Vimanavatthu5.10

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5.10 FIRST ELEPHANT MANSION (60)

(Pathama-Naga-vimana)

The Bhagava(Lord Buddha) was staying at Savatthi, in Jeta Grove. Then the venerable Elder Monk Maha-Moggallana on a deva(angel)-tour in the realm of the Thirty-three(heaven) saw deva(angel)-youth mounted on a great all-white elephant with a great retinue(attendants group) going through the air, and went towards him. The deva(angel)-youth descended and saluted him and the Elder asked him about the deed he had done:

1 "Mounted on an elephant whose body is dazzling white, pure bred, a tusker, strong and swift, mounted on the glorious elephant, beautifully caparisoned(saddle clothed & decorated), you are come here in mid-air through the sky.

2 Upon the two tusks of the elephant are created crystal-clear lotus pools in full bloom; among the lotuses burst forth orchestral bands, and these enchanting ones are dancing.

3 You of great majesty have attained deva(angel)-like psychic potency(power). 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 the quarters(directions)?

4 The deva(angel)-youth, delighted at being questioned by Moggallana, when asked the question explained of what deed this was the fruit(benefit).

5 "Eight fallen flowers, with my own hands, gladly, I offered at the thupa(stupa,sacred monument) to the great seer Kassapa(earlier Buddha).

6 Because of this is my beauty such. . . and my beauty illumines all the quarters(directions)."