[115]
A battle between the two deva-kings was at hand;
massed in battle-array it stood, and a great uproar rolled on.
Padumuttara, Knower of the World, receiver of oblations,
the Teacher, standing in the sky, stirred the great multitude to a sense of urgency (saṃvega).
All the devas, gladdened in mind, laid down their armor and their weapons;
having paid homage to the Fully Awakened One, they became of one accord at that very moment.
Knowing my intention (saṅkappa), he raised his lordly voice;
the compassionate Knower of the World cooled the great multitude:
'A human being who, with a mind (citta) corrupted, injures even a single living creature
is, by that corruption of mind, reborn in a state of loss (apāya).
Like an elephant at the front of battle injuring many living creatures —
quench your own minds; do not be struck down again and again.'
The armies of the two yakkha kings likewise were stilled,
and they went for refuge (saraṇa) to the Eldest of the World, the truly Steadfast One (tādī).
And when he had brought the people to understanding, the One with Vision lifted them up;
even as the devas watched, he departed facing north.
I was the first to go for refuge to the Lord of the Two-Footed, the Steadfast One;
for a hundred thousand aeons (kappa) I was not reborn in any bad destination (duggati).
Thirty thousand aeons ago there were sixteen bulls among charioteers
bearing the name Mahācundabhi — kings, wheel-turning monarchs (cakkavatti).
The four analytical insights (paṭisambhidā), and these eight liberations (vimokkha) too,
and the six superknowledges (chaḷabhiññā) have been realized: the Buddha's teaching has been done.
Thus indeed did the Venerable Saraṇagamaniya the Elder speak these verses.
The Apadāna of Saraṇagamaniya the Elder is concluded.
Fourth: the Apadāna of Ekāsaniya the Elder (114)
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.