[262. Telamakkhiya1]

When Siddhattha, the Blessed One,
the Bull Among Men passed away,2
for all time I smeared oil upon
the railing at his Bodhi [tree]. (1) [2545]

In the ninety-four aeons since
I smeared oil [on the railing] then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that is the fruit of smearing [oil]. (2) [2546]

In the twenty-fourth aeon hence
I’m the ruler3 named Succhchavi,4
a wheel-turning king with great strength,
possessor of the seven gems. (3) [2547]

The four analytical modes,
and these eight deliverances;
six special knowledges mastered:
[I have] done what the Buddha taught! (4) [2548]

Thus indeed Venerable Telamakkhiya Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Telamakkhiya Thera is finished.


  1. “Oil-Smearer”

  2. lit., “reached nirvana”

  3. lit., “kṣatriyan”

  4. “Having Lovely Skin,” used in D (iii.159) and J (v.215; vi.269) according to RD