Commentary on Biography of Sūcidāyaka thera

Stanzas starting with Timsakappasahassamhi constitute the biography of the venerable thera Sūcidāyaka. This one also, having done devoted service towards former Buddhas, the excellent conquerors, accumulating meritorious deeds, conducive towards escape from rounds of repeated rebirths (vaṭṭa) in this and that existence, was reborn in a family-house, at the time of the Glorious One Sumedha; having grown-up in due course, he offered five needles to the Glorious One for doing the work of stitching robes. On account of that act of merit, he enjoyed the result of merit among divine and human-beings, wandered about his rounds of repeated rebirths, became well-known as being endowed with sharp knowledge in whatever existence he sprang up, was reborn in a family-house, when this Buddha arose, grew up in due course, came to have pleasing faith in the Master, became a monk, and attained arahatship, even at the razor-tip, due to his sharp knowledge.

30. Subsequently, reflecting wisely on his meritorious deed, he came to see it, became delighted and uttered a stanza starting with Timsakappasahassamihi, in order to make manifest the deed done by him formerly. Here, however, all the intervening words are but easily comprehensible.

31. Pañcasūcimayā dinnā (five needles have been offered by me); here, it pierces (sūcati), makes a small hole, penetrates; thus, sūci (needle); five needles have been offered by me;thus, is the meaning. The rest is but easily comprehensible.

The Commentary on the biography of the thera Sūcidāyaka has ended.