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Long Discourses 30 – Dīgha Nikāya 30
DN 30 The Marks of a Great Man – Lakkhaṇasutta
[Summary]
So I have heard.
Evaṁ me sutaṁ—
At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery.
ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme.
There the Buddha addressed the bhikkhū,
Tatra kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi:
“Bhikkhū!”
“bhikkhavo”ti.
“Venerable sir,” they replied.
“Bhaddante”ti te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṁ.
The Buddha said this:
Bhagavā etadavoca:
“There are thirty-two marks of a great man. A great man who possesses these has only two possible destinies, no other.
“Dvattiṁsimāni, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni, yehi samannāgatassa mahāpurisassa dveva gatiyo bhavanti anaññā.
If he stays at home he becomes a king, a wheel-turning monarch, a just and principled king. His dominion extends to all four sides, he achieves stability in the country, and he possesses the seven treasures.
Sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī dhammiko dhammarājā cāturanto vijitāvī janapadatthāvariyappatto sattaratanasamannāgato.
He has the following seven treasures:
Tassimāni satta ratanāni bhavanti;
the wheel, the elephant, the horse, the jewel, the woman, the treasurer, and the counselor as the seventh treasure.
Seyyathidaṁ—cakkaratanaṁ hatthiratanaṁ assaratanaṁ maṇiratanaṁ itthiratanaṁ gahapatiratanaṁ pariṇāyakaratanameva sattamaṁ.
He has over a thousand sons who are valiant and heroic, crushing the armies of his enemies.
Parosahassaṁ kho panassa puttā bhavanti sūrā vīraṅgarūpā parasenappamaddanā.
After conquering this land girt by sea, he reigns by principle, without rod or sword.
So imaṁ pathaviṁ sāgarapariyantaṁ adaṇḍena asatthena dhammena abhivijiya ajjhāvasati.
But if he goes forth from the lay life to homelessness, he becomes a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha, who draws back the veil from the world.
Sace kho pana agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati, arahaṁ hoti sammāsambuddho loke vivaṭṭacchado.
And what are the thirty-two marks?
Katamāni ca tāni, bhikkhave, dvattiṁsa mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni, yehi samannāgatassa mahāpurisassa dveva gatiyo bhavanti anaññā?
Sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
sace kho pana agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati, arahaṁ hoti sammāsambuddho loke vivaṭṭacchado.
He has well-planted feet.
Idha, bhikkhave, mahāpuriso suppatiṭṭhitapādo hoti. Yampi, bhikkhave, mahāpuriso suppatiṭṭhitapādo hoti, idampi, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ bhavati.
On the soles of his feet there are thousand-spoked wheels, with rims and hubs, complete in every detail.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa heṭṭhāpādatalesu cakkāni jātāni honti sahassārāni sanemikāni sanābhikāni sabbākāraparipūrāni. Yampi, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa heṭṭhāpādatalesu cakkāni jātāni honti sahassārāni sanemikāni sanābhikāni sabbākāraparipūrāni, idampi, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ bhavati.
He has projecting heels.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, mahāpuriso āyatapaṇhi hoti …pe…
He has long fingers.
dīghaṅguli hoti …
His hands and feet are tender.
mudutalunahatthapādo hoti …
His hands and feet cling gracefully.
jālahatthapādo hoti …
His feet are arched.
ussaṅkhapādo hoti …
His calves are like those of an antelope.
eṇijaṅgho hoti …
When standing upright and not bending over, the palms of both hands touch the knees.
ṭhitakova anonamanto ubhohi pāṇitalehi jaṇṇukāni parimasati parimajjati …
His private parts are covered in a foreskin.
kosohitavatthaguyho hoti …
He is gold colored; his skin has a golden sheen.
suvaṇṇavaṇṇo hoti kañcanasannibhattaco …
He has delicate skin, so delicate that dust and dirt don’t stick to his body.
sukhumacchavi hoti, sukhumattā chaviyā rajojallaṁ kāye na upalimpati …
His hairs grow one per pore.
ekekalomo hoti, ekekāni lomāni lomakūpesu jātāni …
His hairs stand up; they’re blue-black and curl clockwise.
uddhaggalomo hoti, uddhaggāni lomāni jātāni nīlāni añjanavaṇṇāni kuṇḍalāvaṭṭāni dakkhiṇāvaṭṭakajātāni …
His body is as straight as Brahmā’s.
brahmujugatto hoti …
He has bulging muscles in seven places.
sattussado hoti …
His chest is like that of a lion.
sīhapubbaddhakāyo hoti …
The gap between the shoulder-blades is filled in.
citantaraṁso hoti …
He has the proportional circumference of a banyan tree: the span of his arms equals the height of his body.
nigrodhaparimaṇḍalo hoti, yāvatakvassa kāyo tāvatakvassa byāmo yāvatakvassa byāmo tāvatakvassa kāyo …
His torso is cylindrical.
samavaṭṭakkhandho hoti …
He has an excellent sense of taste.
rasaggasaggī hoti …
His jaw is like that of a lion.
sīhahanu hoti …
He has forty teeth.
cattālīsadanto hoti …
His teeth are even.
samadanto hoti …
His teeth have no gaps.
aviraḷadanto hoti …
His teeth are perfectly white.
susukkadāṭho hoti …
He has a large tongue.
pahūtajivho hoti …
He has the voice of Brahmā, like a cuckoo’s call.
brahmassaro hoti karavīkabhāṇī …
His eyes are deep blue.
abhinīlanetto hoti …
He has eyelashes like a cow’s.
gopakhumo hoti …
Between his eyebrows there grows a tuft, soft and white like cotton-wool.
uṇṇā bhamukantare jātā hoti, odātā mudutūlasannibhā. Yampi, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa uṇṇā bhamukantare jātā hoti, odātā mudutūlasannibhā, idampi, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ bhavati.
His head is shaped like a turban.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, mahāpuriso uṇhīsasīso hoti. Yampi, bhikkhave, mahāpuriso uṇhīsasīso hoti, idampi, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ bhavati.
These are the thirty-two marks of a great man. A great man who possesses these has only two possible destinies, no other.
Imāni kho tāni, bhikkhave, dvattiṁsa mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni, yehi samannāgatassa mahāpurisassa dveva gatiyo bhavanti anaññā.
Sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
sace kho pana agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati, arahaṁ hoti sammāsambuddho loke vivaṭṭacchado.
Seers who are outsiders remember these marks, but they do not know
Imāni kho, bhikkhave, dvattiṁsa mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni bāhirakāpi isayo dhārenti, no ca kho te jānanti:
the specific deeds performed in the past to obtain each mark.
‘imassa kammassa kaṭattā idaṁ lakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhatī’ti.
1. Well-Planted Feet
1. Suppatiṭṭhitapādatālakkhaṇaṁ
In some past lives, past existences, past abodes the Realized One was reborn as a human being. He firmly undertook and persisted in skillful behaviors such as good conduct by way of body, speech, and mind, giving and sharing, taking precepts, observing the sabbath, paying due respect to mother and father, ascetics and brahmins, honoring the elders in the family, and various other things pertaining to skillful behaviors.
Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno daḷhasamādāno ahosi kusalesu dhammesu, avatthitasamādāno kāyasucarite vacīsucarite manosucarite dānasaṁvibhāge sīlasamādāne uposathupavāse matteyyatāya petteyyatāya sāmaññatāya brahmaññatāya kule jeṭṭhāpacāyitāya aññataraññataresu ca adhikusalesu dhammesu.
Due to performing, accumulating, heaping up, and amassing those deeds, when his body broke up, after death, he was reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā upacitattā ussannattā vipulattā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjati.
There he surpassed the other gods in ten respects: divine life span, beauty, happiness, glory, sovereignty, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches.
So tattha aññe deve dasahi ṭhānehi adhiggaṇhāti dibbena āyunā dibbena vaṇṇena dibbena sukhena dibbena yasena dibbena ādhipateyyena dibbehi rūpehi dibbehi saddehi dibbehi gandhehi dibbehi rasehi dibbehi phoṭṭhabbehi.
When he passed away from there and came back to this state of existence he obtained this mark of a great man:
So tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati.
he has well-planted feet.
Suppatiṭṭhitapādo hoti.
He places his foot on the ground evenly, raises it evenly, and touches the ground evenly with the whole sole of his foot.
Samaṁ pādaṁ bhūmiyaṁ nikkhipati, samaṁ uddharati, samaṁ sabbāvantehi pādatalehi bhūmiṁ phusati.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī dhammiko dhammarājā cāturanto vijitāvī janapadatthāvariyappatto sattaratanasamannāgato.
He has the following seven treasures:
Tassimāni satta ratanāni bhavanti;
the wheel, the elephant, the horse, the jewel, the woman, the treasurer, and the counselor as the seventh treasure.
Seyyathidaṁ—cakkaratanaṁ hatthiratanaṁ assaratanaṁ maṇiratanaṁ itthiratanaṁ gahapatiratanaṁ pariṇāyakaratanameva sattamaṁ.
He has over a thousand sons who are valiant and heroic, crushing the armies of his enemies.
Parosahassaṁ kho panassa puttā bhavanti sūrā vīraṅgarūpā parasenappamaddanā.
After conquering this land girt by sea—free of harassment by bandits, successful and prosperous, safe, blessed, and untroubled—he reigns by principle, without rod or sword.
So imaṁ pathaviṁ sāgarapariyantaṁ akhilamanimittamakaṇṭakaṁ iddhaṁ phītaṁ khemaṁ sivaṁ nirabbudaṁ adaṇḍena asatthena dhammena abhivijiya ajjhāvasati.
And what does he obtain as king?
Rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He can’t be stopped by any human foe or enemy.
Akkhambhiyo hoti kenaci manussabhūtena paccatthikena paccāmittena.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati.
But if he goes forth from the lay life to homelessness, he becomes a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha, who draws back the veil from the world.
Sace kho pana agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati, arahaṁ hoti sammāsambuddho loke vivaṭṭacchado.
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
Buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He can’t be stopped by any foe or enemy whether internal or external; nor by greed, hate, or delusion; nor by any ascetic or brahmin or god or Māra or Brahmā or by anyone in the world.
Akkhambhiyo hoti abbhantarehi vā bāhirehi vā paccatthikehi paccāmittehi rāgena vā dosena vā mohena vā samaṇena vā brāhmaṇena vā devena vā mārena vā brahmunā vā kenaci vā lokasmiṁ.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“Truth, principle, self-control, and restraint;
“Sacce ca dhamme ca dame ca saṁyame,
purity, precepts, and observing the sabbath;
Soceyyasīlālayuposathesu ca;
giving, harmlessness, delighting in non-violence—
Dāne ahiṁsāya asāhase rato,
firmly undertaking these things, he lived accordingly.
Daḷhaṁ samādāya samattamācari.
By means of these deeds he went to heaven,
So tena kammena divaṁ samakkami,
where he enjoyed happiness and merriment.
Sukhañca khiḍḍāratiyo ca anvabhi;
After passing away from there to here,
Tato cavitvā punarāgato idha,
he steps evenly on this rich earth.
Samehi pādehi phusī vasundharaṁ.
The gathered soothsayers predicted
Byākaṁsu veyyañjanikā samāgatā,
that there is no stopping one of such even tread,
Samappatiṭṭhassa na hoti khambhanā;
as householder or renunciate.
Gihissa vā pabbajitassa vā puna,
That’s the meaning shown by this mark.
Taṁ lakkhaṇaṁ bhavati tadatthajotakaṁ.
While living at home he cannot be stopped,
Akkhambhiyo hoti agāramāvasaṁ,
he defeats his foes, and cannot be beaten.
Parābhibhū sattubhi nappamaddano;
Due to the fruit of that deed,
Manussabhūtenidha hoti kenaci,
he cannot be stopped by any human.
Akkhambhiyo tassa phalena kammuno.
But if he chooses the life gone forth,
Sace ca pabbajjamupeti tādiso,
seeing clearly, loving renunciation,
Nekkhammachandābhirato vicakkhaṇo;
not even the best can hope to stop him;
Aggo na so gacchati jātu khambhanaṁ,
this is the nature of the supreme person.”
Naruttamo esa hi tassa dhammatā”ti.
2. Wheels on the Feet
2. Pādatalacakkalakkhaṇaṁ
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He brought happiness to many people, eliminating threats, terror, and danger, providing just protection and security, and giving gifts with all the trimmings.
bahujanassa sukhāvaho ahosi, ubbegauttāsabhayaṁ apanuditā, dhammikañca rakkhāvaraṇaguttiṁ saṁvidhātā, saparivārañca dānaṁ adāsi.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā upacitattā ussannattā vipulattā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjati …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained this mark:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati.
on the soles of his feet there are thousand-spoked wheels, with rims and hubs, complete in every detail and well divided inside.
Heṭṭhāpādatalesu cakkāni jātāni honti sahassārāni sanemikāni sanābhikāni sabbākāraparipūrāni suvibhattantarāni.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He has a large following
Mahāparivāro hoti;
of brahmins and householders, people of town and country, treasury officials, military officers, guardsmen, ministers, counselors, rulers, tax beneficiaries, and princes.
mahāssa honti parivārā brāhmaṇagahapatikā negamajānapadā gaṇakamahāmattā anīkaṭṭhā dovārikā amaccā pārisajjā rājāno bhogiyā kumārā.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati.
But if he goes forth from the lay life to homelessness, he becomes a fully awakened Buddha.
Sace kho pana agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati, arahaṁ hoti sammāsambuddho loke vivaṭṭacchado.
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
Buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He has a large following
Mahāparivāro hoti;
of monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, gods, humans, demons, dragons, and fairies.
mahāssa honti parivārā bhikkhū bhikkhuniyo upāsakā upāsikāyo devā manussā asurā nāgā gandhabbā.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“In olden days, in past lives,
“Pure puratthā purimāsu jātisu,
he brought happiness to many people,
Manussabhūto bahunaṁ sukhāvaho;
ridding them of fear, terror, and danger,
Ubbhegauttāsabhayāpanūdano,
eagerly guarding and protecting them.
Guttīsu rakkhāvaraṇesu ussuko.
By means of these deeds he went to heaven,
So tena kammena divaṁ samakkami,
where he enjoyed happiness and merriment.
Sukhañca khiḍḍāratiyo ca anvabhi;
After passing away from there to here,
Tato cavitvā punarāgato idha,
wheels on his two feet are found,
Cakkāni pādesu duvesu vindati.
all rimmed around and thousand-spoked.
Samantanemīni sahassarāni ca,
The gathered soothsayers predicted,
Byākaṁsu veyyañjanikā samāgatā;
seeing the prince with the hundred-fold mark of merits,
Disvā kumāraṁ satapuññalakkhaṇaṁ,
that he’d have a following, subduing foes,
Parivāravā hessati sattumaddano.
which is why he has wheels all rimmed around.
Tathā hi cakkāni samantanemini,
If he doesn’t choose the life gone forth,
Sace na pabbajjamupeti tādiso;
he’ll roll the wheel and rule the land.
Vatteti cakkaṁ pathaviṁ pasāsati,
The aristocrats will be his vassals,
Tassānuyantādha bhavanti khattiyā.
flocking to his glory.
Mahāyasaṁ samparivārayanti naṁ,
But if he chooses the life gone forth,
Sace ca pabbajjamupeti tādiso;
seeing clearly, loving renunciation,
Nekkhammachandābhirato vicakkhaṇo,
the gods, humans, demons, Sakka, and monsters;
Devā manussāsurasakkarakkhasā.
fairies and dragons, birds and beasts,
Gandhabbanāgā vihagā catuppadā,
will flock to his glory,
Anuttaraṁ devamanussapūjitaṁ;
the supreme, honored by gods and humans.”
Mahāyasaṁ samparivārayanti nan”ti.
3–5. Projecting Heels, Etc.
3–5. Āyatapaṇhitāditilakkhaṇaṁ
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He gave up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. He was scrupulous and kind, living full of compassion for all living beings.
pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭivirato ahosi nihitadaṇḍo nihitasattho lajjī dayāpanno, sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampī vihāsi.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā upacitattā ussannattā vipulattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained these three marks:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni tīṇi mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati.
he has projecting heels, long fingers, and his body is as straight as Brahmā’s.
Āyatapaṇhi ca hoti, dīghaṅguli ca brahmujugatto ca.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He’s long-lived, preserving his life for a long time. No human foe or enemy is able to take his life before his time.
Dīghāyuko hoti ciraṭṭhitiko, dīghamāyuṁ pāleti, na sakkā hoti antarā jīvitā voropetuṁ kenaci manussabhūtena paccatthikena paccāmittena.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He’s long-lived, preserving his life for a long time. No foes or enemies—nor any ascetic or brahmin or god or Māra or Brahmā or anyone in the world—is able to take his life before his time.
Dīghāyuko hoti ciraṭṭhitiko, dīghamāyuṁ pāleti, na sakkā hoti antarā jīvitā voropetuṁ paccatthikehi paccāmittehi samaṇena vā brāhmaṇena vā devena vā mārena vā brahmunā vā kenaci vā lokasmiṁ.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“Realizing for himself the horrors of death,
“Māraṇavadhabhayattano viditvā,
he refrained from killing other creatures.
Paṭivirato paraṁ māraṇāyahosi;
By that good conduct he went to heaven,
Tena sucaritena saggamagamā,
where he enjoyed the fruit of deeds well done.
Sukataphalavipākamanubhosi.
Passing away, on his return to here,
Caviya punaridhāgato samāno,
he obtained these three marks:
Paṭilabhati idha tīṇi lakkhaṇāni;
his projecting heels are full and long,
Bhavati vipuladīghapāsaṇhiko,
and he’s straight, beautiful, and well-formed, like Brahmā.
Brahmāva suju subho sujātagatto.
Fair of limb, youthful, of good posture and breeding,
Subhujo susu susaṇṭhito sujāto,
his fingers are soft and tender and long.
Mudutalunaṅguliyassa honti;
By these three marks of an excellent man,
Dīghā tībhi purisavaraggalakkhaṇehi,
they indicated that the prince’s life would be long:
Cirayapanāya kumāramādisanti.
‘As a householder he will live long;
Bhavati yadi gihī ciraṁ yapeti,
longer still if he goes forth, due to
Cirataraṁ pabbajati yadi tato hi;
mastery in the development of psychic power.
Yāpayati ca vasiddhibhāvanāya,
Thus this is the sign of long life.’”
Iti dīghāyukatāya taṁ nimittan”ti.
6. Seven Bulges
6. Sattussadatālakkhaṇaṁ
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He was a donor of fine and tasty foods and drinks of all kinds, delicious and scrumptious.
dātā ahosi paṇītānaṁ rasitānaṁ khādanīyānaṁ bhojanīyānaṁ sāyanīyānaṁ lehanīyānaṁ pānānaṁ.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained this mark: he has bulging muscles in seven places.
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati, sattussado hoti, sattassa ussadā honti;
He has bulges on both hands, both feet, both shoulders, and his chest.
ubhosu hatthesu ussadā honti, ubhosu pādesu ussadā honti, ubhosu aṁsakūṭesu ussadā honti, khandhe ussado hoti.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He gets fine and tasty foods and drinks of all kinds, delicious and scrumptious.
Lābhī hoti paṇītānaṁ rasitānaṁ khādanīyānaṁ bhojanīyānaṁ sāyanīyānaṁ lehanīyānaṁ pānānaṁ.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He gets fine and tasty foods and drinks of all kinds, delicious and scrumptious.
Lābhī hoti paṇītānaṁ rasitānaṁ khādanīyānaṁ bhojanīyānaṁ sāyanīyānaṁ lehanīyānaṁ pānānaṁ.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“He used to give the very best of flavors—
“Khajjabhojjamatha leyya sāyiyaṁ,
scrumptious foods of every kind.
Uttamaggarasadāyako ahu;
Because of that good deed,
Tena so sucaritena kammunā,
he rejoiced long in Nandana heaven.
Nandane ciramabhippamodati.
On returning to here, he got seven bulging muscles
Satta cussade idhādhigacchati,
and tender hands and feet are found.
Hatthapādamudutañca vindati;
The soothsayers expert in signs declared:
Āhu byañjananimittakovidā,
‘He’ll get tasty foods of all sorts
Khajjabhojjarasalābhitāya naṁ.
as a householder, that’s what that means.
Yaṁ gihissapi tadatthajotakaṁ,
But even if he goes forth he’ll get the same,
Pabbajjampi ca tadādhigacchati;
supreme in gaining tasty foods of all sorts,
Khajjabhojjarasalābhiruttamaṁ,
cutting all bonds of the lay life.’”
Āhu sabbagihibandhanacchidan”ti.
7–8. Tender and Clinging Hands
7–8. Karacaraṇamudujālatālakkhaṇāni
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He brought people together using the four ways of being inclusive:
catūhi saṅgahavatthūhi janaṁ saṅgāhako ahosi—
giving, kindly words, taking care, and equality.
dānena peyyavajjena atthacariyāya samānattatāya.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained these two marks:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni dve mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati.
his hands and feet are tender, and they cling gracefully.
Mudutalunahatthapādo ca hoti jālahatthapādo ca.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
His retinue is inclusive, cohesive, and well-managed. This includes brahmins and householders, people of town and country, treasury officials, military officers, guardsmen, ministers, counselors, rulers, tax beneficiaries, and princes.
Susaṅgahitaparijano hoti, susaṅgahitāssa honti brāhmaṇagahapatikā negamajānapadā gaṇakamahāmattā anīkaṭṭhā dovārikā amaccā pārisajjā rājāno bhogiyā kumārā.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
His retinue is inclusive, cohesive, and well-managed. This includes monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, gods, humans, demons, dragons, and fairies.
Susaṅgahitaparijano hoti, susaṅgahitāssa honti bhikkhū bhikkhuniyo upāsakā upāsikāyo devā manussā asurā nāgā gandhabbā.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“By giving and helping others,
“Dānampi catthacariyatañca,
kindly speech, and equal treatment,
Piyavāditañca samānattatañca;
such action and conduct as brought people together,
Kariyacariyasusaṅgahaṁ bahūnaṁ,
he went to heaven due to his esteemed virtue.
Anavamatena guṇena yāti saggaṁ.
Passing away, on his return to here,
Caviya punaridhāgato samāno,
the young baby prince obtained
Karacaraṇamudutañca jālino ca;
hands and feet so tender and clinging,
Atirucirasuvaggudassaneyyaṁ,
lovely, graceful, and good-looking.
Paṭilabhati daharo susu kumāro.
His retinue is loyal and manageable,
Bhavati parijanassavo vidheyyo,
staying agreeably all over this broad land.
Mahimaṁ āvasito susaṅgahito;
Speaking kindly, seeking happiness,
Piyavadū hitasukhataṁ jigīsamāno,
he practices the good qualities he’s adopted.
Abhirucitāni guṇāni ācarati.
But if he gives up all sensual enjoyments,
Yadi ca jahati sabbakāmabhogaṁ,
as victor he speaks Dhamma to the people.
Kathayati dhammakathaṁ jino janassa;
Devoted, they respond to his words;
Vacanapaṭikarassābhippasannā,
after listening, they practice in line with the teaching.”
Sutvāna dhammānudhammamācarantī”ti.
9–10. Arched Feet and Upright Hair
9–10. Ussaṅkhapāda-uddhaggalomatālakkhaṇāni
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
His speech was meaningful and principled. He educated many people, bringing welfare and happiness, offering the teaching.
atthūpasaṁhitaṁ dhammūpasaṁhitaṁ vācaṁ bhāsitā ahosi, bahujanaṁ nidaṁsesi, pāṇīnaṁ hitasukhāvaho dhammayāgī.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained these two marks:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni dve mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati.
his feet are arched and his hairs stand up.
Ussaṅkhapādo ca hoti, uddhaggalomo ca.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato, sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He is the foremost, best, chief, highest, and finest of those who enjoy sensual pleasures.
Aggo ca hoti seṭṭho ca pāmokkho ca uttamo ca pavaro ca kāmabhogīnaṁ.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He is the foremost, best, chief, highest, and finest of all sentient beings.
Aggo ca hoti seṭṭho ca pāmokkho ca uttamo ca pavaro ca sabbasattānaṁ.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“His word was meaningful and principled,
“Atthadhammasahitaṁ pure giraṁ,
moving the people with his explanations.
Erayaṁ bahujanaṁ nidaṁsayi;
He brought welfare and happiness to creatures,
Pāṇinaṁ hitasukhāvaho ahu,
unstintingly offering up teaching.
Dhammayāgamayajī amaccharī.
Because of that good deed,
Tena so sucaritena kammunā,
he advanced to heaven and there rejoiced.
Suggatiṁ vajati tattha modati;
On return to here two marks are found,
Lakkhaṇāni ca duve idhāgato,
of excellence and supremacy.
Uttamappamukhatāya vindati.
His hairs stand upright,
Ubbhamuppatitalomavā saso,
and his ankles stand out well.
Pādagaṇṭhirahu sādhusaṇṭhitā;
Swollen with flesh and blood, and wrapped in skin,
Maṁsalohitācitā tacotthatā,
they make it pretty above the feet.
Uparicaraṇasobhanā ahu.
If such a one lives in the home,
Gehamāvasati ce tathāvidho,
he turns into the best of those who enjoy sensual pleasures.
Aggataṁ vajati kāmabhoginaṁ;
There’ll be none better than him;
Tena uttaritaro na vijjati,
he’ll proceed having mastered all India.
Jambudīpamabhibhuyya iriyati.
But going forth the peerless renunciate
Pabbajampi ca anomanikkamo,
turns into the best of all creatures.
Aggataṁ vajati sabbapāṇinaṁ;
There’ll be none better than him,
Tena uttaritaro na vijjati,
he’ll live having mastered the whole world.”
Sabbalokamabhibhuyya viharatī”ti.
11. Antelope Calves
11. Eṇijaṅghalakkhaṇaṁ
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He was a thorough teacher of a profession, a branch of knowledge, conduct, or action, thinking:
sakkaccaṁ vācetā ahosi sippaṁ vā vijjaṁ vā caraṇaṁ vā kammaṁ vā:
‘How might they quickly learn and practice, without getting exhausted?’
‘kintime khippaṁ vijāneyyuṁ, khippaṁ paṭipajjeyyuṁ, na ciraṁ kilisseyyun’”ti.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained this mark:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati.
his calves are like those of an antelope.
Eṇijaṅgho hoti.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He quickly obtains the things worthy of a king, the factors, supports, and things befitting a king.
Yāni tāni rājārahāni rājaṅgāni rājūpabhogāni rājānucchavikāni tāni khippaṁ paṭilabhati.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He quickly obtains the things worthy of an ascetic, the factors, supports, and things befitting an ascetic.
Yāni tāni samaṇārahāni samaṇaṅgāni samaṇūpabhogāni samaṇānucchavikāni, tāni khippaṁ paṭilabhati.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“In professions, knowledge, conduct, and deeds,
“Sippesu vijjācaraṇesu kammesu,
he thought of how they might swiftly learn.
Kathaṁ vijāneyyuṁ lahunti icchati;
Things that harm no-one at all,
Yadūpaghātāya na hoti kassaci,
he quickly taught so they would not get tired.
Vāceti khippaṁ na ciraṁ kilissati.
Having done that skillful deed whose outcome is happiness,
Taṁ kammaṁ katvā kusalaṁ sukhudrayaṁ,
he gains prominent and elegant calves.
Jaṅghā manuññā labhate susaṇṭhitā;
Well-formed in graceful spirals,
Vaṭṭā sujātā anupubbamuggatā,
he’s covered in fine rising hairs.
Uddhaggalomā sukhumattacotthatā.
They say that person has antelope calves,
Eṇeyyajaṅghoti tamāhu puggalaṁ,
and that this is the mark of swift success.
Sampattiyā khippamidhāhu lakkhaṇaṁ;
If he desires the things of the household life,
Gehānulomāni yadābhikaṅkhati,
not going forth, they’ll quickly be his.
Apabbajaṁ khippamidhādhigacchati.
But if he chooses the life gone forth,
Sace ca pabbajjamupeti tādiso,
seeing clearly, loving renunciation,
Nekkhammachandābhirato vicakkhaṇo;
the peerless renunciate will quickly find
Anucchavikassa yadānulomikaṁ,
what is fitting and suitable.”
Taṁ vindati khippamanomavikkamo”ti.
12. Delicate Skin
12. Sukhumacchavilakkhaṇaṁ
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He approached an ascetic or brahmin and asked:
samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā upasaṅkamitvā paripucchitā ahosi:
‘Sirs, what is skillful? What is unskillful? What is blameworthy? What is blameless? What should be cultivated? What should not be cultivated? Doing what leads to my lasting harm and suffering? Doing what leads to my lasting welfare and happiness?’
‘kiṁ, bhante, kusalaṁ, kiṁ akusalaṁ, kiṁ sāvajjaṁ, kiṁ anavajjaṁ, kiṁ sevitabbaṁ, kiṁ na sevitabbaṁ, kiṁ me karīyamānaṁ dīgharattaṁ ahitāya dukkhāya assa, kiṁ vā pana me karīyamānaṁ dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāya assā’ti.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained this mark:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati.
he has delicate skin, so delicate that dust and dirt don’t stick to his body.
Sukhumacchavi hoti, sukhumattā chaviyā rajojallaṁ kāye na upalimpati.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He has great wisdom. Of those who enjoy sensual pleasures, none is his equal or better in wisdom.
Mahāpañño hoti, nāssa hoti koci paññāya sadiso vā seṭṭho vā kāmabhogīnaṁ.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He has great wisdom, widespread wisdom, laughing wisdom, swift wisdom, sharp wisdom, and penetrating wisdom. No sentient being is his equal or better in wisdom.
Mahāpañño hoti puthupañño hāsapañño javanapañño tikkhapañño nibbedhikapañño, nāssa hoti koci paññāya sadiso vā seṭṭho vā sabbasattānaṁ.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“In olden days, in past lives,
“Pure puratthā purimāsu jātisu,
eager to understand, he asked questions.
Aññātukāmo paripucchitā ahu;
Keen to learn, he waited on renunciates,
Sussūsitā pabbajitaṁ upāsitā,
heeding their explanation with pure intent.
Atthantaro atthakathaṁ nisāmayi.
Due to that deed of acquiring wisdom,
Paññāpaṭilābhagatena kammunā,
as a human being his skin is delicate.
Manussabhūto sukhumacchavī ahu;
At his birth the soothsayers expert in signs prophesied:
Byākaṁsu uppādanimittakovidā,
‘He’ll discern delicate matters.’
Sukhumāni atthāni avecca dakkhiti.
If he doesn’t choose the life gone forth,
Sace na pabbajjamupeti tādiso,
he’ll roll the wheel and rule the land.
Vatteti cakkaṁ pathaviṁ pasāsati;
Among those with material possessions who have been educated,
Atthānusiṭṭhīsu pariggahesu ca,
none equal or better than him is found.
Na tena seyyo sadiso ca vijjati.
But if he chooses the life gone forth,
Sace ca pabbajjamupeti tādiso,
seeing clearly, loving renunciation,
Nekkhammachandābhirato vicakkhaṇo;
gaining wisdom that’s supreme and eminent,
Paññāvisiṭṭhaṁ labhate anuttaraṁ,
the one of superb, vast intelligence attains awakening.”
Pappoti bodhiṁ varabhūrimedhaso”ti.
13. Golden Skin
13. Suvaṇṇavaṇṇalakkhaṇaṁ
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He wasn’t irritable or bad-tempered.
akkodhano ahosi anupāyāsabahulo,
Even when heavily criticized he didn’t lose his temper, become annoyed, hostile, and hard-hearted, or display annoyance, hate, and bitterness.
bahumpi vutto samāno nābhisajji na kuppi na byāpajji na patitthīyi, na kopañca dosañca appaccayañca pātvākāsi.
He donated soft and fine mats and blankets, and fine cloths of linen, cotton, silk, and wool.
Dātā ca ahosi sukhumānaṁ mudukānaṁ attharaṇānaṁ pāvuraṇānaṁ khomasukhumānaṁ kappāsikasukhumānaṁ koseyyasukhumānaṁ kambalasukhumānaṁ.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā upacitattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained this mark:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati.
he is gold colored; his skin has a golden sheen.
Suvaṇṇavaṇṇo hoti kañcanasannibhattaco.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He obtains soft and fine mats and blankets, and fine cloths of linen, cotton, silk, and wool.
Lābhī hoti sukhumānaṁ mudukānaṁ attharaṇānaṁ pāvuraṇānaṁ khomasukhumānaṁ kappāsikasukhumānaṁ koseyyasukhumānaṁ kambalasukhumānaṁ.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He obtains soft and fine mats and blankets, and fine cloths of linen, cotton, silk, and wool.
Lābhī hoti sukhumānaṁ mudukānaṁ attharaṇānaṁ pāvuraṇānaṁ khomasukhumānaṁ kappāsikasukhumānaṁ koseyyasukhumānaṁ kambalasukhumānaṁ.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“Dedicated to good will, he gave gifts.
“Akkodhañca adhiṭṭhahi adāsi,
In an earlier life he poured forth cloth
Dānañca vatthāni sukhumāni succhavīni;
fine and soft to touch,
Purimatarabhave ṭhito abhivissaji,
like a god pouring rain on this broad earth.
Mahimiva suro abhivassaṁ.
So doing he passed from here to heaven,
Taṁ katvāna ito cuto dibbaṁ,
where he enjoyed the fruits of deeds well done.
Upapajji sukataphalavipākamanubhutvā;
Here he wins a figure of gold,
Kanakatanusannibho idhābhibhavati,
like Indra, the finest of gods.
Suravarataroriva indo.
If that man stays in the house, not wishing to go forth,
Gehañcāvasati naro apabbajja,
he conquers and rules this vast, broad earth.
Micchaṁ mahatimahiṁ anusāsati;
He obtains abundant excellent cloth,
Pasayha sahidha sattaratanaṁ,
so fine and soft to touch.
Paṭilabhati vimalasukhumacchaviṁ suciñca.
He receives robes, cloth, and the finest garments
Lābhī acchādanavatthamokkhapāvuraṇānaṁ,
if he chooses the life gone forth.
Bhavati yadi anāgāriyataṁ upeti;
For he still partakes of past deed’s fruit;
Sahito purimakataphalaṁ anubhavati,
what’s been done is never lost.”
Na bhavati katassa panāso”ti.
14. Privates in Foreskin
14. Kosohitavatthaguyhalakkhaṇaṁ
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He reunited long-lost and long-separated relatives, friends, loved ones, and companions.
cirappanaṭṭhe sucirappavāsino ñātimitte suhajje sakhino samānetā ahosi.
He reunited mother with child and child with mother; father with child and child with father; brother with brother, brother with sister, sister with brother, and sister with sister, bringing them together with rejoicing.
Mātarampi puttena samānetā ahosi, puttampi mātarā samānetā ahosi, pitarampi puttena samānetā ahosi, puttampi pitarā samānetā ahosi, bhātarampi bhātarā samānetā ahosi, bhātarampi bhaginiyā samānetā ahosi, bhaginimpi bhātarā samānetā ahosi, bhaginimpi bhaginiyā samānetā ahosi, samaṅgīkatvā ca abbhanumoditā ahosi.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained this mark:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati—
his private parts are covered in a foreskin.
kosohitavatthaguyho hoti.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He has many sons, over a thousand sons who are valiant and heroic, crushing the armies of his enemies.
Pahūtaputto hoti, parosahassaṁ kho panassa puttā bhavanti sūrā vīraṅgarūpā parasenappamaddanā.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He has many sons, many thousands of sons who are valiant and heroic, crushing the armies of his enemies.
Pahūtaputto hoti, anekasahassaṁ kho panassa puttā bhavanti sūrā vīraṅgarūpā parasenappamaddanā.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“In olden days, in past lives,
“Pure puratthā purimāsu jātisu,
he reunited long-lost
Cirappanaṭṭhe sucirappavāsino;
and long-separated friends and family,
Ñātī suhajje sakhino samānayi,
bringing them together with joy.
Samaṅgikatvā anumoditā ahu.
By means of these deeds he went to heaven,
So tena kammena divaṁ samakkami,
where he enjoyed happiness and merriment.
Sukhañca khiḍḍāratiyo ca anvabhi;
After passing away from there to here,
Tato cavitvā punarāgato idha,
his private parts are covered in a foreskin.
Kosohitaṁ vindati vatthachādiyaṁ.
Such a one has many sons,
Pahūtaputto bhavatī tathāvidho,
over a thousand descendants,
Parosahassañca bhavanti atrajā;
valiant and heroic, devastating foes,
Sūrā ca vīrā ca amittatāpanā,
a layman’s joy, speaking kindly.
Gihissa pītiṁ jananā piyaṁvadā.
But if he lives the renunciate life
Bahūtarā pabbajitassa iriyato,
he has even more sons following his word.
Bhavanti puttā vacanānusārino;
As householder or renunciate,
Gihissa vā pabbajitassa vā puna,
that’s the meaning shown by this mark.”
Taṁ lakkhaṇaṁ jāyati tadatthajotakan”ti.
The first recitation section is finished.
Paṭhamabhāṇavāro niṭṭhito.
15–16. Equal Proportions and Touching the Knees
15–16. Parimaṇḍalaanonamajaṇṇuparimasanalakkhaṇāni
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He regarded the gathered population equally. He knew what they had in common and what was their own. He knew each person, and he knew the distinctions between people.
mahājanasaṅgahaṁ samekkhamāno samaṁ jānāti sāmaṁ jānāti, purisaṁ jānāti purisavisesaṁ jānāti:
In each case, he made appropriate distinctions between people: ‘This one deserves that; that one deserves this.’
‘ayamidamarahati ayamidamarahatī’ti tattha tattha purisavisesakaro ahosi.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained these two marks:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni dve mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati.
he has the proportional circumference of a banyan tree; and when standing upright and not bending over, the palms of both hands touch the knees.
Nigrodhaparimaṇḍalo ca hoti, ṭhitakoyeva ca anonamanto ubhohi pāṇitalehi jaṇṇukāni parimasati parimajjati.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He is rich, affluent, and wealthy, with lots of gold and silver, lots of property and assets, lots of money and grain, and a full treasury and storehouses.
Aḍḍho hoti mahaddhano mahābhogo pahūtajātarūparajato pahūtavittūpakaraṇo pahūtadhanadhañño paripuṇṇakosakoṭṭhāgāro.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He is rich, affluent, and wealthy.
Aḍḍho hoti mahaddhano mahābhogo.
He has these kinds of wealth:
Tassimāni dhanāni honti, seyyathidaṁ—
the wealth of faith, ethical conduct, conscience, prudence, learning, generosity, and wisdom.
saddhādhanaṁ sīladhanaṁ hiridhanaṁ ottappadhanaṁ sutadhanaṁ cāgadhanaṁ paññādhanaṁ.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“Observing the many people in a community,
“Tuliya paṭivicaya cintayitvā,
he weighed, evaluated, and judged each case:
Mahājanasaṅgahanaṁ samekkhamāno;
‘This one deserves that.’
Ayamidamarahati tattha tattha,
That’s how he used to draw distinctions between people.
Purisavisesakaro pure ahosi.
Now standing without bending
Mahiñca pana ṭhito anonamanto,
he can touch his knees with both hands.
Phusati karehi ubhohi jaṇṇukāni;
With the remaining ripening of the fruit of good deeds,
Mahiruhaparimaṇḍalo ahosi,
his circumference was that of a great tree.
Sucaritakammavipākasesakena.
Learned experts in the many different
Bahuvividhanimittalakkhaṇaññū,
signs and marks prophesied:
Atinipuṇā manujā byākariṁsu;
‘The young prince will obtain
Bahuvividhā gihīnaṁ arahāni,
many different things that householders deserve.
Paṭilabhati daharo susu kumāro.
Here there are many suitable pleasures
Idha ca mahīpatissa kāmabhogī,
for the ruler of the land to enjoy as householder.
Gihipatirūpakā bahū bhavanti;
But if he gives up all sensual enjoyments,
Yadi ca jahati sabbakāmabhogaṁ,
he will gain the supreme, highest peak of wealth.’”
Labhati anuttaraṁ uttamadhanaggan”ti.
17–19. A Lion’s Chest, Etc.
17–19. Sīhapubbaddhakāyāditilakkhaṇaṁ
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He desired the good, the welfare, the comfort, and sanctuary of the people, thinking:
bahujanassa atthakāmo ahosi hitakāmo phāsukāmo yogakkhemakāmo:
‘How might they flourish in faith, ethics, learning, generosity, teachings, and wisdom; in wealth and grain, fields and land, birds and beasts, children and partners; in bondservants, workers, and staff; in family, friends, and kin?’
‘kintime saddhāya vaḍḍheyyuṁ, sīlena vaḍḍheyyuṁ, sutena vaḍḍheyyuṁ, cāgena vaḍḍheyyuṁ, dhammena vaḍḍheyyuṁ, paññāya vaḍḍheyyuṁ, dhanadhaññena vaḍḍheyyuṁ, khettavatthunā vaḍḍheyyuṁ, dvipadacatuppadehi vaḍḍheyyuṁ, puttadārehi vaḍḍheyyuṁ, dāsakammakaraporisehi vaḍḍheyyuṁ, ñātīhi vaḍḍheyyuṁ, mittehi vaḍḍheyyuṁ, bandhavehi vaḍḍheyyun’ti.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained these three marks:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni tīṇi mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati.
his chest is like that of a lion; the gap between the shoulder-blades is filled in; and his torso is cylindrical.
Sīhapubbaddhakāyo ca hoti citantaraṁso ca samavaṭṭakkhandho ca.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He’s not liable to decline. He doesn’t decline in wealth and grain, fields and land, birds and beasts, children and partners; in bondservants, workers, and staff; in family, friends, and kin. He doesn’t decline in any of his accomplishments.
Aparihānadhammo hoti, na parihāyati dhanadhaññena khettavatthunā dvipadacatuppadehi puttadārehi dāsakammakaraporisehi ñātīhi mittehi bandhavehi, na parihāyati sabbasampattiyā.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He’s not liable to decline. He doesn’t decline in faith, ethics, learning, generosity, and wisdom. He doesn’t decline in any of his accomplishments.
Aparihānadhammo hoti, na parihāyati saddhāya sīlena sutena cāgena paññāya, na parihāyati sabbasampattiyā.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“His wish was this: ‘How may others not decline
“Saddhāya sīlena sutena buddhiyā,
in faith, ethics, learning, and intelligence,
Cāgena dhammena bahūhi sādhuhi;
in generosity, teachings, and much good else,
Dhanena dhaññena ca khettavatthunā,
in coin and corn, fields and lands,
Puttehi dārehi catuppadehi ca.
in children, partners, and livestock,
Ñātīhi mittehi ca bandhavehi ca,
in family, friends, and kin,
Balena vaṇṇena sukhena cūbhayaṁ;
in health, and both beauty and happiness?’
Kathaṁ na hāyeyyuṁ pareti icchati,
And so he ever desired their success.
Atthassa middhī ca panābhikaṅkhati.
His chest was full like that of a lion,
Sa sīhapubbaddhasusaṇṭhito ahu,
his shoulder-gap filled in, and torso cylindrical.
Samavaṭṭakhandho ca citantaraṁso;
Due to the well-done deeds of the past,
Pubbe suciṇṇena katena kammunā,
he had that portent of non-decline.
Ahāniyaṁ pubbanimittamassa taṁ.
Even as layman he grows in corn and coin,
Gihīpi dhaññena dhanena vaḍḍhati,
in wives, children, and livestock.
Puttehi dārehi catuppadehi ca;
But once gone forth, owning nothing, he attains
Akiñcano pabbajito anuttaraṁ,
the supreme awakening which may never decline.”
Pappoti bodhiṁ asahānadhammatan”ti.
20. Excellent Sense of Taste
20. Rasaggasaggitālakkhaṇaṁ
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He would never hurt any sentient being with fists, stones, rods, or swords.
sattānaṁ aviheṭhakajātiko ahosi pāṇinā vā leḍḍunā vā daṇḍena vā satthena vā.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā upacitattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained this mark: he has an excellent sense of taste. Taste-buds are produced in the throat for the tongue-tip and dispersed evenly.
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati, rasaggasaggī hoti, uddhaggāssa rasaharaṇīyo gīvāya jātā honti samābhivāhiniyo.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He is rarely ill or unwell. His stomach digests well, being neither too hot nor too cold.
Appābādho hoti appātaṅko, samavepākiniyā gahaṇiyā samannāgato nātisītāya nāccuṇhāya.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He is rarely ill or unwell. His stomach digests well, being neither too hot nor too cold, but just right, and fit for meditation.
Appābādho hoti appātaṅko samavepākiniyā gahaṇiyā samannāgato nātisītāya nāccuṇhāya majjhimāya padhānakkhamāya.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“Not with fist or rod or stone,
“Na pāṇidaṇḍehi panātha leḍḍunā,
or sword or beating to death,
Satthena vā maraṇavadhena vā pana;
or by bondage or threats
Ubbādhanāya paritajjanāya vā,
did he ever harm anyone.
Na heṭhayī janatamaheṭhako ahu.
For that very reason he rejoiced in heaven after passing away,
Teneva so sugatimupecca modati,
finding happiness as a fruit of happy deeds.
Sukhapphalaṁ kariya sukhāni vindati;
With taste-buds well formed and even,
Samojasā rasaharaṇī susaṇṭhitā,
on his return here he has an excellent sense of taste.
Idhāgato labhati rasaggasaggitaṁ.
That’s why the clever visionaries said:
Tenāhu naṁ atinipuṇā vicakkhaṇā,
‘This man will have much happiness
Ayaṁ naro sukhabahulo bhavissati;
as householder or renunciate.
Gihissa vā pabbajitassa vā puna,
That’s the meaning shown by this mark.’”
Taṁ lakkhaṇaṁ bhavati tadatthajotakan”ti.
21–22. Deep Blue Eyes
21–22. Abhinīlanettagopakhumalakkhaṇāni
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
When looking at others he didn’t glare, look askance, or avert his eyes. Being straightforward, he reached out to others with straightforward intentions, looking at people with kindly eyes.
na ca visaṭaṁ, na ca visāci, na ca pana viceyya pekkhitā, ujuṁ tathā pasaṭamujumano, piyacakkhunā bahujanaṁ udikkhitā ahosi.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained these two marks:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni dve mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati.
his eyes are deep blue, and he has eyelashes like a cow’s.
Abhinīlanetto ca hoti gopakhumo ca.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato, sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
The people look on him with kindly eyes. He is dear and beloved to the brahmins and householders, people of town and country, treasury officials, military officers, guardsmen, ministers, counselors, rulers, tax beneficiaries, and princes.
Piyadassano hoti bahuno janassa, piyo hoti manāpo brāhmaṇagahapatikānaṁ negamajānapadānaṁ gaṇakamahāmattānaṁ anīkaṭṭhānaṁ dovārikānaṁ amaccānaṁ pārisajjānaṁ rājūnaṁ bhogiyānaṁ kumārānaṁ.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
The people look on him with kindly eyes. He is dear and beloved to the monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, gods, humans, demons, dragons, and fairies.
Piyadassano hoti bahuno janassa, piyo hoti manāpo bhikkhūnaṁ bhikkhunīnaṁ upāsakānaṁ upāsikānaṁ devānaṁ manussānaṁ asurānaṁ nāgānaṁ gandhabbānaṁ.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“With not a glare or glance askance,
“Na ca visaṭaṁ na ca visāci,
nor averting of the eyes;
Na ca pana viceyyapekkhitā;
straightforward, he reached out straightforwardly,
Ujuṁ tathā pasaṭamujumano,
looking at people with kindly eyes.
Piyacakkhunā bahujanaṁ udikkhitā.
In good rebirths he enjoyed the fruit
Sugatīsu so phalavipākaṁ,
and result, rejoicing there.
Anubhavati tattha modati;
But here he has a cow’s eyelashes,
Idha ca pana bhavati gopakhumo,
and eyes deep blue so fair to see.
Abhinīlanettanayano sudassano.
Many soothsayers, men clever
Abhiyogino ca nipuṇā,
and learned in prognostic texts,
Bahū pana nimittakovidā;
expert in cow-like lashes, indicated he’d
Sukhumanayanakusalā manujā,
be looked upon with kindly eyes.
Piyadassanoti abhiniddisanti naṁ.
Even as a householder he’d be regarded kindly,
Piyadassano gihīpi santo ca,
beloved of the people.
Bhavati bahujanapiyāyito;
But if he becomes an ascetic, not lay,
Yadi ca na bhavati gihī samaṇo hoti,
as destroyer of sorrow he’ll be loved by many.”
Piyo bahūnaṁ sokanāsano”ti.
23. Head Like a Turban
23. Uṇhīsasīsalakkhaṇaṁ
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He was the leader and forerunner of people in skillful behaviors such as good conduct by way of body, speech, and mind, giving and sharing, taking precepts, observing the sabbath, paying due respect to mother and father, ascetics and brahmins, honoring the elders in the family, and various other things pertaining to skillful behaviors.
bahujanapubbaṅgamo ahosi kusalesu dhammesu bahujanapāmokkho kāyasucarite vacīsucarite manosucarite dānasaṁvibhāge sīlasamādāne uposathupavāse matteyyatāya petteyyatāya sāmaññatāya brahmaññatāya kule jeṭṭhāpacāyitāya aññataraññataresu ca adhikusalesu dhammesu.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained this mark:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati—
his head is shaped like a turban.
uṇhīsasīso hoti.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He has a large following of brahmins and householders, people of town and country, treasury officials, military officers, guardsmen, ministers, counselors, rulers, tax beneficiaries, and princes.
Mahāssa jano anvāyiko hoti, brāhmaṇagahapatikā negamajānapadā gaṇakamahāmattā anīkaṭṭhā dovārikā amaccā pārisajjā rājāno bhogiyā kumārā.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He has a large following of monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, gods, humans, demons, dragons, and fairies.
Mahāssa jano anvāyiko hoti, bhikkhū bhikkhuniyo upāsakā upāsikāyo devā manussā asurā nāgā gandhabbā.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“Among people of good conduct, he was the leader,
“Pubbaṅgamo sucaritesu ahu,
devoted to a life of principle among the principled.
Dhammesu dhammacariyābhirato;
The people followed him,
Anvāyiko bahujanassa ahu,
and he experienced the fruit of good deeds in heaven.
Saggesu vedayittha puññaphalaṁ.
Having experienced that fruit,
Veditvā so sucaritassa phalaṁ,
he acquires a head shaped like a turban.
Uṇhīsasīsattamidhajjhagamā;
The experts in omens and signs prophesied:
Byākaṁsu byañjananimittadharā,
‘He will be leader of the people.
Pubbaṅgamo bahujanaṁ hessati.
Among people then, as before,
Paṭibhogiyā manujesu idha,
they will bring presents for him.
Pubbeva tassa abhiharanti tadā;
If he becomes an aristocrat, ruler of the land,
Yadi khattiyo bhavati bhūmipati,
he’ll gain the service of the people.
Paṭihārakaṁ bahujane labhati.
But if that man goes forth,
Atha cepi pabbajati so manujo,
he’ll be sophisticated, proficient in the teachings.
Dhammesu hoti paguṇo visavī;
Devoted to the virtues of his instruction,
Tassānusāsaniguṇābhirato,
the people will become his followers.’”
Anvāyiko bahujano bhavatī”ti.
24–25. One Hair Per Pore, and a Tuft
24–25. Ekekalomatāuṇṇālakkhaṇāni
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He refrained from lying. He spoke the truth and stuck to the truth. He was honest and trustworthy, and didn’t trick the world with his words.
musāvādaṁ pahāya musāvādā paṭivirato ahosi, saccavādī saccasandho theto paccayiko avisaṁvādako lokassa.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā upacitattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained these two marks:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni dve mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati.
his hairs grow one per pore, and between his eyebrows there grows a tuft, soft and white like cotton-wool.
Ekekalomo ca hoti, uṇṇā ca bhamukantare jātā hoti odātā mudutūlasannibhā.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato, sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He has many close adherents among the brahmins and householders, people of town and country, treasury officials, military officers, guardsmen, ministers, counselors, rulers, tax beneficiaries, and princes.
Mahāssa jano upavattati, brāhmaṇagahapatikā negamajānapadā gaṇakamahāmattā anīkaṭṭhā dovārikā amaccā pārisajjā rājāno bhogiyā kumārā.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He has many close adherents among the monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, gods, humans, demons, dragons, and fairies.
Mahāssa jano upavattati, bhikkhū bhikkhuniyo upāsakā upāsikāyo devā manussā asurā nāgā gandhabbā.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“In past lives he was true to his promise,
“Saccappaṭiñño purimāsu jātisu,
with no forked tongue, he shunned lies.
Advejjhavāco alikaṁ vivajjayi;
He never broke his word to anyone,
Na so visaṁvādayitāpi kassaci,
but spoke what was true, real, and factual.
Bhūtena tacchena tathena bhāsayi.
A tuft so very white like cotton-wool
Setā susukkā mudutūlasannibhā,
grew prettily between his eyebrows.
Uṇṇā sujātā bhamukantare ahu;
And never two, but only one,
Na lomakūpesu duve ajāyisuṁ,
hair grew in each of his pores.
Ekekalomūpacitaṅgavā ahu.
Many soothsayers learned in marks
Taṁ lakkhaṇaññū bahavo samāgatā,
and expert in signs gathered and prophesied:
Byākaṁsu uppādanimittakovidā;
‘One like this, with tuft and hair so well-formed,
Uṇṇā ca lomā ca yathā susaṇṭhitā,
will have many as his close adherents.
Upavattatī īdisakaṁ bahujjano.
Even as householder many people will follow him,
Gihimpi santaṁ upavattatī jano,
due to the power of deeds in the past.
Bahu puratthāpakatena kammunā;
But once gone forth, owning nothing,
Akiñcanaṁ pabbajitaṁ anuttaraṁ,
as Buddha the people will follow him.’”
Buddhampi santaṁ upavattati jano”ti.
26–27. Forty Gapless Teeth
26–27. Cattālīsaaviraḷadantalakkhaṇāni
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He refrained from divisive speech. He didn’t repeat in one place what he heard in another so as to divide people against each other. Instead, he reconciled those who were divided, supporting unity, delighting in harmony, loving harmony, speaking words that promote harmony.
pisuṇaṁ vācaṁ pahāya pisuṇāya vācāya paṭivirato ahosi. Ito sutvā na amutra akkhātā imesaṁ bhedāya, amutra vā sutvā na imesaṁ akkhātā amūsaṁ bhedāya, iti bhinnānaṁ vā sandhātā, sahitānaṁ vā anuppadātā, samaggārāmo samaggarato samagganandī samaggakaraṇiṁ vācaṁ bhāsitā ahosi.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained these two marks:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni dve mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati.
he has forty teeth, and his teeth have no gaps.
Cattālīsadanto ca hoti aviraḷadanto ca.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
His retinue cannot be divided. This includes brahmins and householders, people of town and country, treasury officials, military officers, guardsmen, ministers, counselors, rulers, tax beneficiaries, and princes.
Abhejjapariso hoti, abhejjāssa honti parisā, brāhmaṇagahapatikā negamajānapadā gaṇakamahāmattā anīkaṭṭhā dovārikā amaccā pārisajjā rājāno bhogiyā kumārā.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
His retinue cannot be divided. This includes monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, gods, humans, demons, dragons, and fairies.
Abhejjapariso hoti, abhejjāssa honti parisā, bhikkhū bhikkhuniyo upāsakā upāsikāyo devā manussā asurā nāgā gandhabbā.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“He spoke no words divisive causing friends to split,
“Vebhūtiyaṁ sahitabhedakāriṁ,
creating disputes that foster division,
Bhedappavaḍḍhanavivādakāriṁ;
acting improperly by fostering quarrels,
Kalahappavaḍḍhanaākiccakāriṁ,
creating division among friends.
Sahitānaṁ bhedajananiṁ na bhaṇi.
He spoke kind words to foster harmony,
Avivādavaḍḍhanakariṁ sugiraṁ,
uniting those who are divided.
Bhinnānusandhijananiṁ abhaṇi;
He eliminated quarrels among the people,
Kalahaṁ janassa panudī samaṅgī,
rejoicing together with the united.
Sahitehi nandati pamodati ca.
In good rebirths he enjoyed the fruit
Sugatīsu so phalavipākaṁ,
and result, rejoicing there.
Anubhavati tattha modati;
Here his teeth are gapless, close together,
Dantā idha honti aviraḷā sahitā,
forty standing upright in his mouth.
Caturo dasassa mukhajā susaṇṭhitā.
If he becomes an aristocrat, ruler of the land,
Yadi khattiyo bhavati bhūmipati,
his assembly will be indivisible.
Avibhediyāssa parisā bhavati;
And as an ascetic, stainless, immaculate,
Samaṇo ca hoti virajo vimalo,
his assembly will follow him, unshakable.”
Parisāssa hoti anugatā acalā”ti.
28–29. A Large Tongue and the Voice of Brahmā
28–29. Pahūtajivhābrahmassaralakkhaṇāni
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He refrained from harsh speech. He spoke in a way that’s mellow, pleasing to the ear, lovely, going to the heart, polite, likable and agreeable to the people.
pharusaṁ vācaṁ pahāya pharusāya vācāya paṭivirato ahosi. Yā sā vācā nelā kaṇṇasukhā pemanīyā hadayaṅgamā porī bahujanakantā bahujanamanāpā, tathārūpiṁ vācaṁ bhāsitā ahosi.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā upacitattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained these two marks:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni dve mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati.
he has a large tongue, and the voice of Brahmā, like a cuckoo’s call.
Pahūtajivho ca hoti brahmassaro ca karavīkabhāṇī.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He has a persuasive voice. His words are persuasive to brahmins and householders, people of town and country, treasury officials, military officers, guardsmen, ministers, counselors, rulers, tax beneficiaries, and princes.
Ādeyyavāco hoti, ādiyantissa vacanaṁ brāhmaṇagahapatikā negamajānapadā gaṇakamahāmattā anīkaṭṭhā dovārikā amaccā pārisajjā rājāno bhogiyā kumārā.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He has a persuasive voice. His words are persuasive to monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, gods, humans, demons, dragons, and fairies.
Ādeyyavāco hoti, ādiyantissa vacanaṁ bhikkhū bhikkhuniyo upāsakā upāsikāyo devā manussā asurā nāgā gandhabbā.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“He never spoke a loud harsh word,
“Akkosabhaṇḍanavihesakāriṁ,
insulting, quarrelsome,
Ubbādhikaṁ bahujanappamaddanaṁ;
causing harm, rude, crushing the people.
Abāḷhaṁ giraṁ so na bhaṇi pharusaṁ,
His speech was sweet, helpful, and kind.
Madhuraṁ bhaṇi susaṁhitaṁ sakhilaṁ.
He uttered words dear to the mind,
Manaso piyā hadayagāminiyo,
going to the heart, pleasing to the ear.
Vācā so erayati kaṇṇasukhā;
He enjoyed the fruit of his good verbal conduct,
Vācāsuciṇṇaphalamanubhavi,
experiencing the fruit of good deeds in heaven.
Saggesu vedayatha puññaphalaṁ.
Having experienced that fruit,
Veditvā so sucaritassa phalaṁ,
on his return to here he acquired the voice of Brahmā.
Brahmassarattamidhamajjhagamā;
His tongue was long and wide,
Jivhāssa hoti vipulā puthulā,
and his speech was persuasive.
Ādeyyavākyavacano bhavati.
Even as householder his speech brings prosperity.
Gihinopi ijjhati yathā bhaṇato,
But if that man goes forth,
Atha ce pabbajati so manujo;
speaking often to the people,
Ādiyantissa vacanaṁ janatā,
they’ll be persuaded by his fair words.”
Bahuno bahuṁ subhaṇitaṁ bhaṇato”ti.
30. A Lion-Like Jaw
30. Sīhahanulakkhaṇaṁ
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He refrained from talking nonsense. His words were timely, true, and meaningful, in line with the teaching and training. He said things at the right time which were valuable, reasonable, succinct, and beneficial.
samphappalāpaṁ pahāya samphappalāpā paṭivirato ahosi kālavādī bhūtavādī atthavādī dhammavādī vinayavādī, nidhānavatiṁ vācaṁ bhāsitā ahosi kālena sāpadesaṁ pariyantavatiṁ atthasaṁhitaṁ.
Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe…
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained this mark:
so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati,
his jaw is like that of a lion.
sīhahanu hoti.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe…
And what does he obtain as king?
rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
He can’t be destroyed by any human foe or enemy.
Appadhaṁsiyo hoti kenaci manussabhūtena paccatthikena paccāmittena.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe…
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
He can’t be destroyed by any foe or enemy whether internal or external; nor by greed, hate, or delusion; nor by any ascetic or brahmin or god or Māra or Brahmā or by anyone in the world.
Appadhaṁsiyo hoti abbhantarehi vā bāhirehi vā paccatthikehi paccāmittehi, rāgena vā dosena vā mohena vā samaṇena vā brāhmaṇena vā devena vā mārena vā brahmunā vā kenaci vā lokasmiṁ.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“Neither nonsensical nor silly,
“Na samphappalāpaṁ na muddhataṁ,
his way of speaking was never loose.
Avikiṇṇavacanabyappatho ahosi;
He eliminated what was useless,
Ahitamapi ca apanudi,
and spoke for the welfare and happiness of the people.
Hitamapi ca bahujanasukhañca abhaṇi.
So doing he passed from here to be reborn in heaven,
Taṁ katvā ito cuto divamupapajji,
where he enjoyed the fruit of deeds well done.
Sukataphalavipākamanubhosi;
Passing away, on his return to here,
Caviya punaridhāgato samāno,
he gained a jaw like the finest of beasts.
Dvidugamavaratarahanuttamalattha.
He became a king so very hard to defeat,
Rājā hoti suduppadhaṁsiyo,
a mighty lord and ruler of men.
Manujindo manujādhipati mahānubhāvo;
He was equal to the best in the city of the Three and Thirty,
Tidivapuravarasamo bhavati,
like Indra, the finest of gods.
Suravarataroriva indo.
One such as that is not easily beaten by fairies,
Gandhabbāsurayakkharakkhasebhi,
demons, spirits, monsters, or gods.
Surehi na hi bhavati suppadhaṁsiyo;
If he becomes of such a kind,
Tathatto yadi bhavati tathāvidho,
he illuminates the quarters and in-between.”
Idha disā ca paṭidisā ca vidisā cā”ti.
31–32. Even and White Teeth
31–32. Samadantasusukkadāṭhālakkhaṇāni
“Bhikkhū, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno
He gave up wrong livelihood and earned a living by right livelihood. He refrained from falsifying weights, metals, or measures; bribery, fraud, cheating, and duplicity; mutilation, murder, abduction, banditry, plunder, and violence.
micchājīvaṁ pahāya sammāājīvena jīvikaṁ kappesi, tulākūṭakaṁsakūṭamānakūṭaukkoṭanavañcananikatisāciyogachedanavadhabandhanaviparāmosaālopasahasākārā paṭivirato ahosi.
Due to performing, accumulating, heaping up, and amassing those deeds, when his body broke up, after death, he was reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm.
So tassa kammassa kaṭattā upacitattā ussannattā vipulattā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjati.
There he surpassed the other gods in ten respects: divine life span, beauty, happiness, glory, sovereignty, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches.
So tattha aññe deve dasahi ṭhānehi adhigaṇhāti dibbena āyunā dibbena vaṇṇena dibbena sukhena dibbena yasena dibbena ādhipateyyena dibbehi rūpehi dibbehi saddehi dibbehi gandhehi dibbehi rasehi dibbehi phoṭṭhabbehi.
When he came back to this state of existence he obtained these two marks: his teeth are even and perfectly white.
So tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni dve mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati, samadanto ca hoti susukkadāṭho ca.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a king, a wheel-turning monarch, a just and principled king. His dominion extends to all four sides, he achieves stability in the country, and he possesses the seven treasures.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī dhammiko dhammarājā cāturanto vijitāvī janapadatthāvariyappatto sattaratanasamannāgato.
He has the following seven treasures:
Tassimāni satta ratanāni bhavanti, seyyathidaṁ—
the wheel, the elephant, the horse, the jewel, the woman, the treasurer, and the counselor as the seventh treasure.
cakkaratanaṁ hatthiratanaṁ assaratanaṁ maṇiratanaṁ itthiratanaṁ gahapatiratanaṁ pariṇāyakaratanameva sattamaṁ.
He has over a thousand sons who are valiant and heroic, crushing the armies of his enemies.
Parosahassaṁ kho panassa puttā bhavanti sūrā vīraṅgarūpā parasenappamaddanā.
After conquering this land girt by sea—free of harassment by bandits, successful and prosperous, safe, blessed, and untroubled—he reigns by principle, without rod or sword.
So imaṁ pathaviṁ sāgarapariyantaṁ akhilamanimittamakaṇṭakaṁ iddhaṁ phītaṁ khemaṁ sivaṁ nirabbudaṁ adaṇḍena asatthena dhammena abhivijiya ajjhāvasati.
And what does he obtain as king?
Rājā samāno kiṁ labhati?
His retinue is pure. This includes brahmins and householders, people of town and country, treasury officials, military officers, guardsmen, ministers, counselors, rulers, tax beneficiaries, and princes.
Suciparivāro hoti sucissa honti parivārā brāhmaṇagahapatikā negamajānapadā gaṇakamahāmattā anīkaṭṭhā dovārikā amaccā pārisajjā rājāno bhogiyā kumārā.
That’s what he obtains as king.
Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati.
But if he goes forth from the lay life to homelessness, he becomes a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha, who draws back the veil from the world.
Sace kho pana agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati, arahaṁ hoti sammāsambuddho loke vivaṭṭacchado.
And what does he obtain as Buddha?
Buddho samāno kiṁ labhati?
His retinue is pure. This includes monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, gods, humans, demons, dragons, and fairies.
Suciparivāro hoti, sucissa honti parivārā, bhikkhū bhikkhuniyo upāsakā upāsikāyo devā manussā asurā nāgā gandhabbā.
That’s what he obtains as Buddha.”
Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”.
The Buddha spoke this matter.
Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“He abandoned wrong livelihood, and created
“Micchājīvañca avassaji samena vuttiṁ,
a way of life that’s fair, pure, and just.
Sucinā so janayittha dhammikena;
He eliminated what was useless,
Ahitamapi ca apanudi,
and lived for the welfare and happiness of the people.
Hitamapi ca bahujanasukhañca acari.
Having done what’s praised by the clever, the wise, and the good,
Sagge vedayati naro sukhapphalāni,
that man experienced the fruit in heaven.
Karitvā nipuṇebhi vidūhi sabbhi;
Equal to the best in the heaven of Three and Thirty,
Vaṇṇitāni tidivapuravarasamo,
he enjoyed himself with pleasure and play.
Abhiramati ratikhiḍḍāsamaṅgī.
From there he passed back to a human life.
Laddhāna mānusakaṁ bhavaṁ tato,
With the remaining ripening of the fruit of good deeds,
Cavitvāna sukataphalavipākaṁ;
he obtained teeth that are even,
Sesakena paṭilabhati lapanajaṁ,
gleaming, bright, and white.
Samamapi sucisusukkaṁ.
Many soothsayers regarded as wise men
Taṁ veyyañjanikā samāgatā bahavo,
gathered and predicted of him:
Byākaṁsu nipuṇasammatā manujā;
‘With twice-born teeth so even, so white, so clean and bright
Sucijanaparivāragaṇo bhavati,
his retinue will be so pure.
Dijasamasukkasucisobhanadanto.
As king, his people will also be pure,
Rañño hoti bahujano,
when he rules having conquered this earth so broad.
Suciparivāro mahatiṁ mahiṁ anusāsato;
They won’t harm the country,
Pasayha na ca janapadatudanaṁ,
but will live for the welfare and happiness of the people.
Hitamapi ca bahujanasukhañca caranti.
But if he goes forth he’ll be an ascetic free of ill,
Atha ce pabbajati bhavati vipāpo,
his passions quelled, the veil drawn back.
Samaṇo samitarajo vivaṭṭacchado;
Rid of stress and weariness,
Vigatadarathakilamatho,
he sees this world and the next.
Imamapi ca paramapi ca passati lokaṁ.
Those who do his bidding, both lay and renunciate,
Tassovādakarā bahugihī ca pabbajitā ca,
shake off wickedness, impure and blameworthy.
Asuciṁ garahitaṁ dhunanti pāpaṁ;
He’s surrounded by pure people, who dispel
Sa hi sucibhi parivuto bhavati,
stains, callousness, sin, and corruptions.’”
Malakhilakalikilese panudehī”ti.
That is what the Buddha said.
Idamavoca bhagavā.
Satisfied, the bhikkhū were happy with what the Buddha said.
Attamanā te bhikkhū bhagavato bhāsitaṁ abhinandunti.
Lakkhana Sutta: The Marks of a Great Man. Verses on the curious ‘thirty-two marks of a Great Man’ beloved of the Brahmins. These are in a variety of metres in the original.