Hatthi Chapter, the Twenty-Second

[211. Hatthidāyaka1]

I gifted a fine elephant,
with tusks like plough-poles, fully grown,
to Siddhattha, the Blessed One,
Lord of Bipeds, the Neutral One. (1) [2319]

I grasp the ultimate meaning,
the unsurpassed pathway to peace.
I gave a very costly gift
to the Well-Wisher of All Worlds.2 (2) [2320]

In the ninety-four aeons since
I gave [him] that gift at that time,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
the fruit of giving elephants. (3) [2321]

In the seventy-eighth aeon
there were sixteen of royal caste,3
named Samantapāsādika,4
wheel-turning monarchs with great strength. (4) [2322]

The four analytical modes,
and these eight deliverances,
six special knowledges mastered,
[I have] done what the Buddha taught! (5) [2323]

Thus indeed Venerable Hatthidāyaka Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Hatthidāyaka Thera is finished.


  1. “Elephant Donor”

  2. sabbalokahitesino

  3. lit., kṣatriyans, kings

  4. “Pleasing on All Sides”