visit my dwelling;
that is the fruit of good karma. (5) [1100]

Thirty times as wheel-turning kings,
possessors of the seven gems;
no one at all despises me:
that is the fruit of good karma. (6) [1101]

In the thirty-one aeons since
I had that hall for eating made,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of an eating hall. (7) [1102]

The four analytical modes,
and these eight deliverances,
six special knowledges mastered,
[I have] done what the Buddha taught! (8) [1103]

Thus indeed Venerable Āyāgadāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Āyāgadāyaka Thera is finished.


  1. cty defines āyāga as a dighaṃ bhojanasālaṃ or “long eating-hall,” thus the name would mean “Eating-Hall-Giver”.

  2. lit., “root,” mūla.

  3. i.e., in a mixture of human and divine worlds.

  4. or “kings,” devā.