[21] While I was clearing an overhanging cliff on the excellent, supreme mountain, the Blessed One named Siddhattha came into my presence.
Seeing that the Buddha had drawn near, I laid out a covering and gave a seat of flowers to the Elder of the World, the Such One (tādī).
Having sat down upon the seat of flowers, Siddhattha, Leader of the World, knowing my destiny, proclaimed impermanence (aniccatā):
"Impermanent indeed are conditioned things (saṅkhārā); it is their nature to arise and pass away. Having arisen, they cease; their stilling is bliss."
Having spoken thus, the All-Knowing One, Elder of the World, Bull among Men, the Wise One rose up into the sky, like the king of swans in the firmament.
Abandoning my own view, I developed the perception of impermanence (aniccasaññā); and when I had developed it for a single day, right there I died.
Having enjoyed the two successes, spurred on by the bright root [of merit], and having arrived at my final existence, I came to birth in the womb of the dog-cookers (sāpāka).
Having departed from the house, I went forth into homelessness; at seven years from birth I attained arahantship (arahatta).
With energy aroused, resolute, well composed in the virtues, having gladdened the Great Nāga (mahānāga), I obtained the full ordination (upasampadā).
In the ninety-fourth aeon (kappa) from the present, the deed that I did then — I know of no bad destination: this is the fruit of the gift of flowers.
In the ninety-fourth aeon from the present, the perception that I developed then — as I was developing that perception, the destruction of the taints (āsava) was attained by me.
The four analytic insights (paṭisambhidā), and these eight liberations (vimokkha), and the six superknowledges (chaḷabhiññā) have been realized; the Buddha's teaching has been done.
It was thus, indeed, that the Venerable Sopāka the Elder spoke these verses.
The Apadāna of Sopāka the Elder is concluded.
Tenth: the Apadāna of Sumaṅgala the Elder (20)
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.