Vimanavatthu7.8

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7.8 MANSION OF DIVERS HUE (82)

(Anekavanna-vimana)

The Bhagava(Lord Buddha) was staying at Savatthi, in Jeta Grove. The venerable Elder Monk Maha-Moggallana was on a deva(angel)-tour in the realm of the Thirty-three(heaven) and was saluted by a deva(angel)-youth of divers due who approached him and stood with clasped hands stretched out.

The Elder asked:

1 "Risen to a Mansion of divers hue, grief and fatigue-dispelling, of divers beauty, surrounded by a throng of nymphs, you, like the lord of creation, Sunimmita, do rejoice.

2 You have no equal, from where then a better in renown, merit and psychic potency(power)? All the deva(angel)-host in the (Three-and) Thirty are met to pay homage to you even as the devas(angels) (among men pay homage) to the moon.

3 And these, your nymphs, on every side dance, sing, enjoy themselves. You, attained to the psychic potency(power) of devas(angels), are of great majesty.

4 What merit did you perform when you were born a human being? Because of what is your brilliant majesty thus and your beauty illumines all quarters(directions)?"

5 That deva(angel)-youth, delight. . . of what deed this was the fruit(result)'.

6 "I, reverend sir, formerly was a disciple of the Conqueror named Sumedha (earlier Buddha), A worldling was I with no awakening, one who for seven year had gone forth to monkhood into the path (of Buddha).

7 When the Conqueror Sumedha, the teacher, the steadfast one who had crossed the flood, passed out finally, I then paid homage at his thupa(stupa,sacred monument) of jewels which was covered with a golden net, bringing peace to my mind.

8 Not mine was gift for I had nothing to give. But I roused others there: 'Pay homage to that relic of him who is worthy of homage; thus, it is said, you will go hence to heaven.'

9 Such was the benevolent deed done by me, for which I enjoy deva(angel)-like bliss. I rejoice in the midst of the host of the (Three-and-) Thirty(heaven) for exhaustion of that merit has not (yet) come.