Part 3 - King Suddhodāna’s invitation

King Suddhodāna sending His Ministers to invite the Buddha to the Royal City

It was during the waning moon of Phussa, in the 103rd year of the Great Era. (as already mentioned in Chapter 15), the Buddha was then residing at the Veḷuvana Monastery, in Rājagaha, administering the Deathless Elixir of Dhamma to devas, humans, and Brahmās who went to His presence. He had helped some sentient beings to be established as firm believers of the Three Gems, others were able to gain the Path and Fruition in accordance with their aspirations and resolve; while some people of good families from Anga and Magadha countries were granted ordination with attainment of the Path and Fruition. While this great festival of emancipation was being held daily, King Suddhodāna heard the news that his son had attained the most Exalted Buddhahood after undergoing a strenuous course of practice for six years and that having preached the first Sermon of Dhammacakka, He was residing in great and noble glory at Veḷuvana Monastery, Rājagaha, like the moon amidst the stars in the sky.

Hearing these news, the King sent for a minister and said to him: “O Minister! go you now, with one thousand attendants, to the city of Rājagaha and address my son, the Enlightened One, in these words of mine: ‘Glorious Buddha, your father King Suddhodāna is desirous of paying homage to you’ and invite Him to come here.”

“Very well, Your Majesty,” replied the minister and he set off without delay, carrying the royal message and in the company of one thousand attendants to Rājagaha which was 60 yojanas from Kapilavatthu. He arrived there at a time when the Buddha was teaching Dhamma in the midst of an audience at the Veḷuvana Monastery.

The minister thought to himself: “I may as well listen to the discourse before delivering the King’s message.” While standing and listening to the discourse from the far end of the audience, he and his one thousand attendants, as a consequence, attained arahantship. They therefore, approached the Buddha and made the request: “Glorious Buddha, may we receive admission to the Order and ordination as bhikkhu in your presence.” Thereupon, the Blessed One stretched out His hand (as before) and said: ‘Etha Bhikkhu, etc.” Instantly, with the call of “Etha Bhikkhu”, the minister and the one thousand royal attendants transformed into full-fledged bhikkhus like senior theras of sixty year’s standing, readily robed and equipped with eight supernaturally created requisites, each in its place, paying homage to the Buddha with due to respect. Their state of minister and royal attendants miraculously disappeared as they were transformed into bhikkhus.

(N.B. From the moment of attainment of arahatta-phala, noble persons, as a matter of course, become indifferent to mundane affairs, as such, the minister did not convey the King’s message to the Buddha but simply passing his time enjoying the bliss of arahatta-phala.)

Finding that the minister whom he sent did not return in due time and no news was even heard, the King was anxious to know the reason of their silence. So he sent again another minister on the same mission and in the same manner. This minister, too, having gone to Veḷuvana Monastery in Rājagaha with his attendants, attained arahantship after hearing the discourse given by the Buddha and became ehi-bhikkhus. They neither conveyed to the Buddha the royal message nor did they send back any report to the King. They remained there enjoying the Fruits of arahantship.

King Suddhodāna sent altogether nine ministers, each with one thousand royal attendants on the same mission. All the nine ministers, with their attendants, attained arahantship after hearing the discourse given by the Buddha and became ehi-bhikkhus. They neither conveyed to the Buddha the royal message nor did they send back any report to the King. They remained there enjoying the Fruits of arahantship.

Sending Kaludayi, A Birth-mate (of the Buddha)

When King Suddhodāna came to know that none of the ministers and attendants had returned nor come into his presence to tell him anything, he thought: “So many, nine thousand and nine persons, have not come back to my presence even to give a report, because they have no close affection and regard for me at all.” He wondered: “Who will carry out my orders with due speed and without delay.” His searching mind began to work and scrutinising carefully, at last he saw Minister Kaludayi. As an administrative official, he was charged with managing general affairs of the court and also being one nearer and dearer to the Royal family. Thus, as a trustworthy confidant, the King picked out Kaludayi, who was also his son’s birth-mate, as he was born on the same day. They were playmates since their infancy and were intimate friends.

Therefore, the King told Kaludayi: “My son, Kaludayi, I, being desirous of paying homage to my son, the Buddha, had sent nine ministers, each accompanied by one thousand attendants, but not even one of them has returned with any news. One cannot know with certainty what danger there is to one’s life. I wish to see and pay homage to my son while I am still living. Dear son Kaludayi, will you be able to strive your utmost to undertake this task so that I may see my son?” Kaludayi replied: “Your Majesty, it would be possible for me to do so if I am granted permission to enter monkhood.”

Then the King replied: “Dear son Kaludayi, whether you enter monkhood or not, do try your utmost to undertake the task so that I may see my son.” “Very well,” promised Kaludayi who then set out for Rājagaha, accompanied by one thousand attendants, carrying the King’s message for the Buddha. (As stated before) arriving there, while the Buddha was teaching a discourse, they stood listening to it from the far end of the audience. As a consequence, Kaludayi and his one thousand attendants attained arahatta-phala and became ehi-bhikkhus too.

Kaludayi requesting The Buddha to visit The Royal City of Kapilavatthu

(After His Enlightenment, the Buddha spent His first rains-retreat at Isipatana, Migadaya. At the end of the retreat and having performed the pavāraṇā ceremony, He set out for the Uruvelā forest where He stayed for the whole of three months teaching and instructing the three hermit brothers and their one thousand followers till they attained arahantship. Then accompanied by the one thousand arahats who were former hermits, the Buddha made His way to Rājagaha where He arrived on the full moon day of Phussa and resided there for the entire two months. The Buddha taught and instructed more than ten thousand young men of good families from Anga and Magadha countries until they became arahats and ordained as bhikkhus. Thus five months had passed since Buddha departed from Bārāṇasī; the cold winter months were over and it was spring, the full moon day of Phagguna. And it was a week after Kaludayi had arrived at the presence of the Buddha.)

On that full moon day, Thera Kaludayi thought to himself: “The cold season is over and spring has arrived. Cultivators and farmers have finished gathering their harvests and they have opened up pathways leading to all destinations. The great earth is verdant, covered with luxurious growth of green grass. In the surrounding woods, forest trees have shed their old leaves and look resplendent in their new leaves, bearing flowers and fruits. Neither too cold nor too hot, it is a good time for travelling, it is time now for the Buddha to visit the royal relatives and give them His Blessings.”

Having thought thus, he approached the Buddha and addressed Him with the following sixty verses, supplicating to make a visit to the royal city of Kapilavatthu.

1. Angārino dāni dunā bhadante
phalesino chadānam vippahāya
ta acchimantova pabhāsayanti
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great benefactor, winter has gone and spring has set in, all the trees have shed their decayed leaves and as if to acquire fresh fruits, have sprouted tender leaves and flower buds of glowing ember-red. Stimulated by the changing weather, these colourful trees are shining bright.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit to Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

2. Dumā vicittā dami duma bhadante
rattañkureheva ca pallavehi
ratanujjalamaṇḍapasannibhāsā
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great benefactor, all the trees, wearing their coral-red sprouts and tender emerald-green leaves, are wondrously and delightfully beautiful, resembling pavilions shining with jewel-like brilliancy.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth,

3. Supupphitaggā kusumehi bhūsitā
manuññabhuta sucisādhu gandhā
rukkhā virocanti ubhosu passesu
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, on either side of the roadway, all kinds of trees and seasonal plants are crowded with blossoms to the very top. Adorned with flowers in full bloom, every tree stands lovely; the clear air is filled with fragrant odour and the environs amazingly beautiful to behold.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

4. Phalehi nekehi samiddhibhūtā
vicittarukkhā ubhatovakāse
khuddaṃ pipāsampi vinodayanti
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, on either side of the roadway, all kinds of trees have borne assorted fruits; wayfarers, both bhikkhus and laity alike, can satisfy their hunger and quench their thirst.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

5. Vicittamāla sucipallavehi
susajjitā morakalāpasannibha
rukkhā virocanti Ubhosu passesu
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, now that on either side of the roadway, seasonal shrubs and plants are adorned with the most fascinating sprigs and decoratively set with delicate leaves free from dirt and dust, looking like bouquets of peacock’s tails, they make all the environs (present) a splendid and wonderful scene.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

6. Virocamānā phalapallavehi
susajjitavāsanivāsabhuta
tosenti addhānakilanasatte samayo
Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, seasonal trees and plants are adorned with young fruits and delicate leaves; the whole environs not only present a fascinating sight at every turn but also, like welcoming home and rest houses they refresh and delight the heart of weary travelling bhikkhus and lay men.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

7. Suphullitaggā vanaguṃbanissitā
latā anekā suvirajamāna
tosenti satte manimandhapāva
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, numerous species of creeping plants in full bloom, enveloping the bushy plants, afford a fine and splendid sight. Assuming the form of a big pavilion studded with a variety of precious jewels, it gladdens the heart of travellers, bhikkhus and laity alike.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

8. Latā anekā dumanissaitāva
piyehi saddhiṃ sahitā vadhuva
palobhayantī hi sugandhagandhā
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, like the daughters and daughters-inlaw of good birth embracing their beloved husbands, just so numerous species of beautiful creeping plants keep clinging to the trees as parasites and emitting sweet odours seem to be seductively attracting the delight of both bhikkhus and laity.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

9. Vicittanīladimamiñña vanna
Dija sarnantā abhikūjamānā
tosenti mañjussaratāratīhi
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, from all directions, multifarious birds, strangely beautiful with bright darkly bluish plumage, can be seen flying, dancing, singing sweet and loud, mingling among themselves in couples in jubilant celebration, much to the joy and delight of the travelling bhikkhus and laity.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

10. Miga ca nānā suvirājamānā
uttuṅgakaṇṇa ca manuññanetta
disa samantā mabhidhavayanti
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, numerous species of beasts, gambolling and running, can be seen trotting joyfully to and fro in groups or pairs with pricked-up ears and lovable wide eyes.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

11. Manuññabhūta ca mahī somantā
virājamānā haritāva saddalā
supupphirukhā molinivalañkata
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, mother earth, on all sides, everywhere vastly covered with lush and Bermuda grass, affords a fine and delightful scene. The trees, richly adorned with lovely blossoms, are like a maiden’s well-embellished tapering coiled hair. (This translation is according to the ancient Nissaya)

Stretches of land everywhere affords delightful scene. These stretches of land are covered with green Bermuda grass. The trees, with flowers and full blossom atop them, resemble a charming maiden wearing a well-embellished cured hair.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

12. Susajjitā muttamayāva vālukā
susaṇḍita cārusuphassadātā
virocayanteva disā samantā
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, fine silvery sands, resembling brilliant white pearls of even size, orderly arranged by skilful smiths, lie in stretches for travellers to tread upon with ease and comfort and hind colour and beauty to the environs.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

13. Samaṃ suphassaṃ sucibhūmi bhāvaṃ
manuññapupphodayagandhavātsitam
virājamānaṃ sucimaṅja sobhaṃ
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, mother earth is free from dirt, the whole stretch of land is void of knoll and trench, unbroken and even, affording a smooth and gentle sense of touch. The air is charged with sweet scents from lovely flowers. The whole spectacle is beautiful, all is clean and pleasant, making travelling most enjoyable and appropriate.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

14. Susajjitaṃ nandānakānanaṃva
vicittanānādumasaṇḍamaṇḍitaṃ
sugandhabhutaṃ pavanaṃ surammaṃ
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, beautified by the presence of fascinating trees and atmosphere laden with sweet and exotic scents of flowers, the woodland passage between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu has the appearance of Nandavana garden as if devas have transformed it into a stage for tumultuous celebration of the festival of devas.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

15. Sarā vicittā vividhā manoramā
susajjitā pañkajapuṇḍarika
pasannasitodakacarupuṇṇā samayo
Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the ponds along the route are full of clear, clean and cool water, and decorated with five varieties of lotus thriving from the silt, are wonderfully beautiful to the view and fill the heart with delight.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

16. Saphullanānāvidhapeṅkajehi
virājamānā sucigandhagandhā
pamodayanteva narāmara naṃ
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, fully bloomed lilies, dancing on the surface of the ponds, afford scenes of beauty, fragrant with the clean sweet smell of the flowers. The lovely ponds greatly delight the approaching devas and humans.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

17. Suphallapaṅkeruhasannisinnā
dijā samantā m[?]Abhinādayantā
modanti bhariyahi samaṅgino te
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, birds of varying hue, drunk with nectar from the proudly-blooming fully bloomed lilies on which they have alighted, sing loud and melodiously from all round. Together with their true and lovely mates, they fly about in joyous delight.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

18. Suphullapupphehi rajaṃ gahetvā
alī vidhavanti vikūjamānā
maduhmi gandho vidisaṃ pavāyati
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the bees and bumble bees buzz noisily and ceaselessly as they swarm about sipping the sweet and juicy nectar from the flowers in full bloom. These bees, big and small, fly about the entire area, diffusing the whole region with the sweet scent of nectar.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

19. Abhiññanādā madavārana ca
girīhi dhavanti ca vāridhārā
savanti najjo suvirājitāva
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, huge elephants in must, trumpet with voices as clear as those of singing cranes; great volumes of water rushing down from the hills and majestic rivers flowing swift and strong are beautiful to behold.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

20. Girī samantāva padissamānā
mayūragīva iva nīlavaṇṇā
disarajindāva virocayanti
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, in all eight directions, everywhere we look, ranges of towering mountain, dark green and distinct as the colourful ring round the neck of a peacock, resembling the grand spectacle of Eyavat, one of the eight species of royal Disagaja^[1] elephants.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

21. Mayūrasaṅgha girimuddhanasamin
naccanti nārihi samaṅgibhūtā
kujanti nānamadhurassarehi
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, on all hilltops on either side of the road, many peacocks, each with its own true and dear mate, struts about back and forth, with their tails raised fan-wise gorgeously, wings outstretched, and heads uplifted, dancing in emulation of human kind. With melodious voices of varying notes, in Magadha they joyously crow and sing: “Oway, Oway.”

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

22. Suvadikānekadī jā manuñña
vicittapattehi virajamānā
garihmi thatvā abhiñadayanti
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, numerous lovely birds, each with the variegated and exotic plumage of species, are perching on the hill-tops on either side of the route and singing sweet songs.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

23. Suphullapupphakaramābhikiññna
sugandhanānadalalankatā ca
girīvirocanti disā samantā
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, on either side of the route, there are ranges of mountains with flowering trees of rare specimen emitting sweetscents and presenting a delightful scene.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

24. Jalāsayānekasugandhagandhā
surindauyyānajalāsayava
savanti najjo suvirā jamānā
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord of Great Benefactor, all the lakes and ponds, like those in the gardens of Sakka, the ruler of the devas, permeated with sweet scents and the rivers flowing swiftly with strong currents make a whole fascinating scene.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

25. Vicittatitthehi alankatā ca
manuñanānanāmigapakkhipāsā
najjo virocanti susandamānā
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, rows of fascinating riverine towns adorn the rivers along their course, and like traps, these rivers attract various delightful birds of passage. Flowing swiftly and ceaselessly, they are beautiful to behold.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu the country of your birth.

26. Ubosu passesu jalāsayesu
supupphitā cārusugandharukkhā
vibhūsitaggā surasundarīva
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the trees on the banks of lakes and ponds, on either side of the route, are in full blossom and the whole region is permeated with sweet scents. With the fresh and decorative sprigs and leaf shoots gorgeously adorning their tops, they look like gracious maidens of the world of celestial beings.

Venerable Lord, of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

27. Sugandhanānādumajalakiṅṅaṃ
vanaṃ vicittaṃ suranandānaṃva
manobhirāmaṃ satataṃ gatīnam
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the woody section of the road, permeated with sweet scent from the fragrant trees, is wonderful like the Nandavana of the celestial world; it is a perpetual source of joy, a locality of peace and tranquillity for the travelling bhikkhus and the laity.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

28. Sampaññā nanāsuciannapānā
savyyaṅjanā sādurasena yuttā
pathesu gāme sulabha mannunñña
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the section of the road, between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu, is lined with villages where varieties of hygienic food-stuff, sweet-meats, delicacies of the season are easily available at this time of harvesting

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

29. Virājita āsi mahī samantā
vicittavaṇṇā kusumāsanassa
rattindagopehi alaṅkatāva
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the land above the flowing woodland is beautiful indeed. In the depths of night, as if with Indira’s help, a fantastically splendid scene is created; the land glows with reddish lights reflected from red flying insects, red as drops of betel juice.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

30. Visuddhasaddhadigunehi yuttā
sambuadharajaṃ abhipatthayantā
bahūhi tattheva janā samantā
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, along the route from Rājagaha to Kapilavatthu, at the intermediate stations, all the virtuous people from the neighbourhood, with pure and holy faith, have been waiting with ardent expectation: “The Lord of the three worlds, the Omniscient, the Monarch of the Dhamma, will surely come past our place, along this very route.”

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

31. Vicittraārāmasupokkharañño
vicittranānāpadumehi channā
bhisehi khīraṃva rasaṃ pavāyā ti
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the clear, clean ponds within the magnificent gardens are covered to full capacity by lilies of the choicest quality. The delicious juice, from the stalks and projecting roots of the lilies, is as delicious as milk and the whole area is permeated with their fragrance.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

32. Vicittranilalicch menalaṅkata
manuññarukkhā ubhatovakāse
samuggatā sattasamuhabhūtā
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, on either side of the route, all the trees are thickly covered with lush, extra-ordinary decorative foliage of darkgreen, jutting out splendidly to great heights and resemble throngs of human beings,

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

33. Vicittaranilabbhanaivayātam vanam
surindaloke iva nandānaṃ vanaṃ
sabbotukaṃ sadhusugandhapupphaṃ
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, like a streak of wonderful dark brown clouds, the long and narrow woodland route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu stretches, fresh and green, resembling a covered passage of emerald, like the garden of Nandavana in the celestial abode of Sakka. The weather is fair and temperate at all seasons, and groves of various flowers emit sweet scents.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu the country of your birth.

34. Subhaṅjasaṃ yojanayojanesu
subhikkhagāmā sulabka manuñña
janabhikinnā sulabhannapānā
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, every yojana of the route is beautiful and delightful. To please the heart are affluent alms-offering villages which are easy of access. These villages, at each stop, are dense with villagers and abundant alms food and drink, ungrudgingly offered, is available without much effort.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

35. Pahūtachayūdakarammabhūtā
nivasīnam sabbasukhappadātā
visālasālā ca sabhā ca bahū
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, all along the route, there are spacious rest-houses and assembly halls providing ample shade and water to travelling bhikkhus and laity who take shelter to refresh and delight and give every comfort of body and mind.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

36. Vicittanānāduma-saṇḍamanditā
manuññayyanasupokkharanno
sumāpitā sādhusnugandhagandha
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, all along the route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu, virtuous and pious people have constructed ponds and garden and planted with trees of exotic varieties and the whole region is filled with sweet scents.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

37. Vāto mudusitalasādhurupo
nabhā ca abbhā vigatā samantā
disā ca sabbātve virocayanti
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the gently blowing breeze is soft and cool, the sky above is free from dark, brown and black threatening rain clouds and the the whole environs in all direction is clear, bright, and beautiful to view.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

38. Pathe rajonuggamanatthameva
rattiṅ pavassanti ca mandavuthī
nabhe ca suro mudukava tāpo
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, along the route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu, wafted by gentle breeze, only light showers fall at night, just enough to prevent the dust from arising, and during the day, the sun shines softly with tolerable brightness and heat.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

39. Madappabāhā madahatthisangha
kareṇusanghehi sukilayanti
disā vidhāvanti ca gajjayantā
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, full-grown male elephants in must, and thus strongly intoxicated, run hither and thither in the company of their true mates and merrily enjoy themselves trumpeting aloud with voices resembling the crowing of the cranes; they run where they wish, out of joy and jollity.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

40. Vanaṃ sunilaṃ abhidassaniyaṃ
nilabbhakūtaṃ iva rammabhutaṃ
vilokitānaṃ ativimhaniyaṃ
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the route of lush, dark green woodland, between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu, is really a splendid and attractive spectacle, resembling masses of dark brownish clouds in the sky. To the travelling bhikkhus and laity, its charm and great beauty is a source of wonder and delight.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

41. Vissuddhamabbhaṃ gaganaṃ surammaṃ
maṇimayehi samalaṅkatāva
disā ca sabbā atirocayanti
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the sky is filled with masses of clear, silvery clouds, joyful and delightful to view. As though adorned with precious ornaments set with emeralds, the environs are extremely beautiful to behold.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

42. Gandhabbavijjadharakinnara ca
sugītiyantā madhurassarena
caranti tasmin pavane suramme
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, this delightful woody part of the route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu is the haunt of many heavenly musicians (gandhabba), beings possessed of supernatural powers (vijja-dhara) and mystical winged beings, Kinnarās (having the body of a bird but with a human face) who sing with melodious notes as they move or fly about.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

43. Kilesasaṃghassa bhitāsaktehi
tapassisanghehi nisevitam vanaṃ
vihāraārāmasamiddhibhutaṃ
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the woody route between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu abounds with abodes that are suitable for permanent residence of the hermits and monks who greatly dread the oppression of enslaving defilements.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

44. Samiddhinānāphalino vanantā
anākulā niccamanobhirammā
samadhipītiṃ abhivsḍḍhayanti
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, groves of fruit trees with various plump fruits are free from disturbance and ever delightful. The resulting tranquillity of the five senses greatly promotes the development of joyful satisfaction (pīti) and concentration (samādhi) for the travelling bhikkhus and laity.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

45. Nisevitaṃ nekadijehi niccaṃ
gamena gāmaṃ satatam vasantā
pure pure gāmavarā ca santi
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, numerous birds of varying feathers take refuge in the woody tract between Rājagaha and Kapilavatthu. Every town has its own hamlet filled with villagers, shifting from place to place in groups of common interest, at their will and pleasure, where bhikkhus can go for alms.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

46. Vatthannapānaṃ sayanāsanaṅca
gandhaṅca malaṅca vilepanaṅca
tahim samiddhā janatā bhahu ca
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, all along that route there are numerous hamlets where commodities or consumable goods such as food and clothing, also lodging and sweet-scents, different specimens of flowers, perfumes of all grades, mild or strong are readily available. The whole region has many rich people of the commercial world.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

47. Puññiddhiya sabbayasaggapattā
janā ca tasmiṅ sukhitā samiddhā
pahūtabbogā vividhā vasanti
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, all along the woody tract, at many villages there are virtuous people (enjoying the fruits of their past meritorious deeds) at the height of wealth and high reputation, and leading a life of ease and comfort. With ample wealth and numerous accessories for use, they live a luxurious life in diverse ways.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

48. Nabe ca abbhā suvisuddhavaṇṇā
disā ca cando suvirājitova
rattiñca vāto mudusītalo ca
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the clouds in the sky are clean and clear, the moon shines with all its brightness keeping the environs illuminated, at night, mild breeze, cool and gentle, blows softly in contrast with the biting wind of winter.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

49. Canduggame sabba janā pahathā
sakaṅgane cittarakata vadantā
piyehi saddhim abhimodayanti
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, when the moon rises, the happy, merry people on mother earth sit on the floors of the verandas of their houses; and enter into conversation. Together with their loved ones, they are full of joy.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

50. Candassa raṃsīhi nabhaṃ viroci
mahī ca saṃsuddhamanuññavaṇnā
disā ca sabbā parisuddharupā
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the silvery rays of the moon keep the sky becomingly bright. The earth also appears delightfully clean, and the environs in all directions is cool and clean.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

51. Dure ca disvā varacandaraṃsiṃ
pupphiṃsu puphāni mahūalasmiṃ
samanto gandhagunatthikānam
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, for the benefit of those lovers of sweet scents, various species of flowers all over the earth are in blossom through contact with the beams of the moon shining at great distance in the sky.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

52. Candassa ramsihi vilimpitāva
mahī samantā kusumen'laṅkatā
viroci sabbaṅgasumālinīva
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great benefactor, the entire surface of the earth looks splendid as though it has been besmeared with the cool, clear, silvery beams of the moon, and beautified and adorned with various night-blooming flowers. It resembles a fair maid profusely and becomingly decked with flowers.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

53. Kucanti hatthīpi madena mattā
vicitapiñcha ca aijā samantā
karonti nādaṃ pavane suramme
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, all along the route from Rājagaha to Kapilavatthu, elephants in must trumpet with their voices resembling that of the sweet sounds of cranes. Multifarious birds with strange wonderful plumage sing sweetly and merrily from all directions.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

54. Pathañcha sabbaṃ patipajjanakkhamaṃ
iddham ca rathaṃ sadhanaṃ sabhogaṃ
sabbathutaṃ sabbasukhappadānaṃ
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, winter has gone and the summer has just set in; it is the most opportune time to go on a journey. The countryside is rich and prosperous and replete with the seven characteristics, is worthy of praise and capable of giving comfort to mind and body.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit to Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

55. Vanañca sabbaṃ suvicittarūpaṃ
sumāpitaṃ nandānakānānanva
yatīna pītiṃ satataṃ jeneti
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the stretch of road ahead is wonderfully beautiful, resembling the enchanted garden of Nandavana which is created by the virtue of devas. To monks travelling through the woodland it is ever a source of innocent delight in the beauty of wood and forest, in contrast to those associated with the five objects of sensual pleasures.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

56. Alaṅkataṃ devapuraṃva rammaṃ
Kapilavatthum iti namameyyaṃ
kulanagaram idha sassirikaṃ
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the residential capital of your royal parents, relatives and their descents, Kapilavatthu, so named for being established on the site of the monastery of Kapila, who is a holy hermit, is as delightful as Tāvatiṃsa, the beautiful abode of celestials.

Venerable Lord of Mighty diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

57. Manuññaattavicittarūpaṃ
suphullapañkeruhasaṇḍamaṇḍitam
vicittaparikhāhi puraṃ surammaṃ
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the city of Kapilavatthu is majestic with turrets, bastions and tired-roofed structures. Fields of lovely lilies in full bloom adorn it and wonderful moats make it extremely delightful.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

58. Vicittapākārañca toraṇañca
subaṅganaṃ devanivāsabūtaṃ
manunnavīthi suralokasannitaṃ
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the royal capital city of Kapilavatthu has a magnificent wall around it, a strong reinforced gateway, with the surface of the ground as even as the face of a drum. The seat of the descendents of the ruling monarchs, with a delightful and clean and broad road-way, it is like the city of Tāvatiṃsa, the abode of the celestials.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

59. Alaṅkata sākiyara japuttā
virajamānā varabhūsanehi
suriṅdaloke iva devaputtā
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, the princes, scion of the unbroken dynasty of monarchs of Kapilavatthu, being bedecked with best radiant costumes, are as graceful as their counterparts of the Kingdom of Tāvatiṃsa where Sakka rules supreme.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

60. Suddhodano munivaraṃ abhidassanāya
amaccaputte dasadhā apesayi
balenaṃ saddhim mahātā muninda
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Venerable Lord and Great Benefactor, Most Exalted Chief of the Munis. Your father, King Suddhodāna, being desirous of seeing and paying homage to you, his son, the most Exalted of noble Munis, in consideration of lengthy separation and in view of his ripe old age, had sent ten groups of ministers for ten times, each group accompanied by one thousand attendants charged with the responsibility of inviting you to the Royal City.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

61. Nevāgataṃ passati neva vacaṃ
sokābhibhūtam naravīrasetthaṃ
tosetumicchāmi narādhipattaṃ
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Most Exalted Chief of the Munis, (In spite of his efforts) your old father, King Suddhodāna, has pathetically not yet seen you come nor has he even heard the news whether you will or will not make the visit.

The supreme valorous monarch, your father, is depressed by anxiety and sorrow. My ardent prayer is that the desire of the gracious King be joyously fulfilled by the vision of your face.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

62. Tamdassanenabbhutapītirāsi
udikkhamānam dvipadānamindaṃ
tosehi tam muniṅda gunasetham
samayo Mahāvīra aṅgīrasānaṃ.

Most Exalted Chief of the Munis, it is certain that your old gracious father, King Suddhodāna, will be extraordinarily moved with joy by your presence before him. Let the ardent wish of the gracious ruler, King Suddhodāna, the praiseworthy benefactor providing sustenance to all human beings, who have been awaiting your coming be joyously fulfilled by the vision of your face.

Venerable Lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

63. Āsāya kassate khettaṃ
bijaṃ āsāya vappati
āsāya vāṇija yanti
samuddaṃ dhanahārakā
yāya āsāya tiṭṭhami
sā me āsā samijjhatu.

Most Exalted Chief of the Munis, a farmer ploughs the field many times with the expectation of securing crops and grains. Having furrowed the field repeatedly, he proceeds to sow the seeds with great effort, with the expectation of procuring a good harvest. People of commercial world, carrying their goods in big ships across the ocean rife with dangerous fish, tortoise, huge crabs, at the risk of their lives and with the expectation of securing wealth. So also, I, Kaludayi, your birth-mate, have arrived at your feet (in the Veḷuvana monastery) with the good wish and expectation that you will visit the royal city and grant your gracious permission to the Royal family to pay homage to you. May my good and sincere wish be fulfilled without delay.

Venerable lord of Mighty Diligence, Mahāvīra, with lustrous body, the time is opportune to (pay a) visit Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

64. Nātisītam natiuhnaṃ
nātidubbhikkhachātakaṃ
saddalā haritā bhūmi
esa kalo Mahāmuni.

Most Exalted chief of the Munis, at this transitional period from winter to summer, the weather is neither very cold nor very hot. At this time of harvesting and fair weather, food is abundant and there is no problem of hunger and privation. The whole earth is emerald-tinted and verdant with tender Bermuda grass and this special period of the late winter-early summer is the most opportune time to travel to Kapilavatthu, the country of your birth.

This is how the Venerable Kaludayi addressed the Buddha with sixty beautifully composed stanzas of praise, persuading Him to visit the Royal City of Kapilavatthu.

(N.B. Herein it should be noted especially that, although the actual total number of stanzas is sixty-four, commentaries and Sub-commentaries count them as sixty; thus there is a slight difference of four stanzas as in the case of Atthasalini Mula Tika where kilesas are counted in like manner, allowing such negligible numbers to go unheeded on the strength of canonical saying “appakam hi unam adhikam va gananupagam na hoti—— such small shortage or excess should be neglected.”)

On such a presentation being made by the Venerable Kaludayi, the Buddha responded: “Son Kaludayi, why do you urge Me to visit Kapilavatthu by presenting such words of praise and in such a sweet tone?” The Venerable Kaludayi answered: “Most Exalted One, your old father, King Suddhodāna, wishes so much to pay homage to you and the Sangha. I pray that you may do honour to the royal relatives by your visit.” Then the Buddha granted His request in these words: “Your request is granted, son, Kaludayi. You may give intimation to the Sangha of my forth coming visit to Kapilavatthu to do honour to the royal relatives, and they will perform usual, formal rites as demanded by this occasion.” “Very well, my Lord,” replied the Venerable Kaludayi and duly informed the 2000 bhikkhus as he was bid.

This is the end of the chapter on Venerable Kaludayi’s presentation to the Buddha of sixty verses of invitation to the royal city of Kapilavatthu.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Read Verse no. 30 of Magadha Abhidhana.