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23. MahāsamayasuttaṁThe Discourse on the Great Convention
Evaṁ me sutaṁ—Thus I have heard:So I have heard.
ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sakkesu viharati kapilavatthusmiṁ mahāvane mahatā bhikkhusaṅghena saddhiṁ pañcamattehi bhikkhusatehi sabbeheva arahantehi; at one time the Fortunate One was dwelling amongst the Sakyans in the Great Wood near Kapilavatthu with a great Saṅgha of monks consisting of five hundred monks, all of them Worthy Ones,At one time the Buddha was staying in the land of the Sakyans, in the Great Wood near Kapilavatthu, together with a large Saṅgha of five hundred mendicants, all of whom were perfected ones.
dasahi ca lokadhātūhi devatā yebhuyyena sannipatitā honti bhagavantaṁ dassanāya bhikkhusaṅghañca. and almost all of the gods from the ten world-elements had assembled to see the Fortunate One and the Saṅgha of monks.And most of the deities from ten solar systems had gathered to see the Buddha and the Saṅgha of mendicants.
Atha kho catunnaṁ suddhāvāsakāyikānaṁ devatānaṁ etadahosi: Then this occurred to four gods from among the hosts in the Pure Abodes:Then four deities of the pure abodes, aware of what was happening, thought:
“ayaṁ kho bhagavā sakkesu viharati kapilavatthusmiṁ mahāvane mahatā bhikkhusaṅghena saddhiṁ pañcamattehi bhikkhusatehi sabbeheva arahantehi; “The Fortunate One is dwelling amongst the Sakyans in the Great Wood near Kapilavatthu with a great Saṅgha of moṅks consisting of five hundred monks, all of them Worthy Ones,
dasahi ca lokadhātūhi devatā yebhuyyena sannipatitā honti bhagavantaṁ dassanāya bhikkhusaṅghañca. and almost all of the gods from the ten world elements have assembled to see the Fortunate One and the Saṅgha of monks.
Yannūna mayampi yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkameyyāma; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavato santike paccekaṁ gāthaṁ bhāseyyāmā”ti. Well now, we too could approach the Fortunate One, and after approaching the Fortunate One we could recite a verse each in his presence.”“Why don’t we go to the Buddha and each recite a verse in his presence?”
Atha kho tā devatā seyyathāpi nāma balavā puriso samiñjitaṁ vā bāhaṁ pasāreyya pasāritaṁ vā bāhaṁ samiñjeyya; evameva—suddhāvāsesu devesu antarahitā bhagavato purato pāturahesuṁ. Then those gods, just as a strong man might stretch out a bent arm, or bend in an outstretched arm, in the same way disappeared from among the gods of the Pure Abodes and appeared in front of the Fortunate One.Then, as easily as a strong person would extend or contract their arm, they vanished from the Pure Abodes and reappeared in front of the Buddha.
Atha kho tā devatā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ aṭṭhaṁsu. Then those gods after worshipping the Fortunate One, stood on one side.They bowed to the Buddha and stood to one side.
Ekamantaṁ ṭhitā kho ekā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi: While standing on one side one of the gods recited this verse in the presence of the Fortunate One:Standing to one side, one deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
“Mahāsamayo pavanasmiṁ, “There is a great convention in the wood,“There’s a great congregation in the woods,
Devakāyā samāgatā; and a host of gods have come,where heavenly hosts have assembled.
Āgatamha imaṁ dhammasamayaṁ, we have come to this Dhamma conventionWe’ve come to this righteous congregation
Dakkhitāye aparājitasaṅghan”ti. to see the Saṅgha, who are undefeated.”to see the invincible Saṅgha!”
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi: Then another god recited this verse in the presence of the Fortunate One:Then another deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
“Tatra bhikkhavo samādahaṁsu, “In this place the monks are concentrated,“The mendicants there are immersed in samādhi,
Cittamattano ujukaṁ akaṁsu; they have straightened out their minds by themselves,they’ve straightened their own minds.
Sārathīva nettāni gahetvā, like a charioteer who has taken the reins,Like a charioteer holding the reins,
Indriyāni rakkhanti paṇḍitā”ti. the wise protect their sense faculties.”the astute ones protect their senses.”
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi: Then another god recited this verse in the presence of the Fortunate One:Then another deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
“Chetvā khīlaṁ chetvā palighaṁ, “Having cut off the hindrance and obstacle,“They snapped the post and snapped the cross-bar,
Indakhīlaṁ ūhacca manejā; and dug up the locking post, they are unmoved,unstirred, they tore out Indra’s pillar.
Te caranti suddhā vimalā, they live pure and unstained,They live pure and immaculate,
Cakkhumatā sudantā susunāgā”ti. young nāgas, well-tamed by the Visionary.”the young giants tamed by the Clear-eyed One.”
Atha kho aparā devatā bhagavato santike imaṁ gāthaṁ abhāsi: Then another god recited this verse in the presence of the Fortunate One:Then another deity spoke this verse in the Buddha’s presence:
“Ye keci buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gatāse, “Whoever has gone to the Buddha for refuge“Anyone who has gone to the Buddha for refuge
Na te gamissanti apāyabhūmiṁ; will not go to the lower worlds.won’t go to a plane of loss.
Pahāya mānusaṁ dehaṁ, After giving up the human bodyAfter giving up this human body,
Devakāyaṁ paripūressantī”ti. they will fill up the ranks of the gods.”they swell the heavenly host.”
1. Devatāsannipāta 1. The Gathering of Deities
Atha kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi: Then the Fortunate One addressed the monks, saying:Then the Buddha said to the mendicants:
“yebhuyyena, bhikkhave, dasasu lokadhātūsu devatā sannipatitā honti, tathāgataṁ dassanāya bhikkhusaṅghañca. “Monks, almost all of the gods from the ten world-elements have assembled to see the Realised One and the Saṅgha of monks.“Mendicants, most of the deities from ten solar systems have gathered to see the Realized One and the mendicant Saṅgha.
Yepi te, bhikkhave, ahesuṁ atītamaddhānaṁ arahanto sammāsambuddhā, tesampi bhagavantānaṁ etapparamāyeva devatā sannipatitā ahesuṁ seyyathāpi mayhaṁ etarahi. Monks, those who in the past were Worthy Ones, Perfect Sambuddhas, for those Fortunate Ones also at least as many gods have assembled as for me at the present time.Those who were perfected ones, fully awakened Buddhas in the past also had gatherings of deities that were at best like the gathering for me now.
Yepi te, bhikkhave, bhavissanti anāgatamaddhānaṁ arahanto sammāsambuddhā, tesampi bhagavantānaṁ etapparamāyeva devatā sannipatitā bhavissanti seyyathāpi mayhaṁ etarahi. Monks, those who in the future will be Worthy Ones, Perfect Sambuddhas, for those Fortunate Ones also at least as many gods will assemble as for me at the present time.Those who will be perfected ones, fully awakened Buddhas in the future will also have gatherings of deities that will be at best like the gathering for me now.
Ācikkhissāmi, bhikkhave, devakāyānaṁ nāmāni; Monks, I will declare the names of the hosts of gods,I shall declare the names of the heavenly hosts;
kittayissāmi, bhikkhave, devakāyānaṁ nāmāni; monks, I will proclaim the names of the hosts of gods,I shall extol the names of the heavenly hosts;
desessāmi, bhikkhave, devakāyānaṁ nāmāni. monks, I will reveal the names of the hosts of gods.I shall teach the names of the heavenly hosts.
Taṁ suṇātha, sādhukaṁ manasikarotha, bhāsissāmī”ti. Listen to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”Listen and apply your mind well, I will speak.”
“Evaṁ, bhante”ti kho te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṁ. “Yes, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Fortunate One,“Yes, sir,” they replied.
Bhagavā etadavoca: and the Fortunate One said this:The Buddha said this:
“Silokamanukassāmi, “I will repeat a famous verse (a Siloka)“I invoke a paean of praise!
yattha bhummā tadassitā; wherever the gods of the Earth live:Where the earth-gods dwell,
Ye sitā girigabbharaṁ, There are (monks) who live in a hill cave,there, in mountain caves,
pahitattā samāhitā. who are resolute, composed,resolute and composed,
Puthūsīhāva sallīnā, who are like lions crouching,dwell many like lonely lions,
lomahaṁsābhisambhuno; who have overcome (all) horror,who have mastered their fears.
Odātamanasā suddhā, with minds that are cleansed, and purified,Their minds are bright and pure,
vippasannamanāvilā. which are clear, and undisturbed”.clear and unclouded.”
Bhiyyo pañcasate ñatvā, He knew there were more than five hundredOver five hundred were known
vane kāpilavatthave; in the wood near Kapilavatthu (like this),in the wood at Kapilavatthu.
Tato āmantayī satthā, therefore the Teacher addressedConsequently, the Teacher addressed
sāvake sāsane rate. those disciples who delight in the teaching:the disciples who love the teaching:
‘Devakāyā abhikkantā, “A host of gods have drawn near (to us),“The heavenly hosts have come forth;
te vijānātha bhikkhavo’; you should know who they are, monks!”mendicants, you should be aware of them.”
Te ca ātappamakaruṁ, Then (those monks) became ardent,Those monks grew keen,
sutvā buddhassa sāsanaṁ. after hearing the Buddha’s teaching,hearing the Buddha’s instruction.
Tesaṁ pāturahu ñāṇaṁ, and knowledge was manifest to them,Knowledge manifested in them,
amanussānadassanaṁ; seeing those non-human beings -seeing those non-human beings.
Appeke satamaddakkhuṁ, and some of them saw a hundred,Some saw a hundred,
sahassaṁ atha sattariṁ. a thousand, or seventy (thousand).a thousand, even seventy thousand,
Sataṁ eke sahassānaṁ, Some of them saw a hundred thousandwhile some saw a hundred thousand
amanussānamaddasuṁ; of those non-human beings,non-human beings.
Appekenantamaddakkhuṁ, and some saw an endless numberBut some saw an endless number
disā sabbā phuṭā ahuṁ. spread out in every direction.spread out in every direction.
Tañca sabbaṁ abhiññāya, Having deep knowledge of all thatAnd all that was known
vavatthitvāna cakkhumā; the Visionary desired to speak,and distinguished by the Clear-eyed One.
Tato āmantayī satthā, therefore the Teacher addressedConsequently, the Teacher addressed
sāvake sāsane rate. those disciples who delight in the teaching:the disciples who love the teaching:
‘Devakāyā abhikkantā, “A host of gods have drawn near (to us),“The heavenly hosts have come forth;
te vijānātha bhikkhavo; you should know who they are, monks!mendicants, you should be aware of them.
Ye vohaṁ kittayissāmi, I will proclaim their (names) to youI shall extol them for you,
girāhi anupubbaso’. with lyrics in regular order.with lyrics in proper order.
Yakkhas
Sattasahassā te yakkhā, There are seven thousand yakkhas,There are seven thousand spirits,
bhummā kāpilavatthavā; Earth gods from Kapilavatthu;earth-gods of Kapilavatthu.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Chasahassā hemavatā, From Hemavant there are six thousandFrom the Himalayas there are six thousand
yakkhā nānattavaṇṇino; yakkhas, diverse in colour;spirits of different colors.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Sātāgirā tisahassā, From Sātāgira there are three thousandFrom Mount Sātā there are three thousand
yakkhā nānattavaṇṇino; yakkhas, diverse in colour;spirits of different colors.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Iccete soḷasasahassā, Like this there are sixteen thousandAnd thus there are sixteen thousand
yakkhā nānattavaṇṇino; yakkhas, diverse in colour;spirits of different colors.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Vessāmittā pañcasatā, From Vessāmitta there are five hundredFrom Vessāmitta’s mountain there are five hundred
yakkhā nānattavaṇṇino; yakkhas, diverse in colour;spirits of different colors.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Kumbhīro rājagahiko, From Rājagaha there is Kumbīra,And there’s Kumbhīra of Rājagaha,
vepullassa nivesanaṁ; who is settled on Vepulla;whose home is on Mount Vepulla.
Bhiyyo naṁ satasahassaṁ, and more than a hundred thousandAttended by more than
yakkhānaṁ payirupāsati; yakkhas who gather round him;a hundred thousand spirits,
Kumbhīro rājagahiko, From Rājagaha there is KumbīraKumbhīra of Rājagaha
sopāgā samitiṁ vanaṁ. he also came to the gathering in the wood.also came to the meeting in the wood.
The Four Great Kings
Purimañca disaṁ rājā, The Easterly direction,King Dhataraṭṭha rules
dhataraṭṭho pasāsati; the king Dhataraṭṭha rules over that;the eastern quarter.
Gandhabbānaṁ adhipati, he is master of the Gandhabbas,Lord of the centaurs,
mahārājā yasassiso. he is a resplendent Great King.he’s a great king, glorious.
Puttāpi tassa bahavo, also there are his many sons,And he has many mighty sons
indanāmā mahabbalā; Inda by name, ones of great strength;all of them named Indra.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Dakkhiṇañca disaṁ rājā, The Southerly direction,King Virūḷhaka rules
virūḷho taṁ pasāsati; the king Virūḷha rules over that;the southern quarter.
Kumbhaṇḍānaṁ adhipati, he is master of the Kumbhaṇḍas,Lord of the gnomes,
mahārājā yasassiso. he is a resplendent Great King.he’s a great king, glorious.
Puttāpi tassa bahavo, also there are his many sons,And he has many mighty sons
indanāmā mahabbalā; Inda by name, ones of great strength;all of them named Indra.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Pacchimañca disaṁ rājā, The Westerly direction,King Virūpakkha rules
virūpakkho pasāsati; the king Virūpakkha rules over that;the western quarter.
Nāgānañca adhipati, he is master of the nāgas,Lord of the dragons,
mahārājā yasassiso. he is a resplendent Great King.he’s a great king, glorious.
Puttāpi tassa bahavo, also there are his many sons,And he has many mighty sons
indanāmā mahabbalā; Inda by name, ones of great strength;all of them named Indra.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Uttarañca disaṁ rājā, The Northerly direction,King Kuvera rules
kuvero taṁ pasāsati; the king Kuvera rules over that;the northern quarter.
Yakkhānañca adhipati, he is master of the yakkhas,Lord of spirits,
mahārājā yasassiso. he is a resplendent Great King.he’s a great king, glorious.
Puttāpi tassa bahavo, also there are his many sons,And he has many mighty sons
indanāmā mahabbalā; Inda by name, ones of great strength;all of them named Indra.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Purimaṁ disaṁ dhataraṭṭho, To the East there is Dhataraṭṭha,Dhataraṭṭha in the east,
dakkhiṇena virūḷhako; in the South there is Virūḷhaka;Virūḷhaka to the south,
Pacchimena virūpakkho, in the West there is Virūpakkha,Virūpakkha to the west,
kuvero uttaraṁ disaṁ. to the North there is Kuvera.and Kuvera in the north.
Cattāro te mahārājā, These are the Four Great Kings,These four great kings,
samantā caturo disā; from all sides, the four directions;all around in the four quarters,
Daddallamānā aṭṭhaṁsu, they stood blazing brilliantlystood there dazzling
vane kāpilavatthave. in the wood near Kapilavatthu.in the wood at Kapilavatthu.
Tesaṁ māyāvino dāsā, Their deceitful servants came,Their deceitful heathens came,
āguṁ vañcanikā saṭhā; who are fraudulent and treacherous:so treacherous and crafty—
Māyā kuṭeṇḍu viṭeṇḍu, the deceitful Kuteṇḍu, Veteṇḍu,the deceivers Kuṭeṇḍu, Viṭeṇḍu,
viṭucca viṭuṭo saha. Viṭucca, and Viṭuḍa,with Viṭucca and Viṭuṭa.
Candano kāmaseṭṭho ca, Candana and Kāmaseṭṭha,And Candana and Kāmaseṭṭha,
kinnighaṇḍu nighaṇḍu ca; Kinnughaṇḍu and Nighaṇḍu;Kinnughaṇḍu and Nighaṇḍu,
Panādo opamañño ca, Panāda and Opamañña,Panāda and Opamañña,
devasūto ca mātali. and Mātali, the gods’ charioteer.and Mātali, the god’s equerry.
Cittaseno ca gandhabbo, The gandhabbas Citta and Sena,Cittasena the centaur came too,
naḷorājā janesabho; the kings Nala and Janesabhaand the kings Nala and Janesabha.
Āgā pañcasikho ceva, came, and also Pañcasikha,Pañcasikha came too, with
timbarū sūriyavacchasā. Timbaru, and Suriyavaccasā.Timbaru and Suriyavaccasā.
Ete caññe ca rājāno, These and also other kings,These and other kings there were,
gandhabbā saha rājubhi; and gandhabbas along with their kings;the centaurs with their kings.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Nāgas and Supaṇṇas
Athāguṁ nāgasā nāgā, Then came Nāgas from Nābhasa,Then came the dragons of Nābhasa lake,
vesālā sahatacchakā; and from Vesāli, and the Tacchakas;and those from Vesālī with those from Takkasilā.
Kambalassatarā āguṁ, the Kambalas, and Assataras came,The Kambalas and Assataras came
pāyāgā saha ñātibhi. and (nāgas) from Pāyāga with their kin.and those from Payāga with their kin.
Yāmunā dhataraṭṭhā ca, The Yāmuna, and the Dhataraṭṭha nāgas came,Those from Yamunā, and the Dhataraṭṭha
āgū nāgā yasassino; resplendent ones;dragons came, so glorious.
Erāvaṇo mahānāgo, and Erāvaṇa, the great nāga,And Erāvaṇa the great dragon
sopāgā samitiṁ vanaṁ. he also came to the gathering in the wood.also came to the meeting in the wood.
Ye nāgarāje sahasā haranti, Those who carry away the nāga kings by forceThose who seize the dragon kings by force—
Dibbā dijā pakkhi visuddhacakkhū; the divine, twice-born, winged ones, with clear vision -Heavenly, twice-born birds with piercing vision—
Vehāyasā te vanamajjhapattā, through the air they (came and) arrived in the wood,swoop down to the wood from the sky;
Citrā supaṇṇā iti tesa nāmaṁ. the Citras and Supaṇṇas, such are their names.their name is ‘Rainbow Phoenix’.
Abhayaṁ tadā nāgarājānamāsi, But at that time the nāga kings were without fear,But the dragon kings remained fearless,
Supaṇṇato khemamakāsi buddho; for the Buddha made them safe from the supaṇṇas.for the Buddha kept them safe from the phoenixes.
Saṇhāhi vācāhi upavhayantā, Calling on (one another) with gentle words,Wooing each other with gentle words,
Nāgā supaṇṇā saraṇamakaṁsu buddhaṁ. the nāgas and supaṇṇas took refuge in the Buddha.the dragons and phoenixes took the Buddha as refuge.
Asuras
Jitā vajirahatthena, Defeated by Vajirahattha,Defeated by Vajirahattha,
samuddaṁ asurāsitā; the asuras live in the ocean;the titans live in the ocean.
Bhātaro vāsavassete, they are brothers of Vāsava,They’re brothers of Vāsava,
iddhimanto yasassino. having psychic power, resplendent.powerful and glorious.
Kālakañcā mahābhismā, the very fearful Kālakañjas,There’s the terrifying Kālakañjas,
asurā dānaveghasā; the Dānaveghasa asuras;the Dānava and Ghasa titans,
Vepacitti sucitti ca, Vepacitti and Sucitti,Vepacitti and Sucitti,
pahārādo namucī saha. Pahārāda, together with Namuci,Pahārāda with Namuci,
Satañca baliputtānaṁ, and a hundred of Bali’s sons,and Bali’s hundred sons,
sabbe verocanāmakā; all of them named after Veroca.all named after Virocana.
Sannayhitvā balisenaṁ, Having armed themselves, Bali’s armyBali’s army armed themselves
rāhubhaddamupāgamuṁ; came to lucky Rāhu (and said):and went to the auspicious Rāhu, saying:
‘Samayo dāni bhaddante, “Now is the time, reverend Sir,‘Now is the time, sir,
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ’. for the gathering of the monks in the wood.”for the meeting of mendicants in the wood.’
Devas
Āpo ca devā pathavī, The Water gods, and the Earth gods,The gods of water and earth,
tejo vāyo tadāgamuṁ; the Fire, and the Wind (gods all) came there;and fire and wind came there.
Varuṇā vāraṇā devā, the Varuṇa, and Vāruṇa gods,The gods of Varuṇa and Varuṇa’s offsping,
somo ca yasasā saha. Soma followed by Yasa,and Soma together with Yasa.
Mettā karuṇā kāyikā, and a host of Friendly and Compassionate gods came,A host of the gods of love
āguṁ devā yasassino; resplendent ones;and compassion came, so glorious.
Dasete dasadhā kāyā, All of these ten hosts, ten kinds (of gods),These ten hosts of gods
sabbe nānattavaṇṇino. who are diverse in colour.shone in all different colors.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Veṇḍudevā sahali ca, The Veṇhu and Sahali and Asama gods,The Vishnu and Sahalī gods,
asamā ca duve yamā; and the two Yama gods (came);and the unequaled pair of twins.
Candassūpanisā devā, The gods who depend on the Moon came,The gods living on the moon came,
candamāguṁ purakkhatvā. with the Moon in front of them.with the Moon before them.
Sūriyassūpanisā devā, The gods who depend on the Sun came,The gods living on the sun came,
sūriyamāguṁ purakkhatvā; with the Sun in front of them;with the Sun before them.
Nakkhattāni purakkhatvā, with the stars in front of them,And with the stars before them
āguṁ mandavalāhakā. also the foolish Rain Cloud (gods) came.came the languid gods of clouds.
Vasūnaṁ vāsavo seṭṭho, Sakka also came, (who is called) Vāsava,And Vāsava came, the greatest of the Vasus,
sakkopāgā purindado; the best of the Vasū, and Purindada.who is Sakka the Able, Purindada the Firstgiver:
Dasete dasadhā kāyā, All of these ten hosts, ten kinds (of gods),These ten hosts of gods
sabbe nānattavaṇṇino. who are diverse in colour.shone in all different colors.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Athāguṁ sahabhū devā, Then came the Sahabhu gods,Then came the Sahabhū gods,
jalamaggi sikhāriva; blazing forth, like the crest of a fire;blazing like a crested flame;
Ariṭṭhakā ca rojā ca, and the Ariṭṭhakas and Rojasand the Ariṭṭhakas and Rojas too,
umāpupphanibhāsino. and the splendid Ummapuppha (gods).and the gods hued blue as flax.
Varuṇā sahadhammā ca, The Varuṇas and Sahadhammas,The Varuṇas and Sahadhammas,
accutā ca anejakā; the Accutas and Anejakas;the Accutas and Anejakas,
Sūleyyarucirā āguṁ, the Sūleyyas and Ruciras (all) came;the Sūleyyas and Ruciras all came,
āguṁ vāsavanesino; the Vāsavanesi (gods) came.as did the Vāsavanesi gods.
Dasete dasadhā kāyā, All of these ten hosts, ten kinds (of gods),These ten hosts of gods
sabbe nānattavaṇṇino. who are diverse in colour.shone in all different colors.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Samānā mahāsamanā, The Samānas, Mahasamānas,The Samānas, Mahāsamānas,
mānusā mānusuttamā; Mānusas, Mānusuttamas;Mānusas, and Mānusuttamas all came,
Khiḍḍāpadosikā āguṁ, and the Khiḍḍāpadūsikas came;and the gods depraved by play,
āguṁ manopadosikā. the Manopadūsikas came.and those who are malevolent.
Athāguṁ harayo devā, Then the Hari gods came,Then came the gods of Mercury,
ye ca lohitavāsino; and those (known as) the Lohitavāsī.and those who live on Mars.
Pāragā mahāpāragā, The Pāragas, and Mahapāragas came,The Pāragas and Mahāpāragas came,
āguṁ devā yasassino; gods who are resplendent.such glorious gods.
Dasete dasadhā kāyā, All of these ten hosts, ten kinds (of gods),These ten hosts of gods
sabbe nānattavaṇṇino. who are diverse in colour.shone in all different colors.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Sukkā karambhā aruṇā, The Sukkas, Karumhas, and Aruṇas came,The gods of Venus, the newborn Sun, and the Dawn
āguṁ veghanasā saha; with the Veghanasas.came along with those from Saturn.
Odātagayhā pāmokkhā, The Vicakkhaṇa gods cameAnd the gods of the white globe came
āguṁ devā vicakkhaṇā. with the Odātagayhas in front.leading the brilliant gods.
Sadāmattā hāragajā, The Sadāmattas, Hāragajas,The Sadāmattas and Hāragajas,
missakā ca yasassino; and the resplendent Missakas.and assorted glorious ones;
Thanayaṁ āga pajjunno, Pajjunna came thundering,Pajjuna came thundering,
yo disā abhivassati. he who pours down rain in (all) directions.he who rains on all quarters.
Dasete dasadhā kāyā, All of these ten hosts, ten kinds (of gods),These ten hosts of gods
sabbe nānattavaṇṇino; who are diverse in colour;shone in all different colors.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Khemiyā tusitā yāmā, The Khemiyas, Tusitas, Yāmas,The Khemiyas from the realms of Tusita and Yama,
kaṭṭhakā ca yasassino; and resplendent Kaṭṭhakas (came).and the glorious Kaṭṭhakas came;
Lambītakā lāmaseṭṭhā, The Lambītakas, Lāmaseṭṭhas,the Lambītakas, Lāmaseṭṭhas,
jotināmā ca āsavā; those called the Jotis, and Āsavas;those called the Shining, and those Yonder.
Nimmānaratino āguṁ, and the Nimmāṇaratis came;The gods who love to create came too,
athāguṁ paranimmitā. then came the Paranimittas.and those who control what is created by others.
Dasete dasadhā kāyā, All of these ten hosts, ten kinds (of gods),These ten hosts of gods
sabbe nānattavaṇṇino; who are diverse in colour;shone in all different colors.
Iddhimanto jutimanto, who have psychic power, who are bright,They’re powerful and brilliant,
vaṇṇavanto yasassino; beautiful, and resplendent;so beautiful and glorious.
Modamānā abhikkāmuṁ, rejoicing they have drawn nearRejoicing, they’ve come forth
bhikkhūnaṁ samitiṁ vanaṁ. the gathering of monks in the wood.to the meeting of mendicants in the wood.
Saṭṭhete devanikāyā, All of these sixty hosts of gods,These sixty hosts of gods
sabbe nānattavaṇṇino; who are diverse in colour;shone in all different colors.
Nāmanvayena āgacchuṁ, in conformity with their names came;They came organized by name,
ye caññe sadisā saha. these along with others similar (thinking):these and others likewise, thinking:
‘Pavuṭṭhajātimakhilaṁ, ° “We shall see the casteless (Saṅgha), unhindered,‘They who have shed rebirth, the kindly ones,
oghatiṇṇamanāsavaṁ; flood-crossers, pollution-free;the undefiled ones who have crossed the flood—
Dakkhemoghataraṁ nāgaṁ, and the nāga, who is beyond the flood,let us see them, with the dragon who brought them across,
candaṁva asitātigaṁ’. who, like the Moon, has overcome the darkness.”who like the Moon has overcome darkness.’
Brahmās
Subrahmā paramatto ca, Subrahmā and Paramatta,Subrahmā and Paramatta came,
puttā iddhimato saha; along with the sons of the powerful one (came).with sons of those powerful ones.
Sanaṅkumāro tisso ca, Sanaṅkumāra and Tissa also cameSanaṅkumāra and Tissa
sopāga samitiṁ vanaṁ. to the gathering in the wood.also came to the meeting in the wood.
Sahassaṁ brahmalokānaṁ, In the thousand brahma worldsOf a thousand realms of divinity,
mahābrahmābhitiṭṭhati; a Great Brahma has arisen;the Great Divinity stands forth.
Upapanno jutimanto, a bright one, who stands out,He has arisen, brilliant,
bhismākāyo yasassiso. whose awesome body is resplendent.his formidable body so glorious.
Dasettha issarā āguṁ, The ten Issarā (brahmās) came,Ten Gods Almighty came there,
paccekavasavattino; who individually wield power;each one of them wielding power,
Tesañca majjhato āga, and in the midst of them cameand in the middle of them came
hārito parivārito. Hārita with his entourage.Hārita with his following.”
Māra and his Army
Te ca sabbe abhikkante, Now when they had all drawn near,When they had all come forth—
sainde deve sabrahmake; Inda with the gods and the brahmās;the gods with their Lord, and the divinities—
Mārasenā abhikkāmi, Māra’s army also drew near:Māra’s army came forth too:
passa kaṇhassa mandiyaṁ. behold the foolishness of the Dark One!see the stupidity of the Dark Lord!
‘Etha gaṇhatha bandhatha, “Come now, seize them, and bind them (he said),“Come, seize them and bind them,” he said,
rāgena baddhamatthu vo; let them be bound by passion;“let them be bound by desire!
Samantā parivāretha, surround them on all sides,Surround them on all sides,
mā vo muñcittha koci naṁ’. do not let anyone of them go free!”don’t let any escape!”
Iti tattha mahāseno, Thus in that place the great army leaderAnd so there the great general,
kaṇho senaṁ apesayi; sent forth his dark army;the Dark Lord sent forth his army.
Pāṇinā talamāhacca, after striking the ground with his hand,He struck the ground with his fist
saraṁ katvāna bheravaṁ. and making a fearful noise,to make a horrifying sound
Yathā pāvussako megho, like a storm cloud shedding rain,like a monsoon cloud,
thanayanto savijjuko; thundering, with flashes of lightning -thundering and flashing.
Tadā so paccudāvatti, but then he retreated, angry,But then turned back,
saṅkuddho asayaṁvase. and unable to control himself.furious, out of control.
Tañca sabbaṁ abhiññāya, Knowing all that (was happening)And all that was known
vavatthitvāna cakkhumā; the Visionary desired to speak,and distinguished by the Clear-eyed One.
Tato āmantayī satthā, therefore the Teacher addressedConsequently, the Teacher addressed
sāvake sāsane rate. those disciples who delight in the teaching:the disciples who love the teaching:
‘Mārasenā abhikkantā, “Māra’s army has drawn near (to us),“Māra’s army has arrived;
te vijānātha bhikkhavo’; you should know who they are, monks!”mendicants, you should be aware of them.”
Te ca ātappamakaruṁ, Then (those monks) became ardent,Those monks grew keen,
sutvā buddhassa sāsanaṁ; after hearing the Buddha’s teaching;hearing the Buddha’s instruction.
Vītarāgehi pakkāmuṁ, They withdrew from the passionless (monks),The army fled from those free of passion,
nesaṁ lomāpi iñjayuṁ. not one of their hairs was shaken!and not a single hair was stirred!
Spoken by Māra
‘Sabbe vijitasaṅgāmā, “They are all victorious in battle,“All triumphant in battle,
bhayātītā yasassino; beyond fear, and resplendent,so fearless and glorious.
Modanti saha bhūtehi, those disciples, famous among men,They rejoice with all the spirits,
sāvakā te janesutā’”ti. along with (all) beings, are glad.”the disciples renowned among men.”