80. Hearing these words of the incomparable Sage,
Angels and men delighted, exclaimed, This is an embryo Buddha.
81. A great clamour arises, men and angels in ten thousand worlds
Clap their hands, and laugh, and make obeisance with clasped hands.
82. "Should we fail," they say, "of this Buddha's dispensation,
Yet in time to come we shall stand before him.
83. As men crossing a river, if they fail to reach the opposite ford.
Gaining the lower ford cross the great river,
84. Even so we all, if we lose this Buddha,
In time to come shall stand before him."
85. The world-knowing Dīpankara, the receiver of offerings,
Having celebrated my meritorious act, went his way.[1]
86. All the disciples of the Buddha that were present saluted me with reverence,
Men, Nāgas, and Gandhabbas bowed down to me and departed.
87. When the Lord of the world with his following had passed beyond my sight,
Then glad, with gladsome heart, I rose up from my seat.
88. Joyful I am with a great joy, glad with a great gladness;
Flooded with rapture then I seated myself cross-legged.
89. And even as thus I sat I thought within myself,
I am subject to ecstatic meditation, I have mastered the supernatural Faculties.
90. In a thousand worlds there are no sages that rival me.
Unrivalled in miraculous powers I have reached this bliss.
91. When thus they beheld me sitting,[2] the dwellers of ten thousand worlds
Raised a mighty shout, Surely thou shalt be a Buddha!
92. The omens[3] beheld in former ages when Bodhisatta sat cross-legged,
The same are beheld this day.
93. Cold is dispelled and heat ceases.
This day these things are seen,—verily thou shalt be Buddha.
94. A thousand worlds are stilled and silent.
So are they seen to-day,—verily thou shalt be Buddha.
95. The mighty winds blow not, the rivers cease to flow,
These things are seen to-day,—verily thou shalt be Buddha.
96. All flowers blossom on land and sea,
This day they all have bloomed,—verily thou shalt be Buddha.
97. All creepers and trees are laden with fruit,
This day they all bear fruit,—verily thou shalt be Buddha.
98. Gems sparkle in earth and sky,
This day all gems do glitter,—verily thou shalt be Buddha.
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16
THE NIDĀNAKATHĀ.
