Vimanavatthu5.12

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5.12 THIRD ELEPHANT MANSION (62)

(Tatiya-Naga-vimana)

The Bhagava(Lord Buddha) was staying at Rajagaha, in Bamboo Grove. Then three Arihant Elders (fully enlightened) came to a village residence for the rains, going thereafter to a village residence for the rains, going thereafter to Rajagaha to salute to Bhagava(Lord Buddha). Passing the sugar-cane plantation of a brahman of false views, they asked the keeper: "Can we get to Rajagaha to-day?" "No, sir, it's half a yojana further; stay here and go on tomorrow." "Is there a place here we could stay at?" "No, but I will tell you of a place" And he improvised huts with sugar-canes, sticks and so forth, he gave them rice and cane-juice, and after the meal sped them forth with a sugar-cane each thinking it to be (from) his share of the produce and returned in joy and hope in his own welfare. But his master, meeting the monks, asked them how they had acquired the sugar-canes, and when he heard go furious and ran back spluttering with rage and hit his keeper with a club, killing him with one stroke. By merit of his deed the latter was reborn in the Hall of Sudhamma-devas(angels), owner of an all-white great elephant. His parents and kin made lamentation at his funeral, but he came riding among them in state, and a man of innate intelligence asked him about the deed of merit he had done:

1 "Who now on deva(angel)-like mount, on an all-white elephant, with the sound of tuneful instrumental music is honoured in the sky?

2 Now, are you a devata(angel), a heavenly musician or Sakka(Indra, king of angels), bounteous giver? Now knowing you, we ask you how are we to know you?" He explained this matter:

3 "I am neither a deva(angel) nor a heavenly musician, nor am I Sakka(Indra, king of angels), bounteous giver. I am one of those named  Sudhamma-devas(angels)."

Again the man asked:

4 "We are asking you, Sudhama-deva(angel), raising respectfully our clasped hands What is the deed you did among men that you have arisen in Sudhamma?"

he spoke this verse:

5 "Who gives a hut of sugar-cane, a hut of grass, a hut of robes-who gives one of three arises in Sudhamma."

Thus comforting his parents be returned to the deva(angel)-world.