[153. Vīthisammajjaka1]

[I saw] the World-Chief setting out
like the rising hundred-rayed [sun],
like the [mid-day] yellow-rayed sun,
like the moon2 on the fifteenth [day].3(1) [2007]

There were sixty-eight thousand [monks],
who’d all destroyed the defilements,
surrounding the Sambuddha [then],
the Biped-Lord, the Bull of Men. (2) [2008]

After I had swept that road for
the World-Leader, the Charioteer,
I [then] raised up a banner there,
with a mind that was very clear. (3) [2009]

In the ninety-one aeons since
I offered that banner [to him,]
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of giving banners. (4) [2010]

In the fourth aeon [after that]
I was a king with great power,
who was famous as Sudhaja4
and was endowed with every sign. (5) [2011]

The four analytical modes,
and these eight deliverances,
six special knowledges mastered,
[I have] done what the Buddha taught! (6) [2012]

Thus indeed Venerable Vīthisammajjaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Vīthisammajjaka Thera is finished.


  1. “Road-Sweeper”

  2. reading cchandaṃ (BJTS) for tad-āhu (“that was,” PTS)

  3. the fifteenth day of the lunar month, when it is full.

  4. “Good Banner.” This reading of the name follows BJTS. PTS reads “by the name Vissuta”.