[161]
He was the forerunner in ways of good conduct,
greatly delighting in conduct in accordance with the Dhamma (dhammacariyā);
the multitude followed after him;
he experienced the fruit of merit (puñña) in the heavens.
Having experienced the fruit of his good conduct,
he attained here the state of a head like a royal turban (uṇhīsa).
Those who bear in mind the marks and signs declared:
"He shall be the forerunner of the multitude.
Even before, here among men,
they bring offerings of tribute (paṭibhogiyāni) to him;
if he becomes a khattiya, a lord of the earth,
he obtains service among the multitude.
But if that man goes forth,
he becomes proficient in the dhammas, of eminent mastery,
and the multitude, greatly delighting
in the virtue of his instruction, become his followers."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.