DN 30 · The Marks of a Great Man
DN 30 · Lakkhaṇasutta
So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants, “Mendicants!”
Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme. Tatra kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi: “bhikkhavo”ti.
“Venerable sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:
“Bhaddante”ti te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṁ. Bhagavā etadavoca:
“There are thirty-two marks of a great man. A great man who possesses these has only two possible destinies, no other. If he stays at home he becomes a king, a wheel-turning monarch, a just and principled king. His dominion extends to all four sides, he achieves stability in the country, and he possesses the seven treasures. He has the following seven treasures: the wheel, the elephant, the horse, the jewel, the woman, the householder, and the commander as the seventh treasure. He has over a thousand sons who are valiant and heroic, crushing the armies of his enemies. After conquering this land girt by sea, he reigns by principle, without rod or sword. But if he goes forth from the lay life to homelessness, he becomes a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha, who has cast off the world’s veil.
“Dvattiṁsimāni, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni, yehi samannāgatassa mahāpurisassa dveva gatiyo bhavanti anaññā. Sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī dhammiko dhammarājā cāturanto vijitāvī janapadatthāvariyappatto sattaratanasamannāgato. Tassimāni satta ratanāni bhavanti; Seyyathidaṁ—cakkaratanaṁ hatthiratanaṁ assaratanaṁ maṇiratanaṁ itthiratanaṁ gahapatiratanaṁ pariṇāyakaratanameva sattamaṁ. Parosahassaṁ kho panassa puttā bhavanti sūrā vīraṅgarūpā parasenappamaddanā. So imaṁ pathaviṁ sāgarapariyantaṁ adaṇḍena asatthena dhammena abhivijiya ajjhāvasati. Sace kho pana agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati, arahaṁ hoti sammāsambuddho loke vivaṭṭacchado.
And what are the thirty-two marks?
Katamāni ca tāni, bhikkhave, dvattiṁsa mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni, yehi samannāgatassa mahāpurisassa dveva gatiyo bhavanti anaññā? Sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe… sace kho pana agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati, arahaṁ hoti sammāsambuddho loke vivaṭṭacchado.
He has well-planted feet.
Idha, bhikkhave, mahāpuriso suppatiṭṭhitapādo hoti. Yampi, bhikkhave, mahāpuriso suppatiṭṭhitapādo hoti, idampi, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ bhavati.
On the soles of his feet there are thousand-spoked wheels, with rims and hubs, complete in every detail.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa heṭṭhāpādatalesu cakkāni jātāni honti sahassārāni sanemikāni sanābhikāni sabbākāraparipūrāni. Yampi, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa heṭṭhāpādatalesu cakkāni jātāni honti sahassārāni sanemikāni sanābhikāni sabbākāraparipūrāni, idampi, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ bhavati.
He has stretched heels.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, mahāpuriso āyatapaṇhi hoti …pe…
He has long fingers.
dīghaṅguli hoti …
His hands and feet are soft and tender.
mudutalunahatthapādo hoti …
He has serried hands and feet.
jālahatthapādo hoti …
The tops of his feet are arched.
ussaṅkhapādo hoti …
His calves are like those of an antelope.
eṇijaṅgho hoti …
When standing upright and not bending over, the palms of both hands touch the knees.
ṭhitakova anonamanto ubhohi pāṇitalehi jaṇṇukāni parimasati parimajjati …
His private parts are sheathed in a foreskin.
kosohitavatthaguyho hoti …
He is golden colored; his skin shines like lustrous gold.
suvaṇṇavaṇṇo hoti kañcanasannibhattaco …
He has delicate skin, so delicate that dust and dirt don’t stick to his body.
sukhumacchavi hoti, sukhumattā chaviyā rajojallaṁ kāye na upalimpati …
His hairs grow one per pore.
ekekalomo hoti, ekekāni lomāni lomakūpesu jātāni …
His hairs stand up; they’re blue-black and curl clockwise.
uddhaggalomo hoti, uddhaggāni lomāni jātāni nīlāni añjanavaṇṇāni kuṇḍalāvaṭṭāni dakkhiṇāvaṭṭakajātāni …
His body is tall and straight-limbed.
brahmujugatto hoti …
He has bulging muscles in seven places.
sattussado hoti …
His chest is like that of a lion.
sīhapubbaddhakāyo hoti …
He is filled out between the shoulders.
citantaraṁso hoti …
He has the proportional circumference of a banyan tree: the span of his arms equals the height of his body.
nigrodhaparimaṇḍalo hoti, yāvatakvassa kāyo tāvatakvassa byāmo yāvatakvassa byāmo tāvatakvassa kāyo …
His torso is cylindrical.
samavaṭṭakkhandho hoti …
He has ridged taste buds.
rasaggasaggī hoti …
His jaw is like that of a lion.
sīhahanu hoti …
He has forty teeth.
cattālīsadanto hoti …
His teeth are even.
samadanto hoti …
His teeth have no gaps.
aviraḷadanto hoti …
His teeth are perfectly white.
susukkadāṭho hoti …
He has a large tongue.
pahūtajivho hoti …
He has the voice of the Divinity, like a cuckoo’s call.
brahmassaro hoti karavīkabhāṇī …
His eyes are indigo.
abhinīlanetto hoti …
He has eyelashes like a cow’s.
gopakhumo hoti …
Between his eyebrows there grows a tuft, soft and white like cotton-wool.
uṇṇā bhamukantare jātā hoti, odātā mudutūlasannibhā. Yampi, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa uṇṇā bhamukantare jātā hoti, odātā mudutūlasannibhā, idampi, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ bhavati.
The crown of his head is like a turban.
Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, mahāpuriso uṇhīsasīso hoti. Yampi, bhikkhave, mahāpuriso uṇhīsasīso hoti, idampi, bhikkhave, mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ bhavati.
These are the thirty-two marks of a great man. A great man who possesses these has only two possible destinies, no other.
Imāni kho tāni, bhikkhave, dvattiṁsa mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni, yehi samannāgatassa mahāpurisassa dveva gatiyo bhavanti anaññā. Sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe… sace kho pana agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati, arahaṁ hoti sammāsambuddho loke vivaṭṭacchado.
Seers who are outsiders remember these marks, but they do not know the specific deeds performed in the past to obtain each mark.
Imāni kho, bhikkhave, dvattiṁsa mahāpurisassa mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni bāhirakāpi isayo dhārenti, no ca kho te jānanti: ‘imassa kammassa kaṭattā idaṁ lakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhatī’ti.
1. Well-Planted Feet
1. Suppatiṭṭhitapādatālakkhaṇaṁ
In some past lives, past existences, past abodes the Realized One was reborn as a human being. He firmly and persistently undertook skillful behaviors such as good conduct by way of body, speech, and mind, giving and sharing, taking precepts, observing the sabbath, paying due respect to mother and father, ascetics and brahmins, honoring the elders in the family, and various other things pertaining to skillful behaviors. Due to performing, accumulating, heaping up, and amassing those deeds, when his body broke up, after death, he was reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm. There he surpassed the other gods in ten respects: heavenly lifespan, beauty, happiness, glory, sovereignty, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches. When he passed away from there and came back to this place he obtained this mark of a great man: he has well-planted feet. He places his foot on the ground evenly, raises it evenly, and touches the ground evenly with the whole sole of his foot.
Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno daḷhasamādāno ahosi kusalesu dhammesu, avatthitasamādāno kāyasucarite vacīsucarite manosucarite dānasaṁvibhāge sīlasamādāne uposathupavāse matteyyatāya petteyyatāya sāmaññatāya brahmaññatāya kule jeṭṭhāpacāyitāya aññataraññataresu ca adhikusalesu dhammesu. So tassa kammassa kaṭattā upacitattā ussannattā vipulattā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjati. So tattha aññe deve dasahi ṭhānehi adhiggaṇhāti dibbena āyunā dibbena vaṇṇena dibbena sukhena dibbena yasena dibbena ādhipateyyena dibbehi rūpehi dibbehi saddehi dibbehi gandhehi dibbehi rasehi dibbehi phoṭṭhabbehi. So tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati. Suppatiṭṭhitapādo hoti. Samaṁ pādaṁ bhūmiyaṁ nikkhipati, samaṁ uddharati, samaṁ sabbāvantehi pādatalehi bhūmiṁ phusati.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch. He has the following seven treasures: the wheel, the elephant, the horse, the jewel, the woman, the householder, and the commander as the seventh treasure. He has over a thousand sons who are valiant and heroic, crushing the armies of his enemies. After conquering this land girt by sea—free of harassment by bandits, successful and prosperous, safe, blessed, free of pests—he reigns by principle, without rod or sword. And what does he obtain as king? He can’t be stopped by any human foe or enemy. That’s what he obtains as king. But if he goes forth from the lay life to homelessness, he becomes a perfected one, a fully awakened Buddha, who has cast off the world’s veil. And what does he obtain as Buddha? He can’t be stopped by any foe or enemy whether internal or external; nor by greed, hate, or delusion; nor by any ascetic or brahmin or god or Māra or divinity or by anyone in the world. That’s what he obtains as Buddha.” The Buddha spoke this matter.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī dhammiko dhammarājā cāturanto vijitāvī janapadatthāvariyappatto sattaratanasamannāgato. Tassimāni satta ratanāni bhavanti; Seyyathidaṁ—cakkaratanaṁ hatthiratanaṁ assaratanaṁ maṇiratanaṁ itthiratanaṁ gahapatiratanaṁ pariṇāyakaratanameva sattamaṁ. Parosahassaṁ kho panassa puttā bhavanti sūrā vīraṅgarūpā parasenappamaddanā. So imaṁ pathaviṁ sāgarapariyantaṁ akhilamanimittamakaṇṭakaṁ iddhaṁ phītaṁ khemaṁ sivaṁ nirabbudaṁ adaṇḍena asatthena dhammena abhivijiya ajjhāvasati. Rājā samāno kiṁ labhati? Akkhambhiyo hoti kenaci manussabhūtena paccatthikena paccāmittena. Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati. Sace kho pana agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati, arahaṁ hoti sammāsambuddho loke vivaṭṭacchado. Buddho samāno kiṁ labhati? Akkhambhiyo hoti abbhantarehi vā bāhirehi vā paccatthikehi paccāmittehi rāgena vā dosena vā mohena vā samaṇena vā brāhmaṇena vā devena vā mārena vā brahmunā vā kenaci vā lokasmiṁ. Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”. Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“Truth, principle, self-control, and restraint;purity, precepts, and observing the sabbath;giving, harmlessness, delighting in non-violence—firmly undertaking these things, he lived accordingly.
“Sacce ca dhamme ca dame ca saṁyame,Soceyyasīlālayuposathesu ca;Dāne ahiṁsāya asāhase rato,Daḷhaṁ samādāya samattamācari.
By means of these deeds he went to heaven,where he enjoyed happiness and merriment.After passing away from there to here,he steps evenly on this rich earth.
So tena kammena divaṁ samakkami,Sukhañca khiḍḍāratiyo ca anvabhi;Tato cavitvā punarāgato idha,Samehi pādehi phusī vasundharaṁ.
The gathered soothsayers predictedthat there is no stopping one of such even tread,as householder or renunciate.That’s the meaning shown by this mark.
Byākaṁsu veyyañjanikā samāgatā,Samappatiṭṭhassa na hoti khambhanā;Gihissa vā pabbajitassa vā puna,Taṁ lakkhaṇaṁ bhavati tadatthajotakaṁ.
While living at home he cannot be stopped,he defeats his foes, and cannot be beaten.Due to the fruit of that deed,he cannot be stopped by any human.
Akkhambhiyo hoti agāramāvasaṁ,Parābhibhū sattubhi nappamaddano;Manussabhūtenidha hoti kenaci,Akkhambhiyo tassa phalena kammuno.
But if one such chooses the life gone forth,seeing clearly, loving renunciation,not even the best can ever stop him;this is the nature of the supreme man.”
Sace ca pabbajjamupeti tādiso,Nekkhammachandābhirato vicakkhaṇo;Aggo na so gacchati jātu khambhanaṁ,Naruttamo esa hi tassa dhammatā”ti.
2. Wheels on the Feet
2. Pādatalacakkalakkhaṇaṁ
“Mendicants, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being. He conveyed happiness to many people, casting out threats, terror, and danger, providing just protection and security, and giving gifts with all the trimmings. Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm. When he came back to this place he obtained this mark: on the soles of his feet there are thousand-spoked wheels, with rims and hubs, complete in every detail and well divided inside.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno bahujanassa sukhāvaho ahosi, ubbegauttāsabhayaṁ apanuditā, dhammikañca rakkhāvaraṇaguttiṁ saṁvidhātā, saparivārañca dānaṁ adāsi. So tassa kammassa kaṭattā upacitattā ussannattā vipulattā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjati …pe… so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati. Heṭṭhāpādatalesu cakkāni jātāni honti sahassārāni sanemikāni sanābhikāni sabbākāraparipūrāni suvibhattantarāni.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch. And what does he obtain as king? He has a large following of brahmins and householders, people of town and country, treasurers and chief ministers, military officers, guardsmen, ministers, councillors, rulers, tax beneficiaries, and princes. That’s what he obtains as king. But if he goes forth from the lay life to homelessness, he becomes a fully awakened Buddha. And what does he obtain as Buddha? He has a large following of monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, gods, humans, titans, dragons, and centaurs. That’s what he obtains as Buddha.” The Buddha spoke this matter.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe… rājā samāno kiṁ labhati? Mahāparivāro hoti; mahāssa honti parivārā brāhmaṇagahapatikā negamajānapadā gaṇakamahāmattā anīkaṭṭhā dovārikā amaccā pārisajjā rājāno bhogiyā kumārā. Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati. Sace kho pana agārasmā anagāriyaṁ pabbajati, arahaṁ hoti sammāsambuddho loke vivaṭṭacchado. Buddho samāno kiṁ labhati? Mahāparivāro hoti; mahāssa honti parivārā bhikkhū bhikkhuniyo upāsakā upāsikāyo devā manussā asurā nāgā gandhabbā. Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”. Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“In olden days, in past lives,he brought happiness to many people,ridding them of fear, terror, and danger,eagerly guarding and protecting them.
“Pure puratthā purimāsu jātisu,Manussabhūto bahunaṁ sukhāvaho;Ubbhegauttāsabhayāpanūdano,Guttīsu rakkhāvaraṇesu ussuko.
By means of these deeds he went to heaven,where he enjoyed happiness and merriment.After passing away from there to here,wheels on his two feet are found,
So tena kammena divaṁ samakkami,Sukhañca khiḍḍāratiyo ca anvabhi;Tato cavitvā punarāgato idha,Cakkāni pādesu duvesu vindati.
all rimmed around and thousand-spoked.The gathered soothsayers predicted,seeing the prince <j>with the hundred-fold mark of merits,that he’d have a following, subduing foes,
Samantanemīni sahassarāni ca,Byākaṁsu veyyañjanikā samāgatā;Disvā kumāraṁ satapuññalakkhaṇaṁ,Parivāravā hessati sattumaddano.
which is why he has wheels all rimmed around.If one such doesn’t choose the life gone forth,he’ll roll the wheel and rule the land.The aristocrats will be his vassals,
Tathā hi cakkāni samantanemini,Sace na pabbajjamupeti tādiso;Vatteti cakkaṁ pathaviṁ pasāsati,Tassānuyantādha bhavanti khattiyā.
flocking to his glory.But if one such chooses the life gone forth,seeing clearly, loving renunciation,the gods, humans, titans, Sakka, and monsters;
Mahāyasaṁ samparivārayanti naṁ,Sace ca pabbajjamupeti tādiso;Nekkhammachandābhirato vicakkhaṇo,Devā manussāsurasakkarakkhasā.
centaurs and dragons, birds and beasts,will flock to his glory,the supreme, honored by gods and humans.”
Gandhabbanāgā vihagā catuppadā,Anuttaraṁ devamanussapūjitaṁ;Mahāyasaṁ samparivārayanti nan”ti.
3–5. Stretched Heels, Etc.
3–5. Āyatapaṇhitāditilakkhaṇaṁ
“Mendicants, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being. He gave up killing living creatures, renouncing the rod and the sword. He was scrupulous and kind, living full of sympathy for all living beings. Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm. When he came back to this place he obtained these three marks: he has stretched heels, long fingers, and his body is tall and straight-limbed.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭivirato ahosi nihitadaṇḍo nihitasattho lajjī dayāpanno, sabbapāṇabhūtahitānukampī vihāsi. So tassa kammassa kaṭattā upacitattā ussannattā vipulattā …pe… so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni tīṇi mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati. Āyatapaṇhi ca hoti, dīghaṅguli ca brahmujugatto ca.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch. And what does he obtain as king? He’s long-lived, preserving his life for a long time. No human foe or enemy is able to take his life before his time. That’s what he obtains as king. And what does he obtain as Buddha? He’s long-lived, preserving his life for a long time. No foes or enemies—nor any ascetic or brahmin or god or Māra or divinity or anyone in the world—is able to take his life before his time. That’s what he obtains as Buddha.” The Buddha spoke this matter.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe… rājā samāno kiṁ labhati? Dīghāyuko hoti ciraṭṭhitiko, dīghamāyuṁ pāleti, na sakkā hoti antarā jīvitā voropetuṁ kenaci manussabhūtena paccatthikena paccāmittena. Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe… buddho samāno kiṁ labhati? Dīghāyuko hoti ciraṭṭhitiko, dīghamāyuṁ pāleti, na sakkā hoti antarā jīvitā voropetuṁ paccatthikehi paccāmittehi samaṇena vā brāhmaṇena vā devena vā mārena vā brahmunā vā kenaci vā lokasmiṁ. Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”. Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“Realizing for himself the horrors of death,he refrained from killing other creatures.By that good conduct he went to heaven,where he enjoyed the fruit of deeds well done.
“Māraṇavadhabhayattano viditvā,Paṭivirato paraṁ māraṇāyahosi;Tena sucaritena saggamagamā,Sukataphalavipākamanubhosi.
Passing away, on his return to here,he obtained these three marks:his stretched heels are abundant and long,and like the Divinity, he’s straight and beautiful, <j>with well-formed limbs.
Caviya punaridhāgato samāno,Paṭilabhati idha tīṇi lakkhaṇāni;Bhavati vipuladīghapāsaṇhiko,Brahmāva suju subho sujātagatto.
Fair of arm, youthful, of good posture and breeding,his fingers are soft and tender and long.By these three marks of an excellent man,they indicated that the prince’s life would be long:
Subhujo susu susaṇṭhito sujāto,Mudutalunaṅguliyassa honti;Dīghā tībhi purisavaraggalakkhaṇehi,Cirayapanāya kumāramādisanti.
‘As a householder he will live long;longer still if he goes forth, due tomastery in the development of psychic power.Thus this is the sign of long life.’”
Bhavati yadi gihī ciraṁ yapeti,Cirataraṁ pabbajati yadi tato hi;Yāpayati ca vasiddhibhāvanāya,Iti dīghāyukatāya taṁ nimittan”ti.
6. Seven Bulging Places
6. Sattussadatālakkhaṇaṁ
“Mendicants, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being. He was a donor of delicious and tasty cooked and fresh foods, and drinks that were sweet and succulent. Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm. When he came back to this place he obtained this mark: he has bulging muscles in seven places. Both hands, both feet, both shoulders, and his chest are all bulging.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno dātā ahosi paṇītānaṁ rasitānaṁ khādanīyānaṁ bhojanīyānaṁ sāyanīyānaṁ lehanīyānaṁ pānānaṁ. So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe… so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati, sattussado hoti, sattassa ussadā honti; ubhosu hatthesu ussadā honti, ubhosu pādesu ussadā honti, ubhosu aṁsakūṭesu ussadā honti, khandhe ussado hoti.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch. And what does he obtain as king? He gets delicious and tasty cooked and fresh foods, and drinks that are sweet and succulent. That’s what he obtains as king. And what does he obtain as Buddha? He gets delicious and tasty cooked and fresh foods, and drinks that are sweet and succulent. That’s what he obtains as Buddha.” The Buddha spoke this matter.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe… rājā samāno kiṁ labhati? Lābhī hoti paṇītānaṁ rasitānaṁ khādanīyānaṁ bhojanīyānaṁ sāyanīyānaṁ lehanīyānaṁ pānānaṁ. Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe… buddho samāno kiṁ labhati? Lābhī hoti paṇītānaṁ rasitānaṁ khādanīyānaṁ bhojanīyānaṁ sāyanīyānaṁ lehanīyānaṁ pānānaṁ. Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”. Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“He used to give the very best of flavors—scrumptious foods of every kind.Because of that good deed,he rejoiced long in the Garden of Delight.
“Khajjabhojjamatha leyya sāyiyaṁ,Uttamaggarasadāyako ahu;Tena so sucaritena kammunā,Nandane ciramabhippamodati.
On returning to here, he is rounded in seven places,and tender hands and feet are found.The soothsayers expert in signs declared:‘He’ll get tasty foods of all sorts
Satta cussade idhādhigacchati,Hatthapādamudutañca vindati;Āhu byañjananimittakovidā,Khajjabhojjarasalābhitāya naṁ.
as a householder, that’s what that means.But even if he goes forth he’ll get the same,supreme in gaining tasty foods of all sorts,cutting all bonds of the lay life.’”
Yaṁ gihissapi tadatthajotakaṁ,Pabbajjampi ca tadādhigacchati;Khajjabhojjarasalābhiruttamaṁ,Āhu sabbagihibandhanacchidan”ti.
7–8. Tender and Serried Hands
7–8. Karacaraṇamudujālatālakkhaṇāni
“Mendicants, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being. He brought people together using the four ways of being inclusive: giving, kindly words, taking care, and equality. Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm. When he came back to this place he obtained these two marks: his hands and feet are soft and tender, and they are serried.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno catūhi saṅgahavatthūhi janaṁ saṅgāhako ahosi— dānena peyyavajjena atthacariyāya samānattatāya. So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe… so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni dve mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati. Mudutalunahatthapādo ca hoti jālahatthapādo ca.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch. And what does he obtain as king? His retinue is inclusive, cohesive, and well-managed. This includes brahmins and householders, people of town and country, treasurers and chief ministers, military officers, guardsmen, ministers, councillors, rulers, tax beneficiaries, and princes. That’s what he obtains as king. And what does he obtain as Buddha? His retinue is inclusive and well-managed. This includes monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, gods, humans, titans, dragons, and centaurs. That’s what he obtains as Buddha.” The Buddha spoke this matter.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe… rājā samāno kiṁ labhati? Susaṅgahitaparijano hoti, susaṅgahitāssa honti brāhmaṇagahapatikā negamajānapadā gaṇakamahāmattā anīkaṭṭhā dovārikā amaccā pārisajjā rājāno bhogiyā kumārā. Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati … buddho samāno kiṁ labhati? Susaṅgahitaparijano hoti, susaṅgahitāssa honti bhikkhū bhikkhuniyo upāsakā upāsikāyo devā manussā asurā nāgā gandhabbā. Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”. Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“By giving and helping others,kindly speech, and equal treatment,such action and conduct as brought people together,he went to heaven due to his esteemed virtue.
“Dānampi catthacariyatañca,Piyavāditañca samānattatañca;Kariyacariyasusaṅgahaṁ bahūnaṁ,Anavamatena guṇena yāti saggaṁ.
Passing away, on his return to here,the young baby prince obtainedhands and feet so tender and serried,lovely, graceful, and good-looking.
Caviya punaridhāgato samāno,Karacaraṇamudutañca jālino ca;Atirucirasuvaggudassaneyyaṁ,Paṭilabhati daharo susu kumāro.
His retinue is loyal and manageable,staying agreeably all over this broad land.Speaking kindly, seeking happiness,he implements agreeable qualities.
Bhavati parijanassavo vidheyyo,Mahimaṁ āvasito susaṅgahito;Piyavadū hitasukhataṁ jigīsamāno,Abhirucitāni guṇāni ācarati.
But if he gives up all sensual enjoyments,as victor he speaks Dhamma to the people.Devoted, they respond to his words;after listening, they practice in line with the teaching.”
Yadi ca jahati sabbakāmabhogaṁ,Kathayati dhammakathaṁ jino janassa;Vacanapaṭikarassābhippasannā,Sutvāna dhammānudhammamācarantī”ti.
9–10. Arched Feet and Upright Hair
9–10. Ussaṅkhapāda-uddhaggalomatālakkhaṇāni
“Mendicants, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being. His speech was meaningful and principled. He educated many people, bringing welfare and happiness, offering the teaching. Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm. When he came back to this place he obtained these two marks: the tops of his feet are arched and his hairs stand up.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno atthūpasaṁhitaṁ dhammūpasaṁhitaṁ vācaṁ bhāsitā ahosi, bahujanaṁ nidaṁsesi, pāṇīnaṁ hitasukhāvaho dhammayāgī. So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe… so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imāni dve mahāpurisalakkhaṇāni paṭilabhati. Ussaṅkhapādo ca hoti, uddhaggalomo ca.
Possessing these marks, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch. And what does he obtain as king? He is the foremost, best, chief, highest, and finest of those who enjoy sensual pleasures. That’s what he obtains as king. And what does he obtain as Buddha? He is the foremost, best, chief, highest, and finest of all sentient beings. That’s what he obtains as Buddha.” The Buddha spoke this matter.
So tehi lakkhaṇehi samannāgato, sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe… rājā samāno kiṁ labhati? Aggo ca hoti seṭṭho ca pāmokkho ca uttamo ca pavaro ca kāmabhogīnaṁ. Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe… buddho samāno kiṁ labhati? Aggo ca hoti seṭṭho ca pāmokkho ca uttamo ca pavaro ca sabbasattānaṁ. Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”. Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“His word was meaningful and principled,moving the people with his explanations.He brought welfare and happiness to creatures,unstintingly offering up teaching.
“Atthadhammasahitaṁ pure giraṁ,Erayaṁ bahujanaṁ nidaṁsayi;Pāṇinaṁ hitasukhāvaho ahu,Dhammayāgamayajī amaccharī.
Because of that good deed,he advanced to heaven and there rejoiced.On return to here two marks are found,of excellence and supremacy.
Tena so sucaritena kammunā,Suggatiṁ vajati tattha modati;Lakkhaṇāni ca duve idhāgato,Uttamappamukhatāya vindati.
His hairs stand upright,and his ankles well-shaped.Swollen with flesh and blood, encased in skin,gracing above the feet.
Ubbhamuppatitalomavā saso,Pādagaṇṭhirahu sādhusaṇṭhitā;Maṁsalohitācitā tacotthatā,Uparicaraṇasobhanā ahu.
If that sort lives in the home, he becomesthe best of those who enjoy sensual pleasures.There’ll be none better than him;he’ll proceed <j>having mastered all the Black Plum Tree Land.
Gehamāvasati ce tathāvidho,Aggataṁ vajati kāmabhoginaṁ;Tena uttaritaro na vijjati,Jambudīpamabhibhuyya iriyati.
But going forth the peerless renunciateturns into the best of all creatures.There’ll be none better than him,he’ll live having mastered the whole world.”
Pabbajampi ca anomanikkamo,Aggataṁ vajati sabbapāṇinaṁ;Tena uttaritaro na vijjati,Sabbalokamabhibhuyya viharatī”ti.
11. Antelope Calves
11. Eṇijaṅghalakkhaṇaṁ
“Mendicants, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being. He was a thorough teacher of a profession, a branch of knowledge, conduct, or action, thinking: ‘How might they quickly learn and practice, without getting exhausted?’ Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm. When he came back to this place he obtained this mark: his calves are like those of an antelope.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno sakkaccaṁ vācetā ahosi sippaṁ vā vijjaṁ vā caraṇaṁ vā kammaṁ vā: ‘kintime khippaṁ vijāneyyuṁ, khippaṁ paṭipajjeyyuṁ, na ciraṁ kilisseyyun’”ti. So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe… so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati. Eṇijaṅgho hoti.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch. And what does he obtain as king? He quickly obtains the things worthy of a king, the factors, supports, and things befitting a king. That’s what he obtains as king. And what does he obtain as Buddha? He quickly obtains the things worthy of an ascetic, the factors, supports, and things befitting an ascetic. That’s what he obtains as Buddha.” The Buddha spoke this matter.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe… rājā samāno kiṁ labhati? Yāni tāni rājārahāni rājaṅgāni rājūpabhogāni rājānucchavikāni tāni khippaṁ paṭilabhati. Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe… buddho samāno kiṁ labhati? Yāni tāni samaṇārahāni samaṇaṅgāni samaṇūpabhogāni samaṇānucchavikāni, tāni khippaṁ paṭilabhati. Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”. Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“In professions, knowledge, conduct, and deeds,he thought of how they might easily learn.Quickly, without tiresome delays,he taught them things that harm no one at all.
“Sippesu vijjācaraṇesu kammesu,Kathaṁ vijāneyyuṁ lahunti icchati;Yadūpaghātāya na hoti kassaci,Vāceti khippaṁ na ciraṁ kilissati.
Having done that skillful deed <j>whose outcome is happiness,he gains prominent and elegant calves.Well-formed in graceful spirals,he’s covered in delicate rising hairs.
Taṁ kammaṁ katvā kusalaṁ sukhudrayaṁ,Jaṅghā manuññā labhate susaṇṭhitā;Vaṭṭā sujātā anupubbamuggatā,Uddhaggalomā sukhumattacotthatā.
They say that individual has antelope calves,and that this is the mark of swift success.If he desires the things fitting the household life,not going forth, they’ll quickly be his.
Eṇeyyajaṅghoti tamāhu puggalaṁ,Sampattiyā khippamidhāhu lakkhaṇaṁ;Gehānulomāni yadābhikaṅkhati,Apabbajaṁ khippamidhādhigacchati.
But if one such chooses the life gone forth,seeing clearly, loving renunciation,the peerless renunciate will quickly findwhat is fitting and suitable.”
Sace ca pabbajjamupeti tādiso,Nekkhammachandābhirato vicakkhaṇo;Anucchavikassa yadānulomikaṁ,Taṁ vindati khippamanomavikkamo”ti.
12. Delicate Skin
12. Sukhumacchavilakkhaṇaṁ
“Mendicants, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being. He approached an ascetic or brahmin and asked: ‘Sirs, what is skillful? What is unskillful? What is blameworthy? What is blameless? What should be cultivated? What should not be cultivated? Doing what leads to my lasting harm and suffering? Doing what leads to my lasting welfare and happiness?’ Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm. When he came back to this place he obtained this mark: he has delicate skin, so delicate that dust and dirt don’t stick to his body.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno samaṇaṁ vā brāhmaṇaṁ vā upasaṅkamitvā paripucchitā ahosi: ‘kiṁ, bhante, kusalaṁ, kiṁ akusalaṁ, kiṁ sāvajjaṁ, kiṁ anavajjaṁ, kiṁ sevitabbaṁ, kiṁ na sevitabbaṁ, kiṁ me karīyamānaṁ dīgharattaṁ ahitāya dukkhāya assa, kiṁ vā pana me karīyamānaṁ dīgharattaṁ hitāya sukhāya assā’ti. So tassa kammassa kaṭattā …pe… so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati. Sukhumacchavi hoti, sukhumattā chaviyā rajojallaṁ kāye na upalimpati.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch. And what does he obtain as king? He has great wisdom. Of those who enjoy sensual pleasures, none is his equal or better in wisdom. That’s what he obtains as king. And what does he obtain as Buddha? He has great wisdom, widespread wisdom, laughing wisdom, swift wisdom, sharp wisdom, and penetrating wisdom. No sentient being is his equal or better in wisdom. That’s what he obtains as Buddha.” The Buddha spoke this matter.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe… rājā samāno kiṁ labhati? Mahāpañño hoti, nāssa hoti koci paññāya sadiso vā seṭṭho vā kāmabhogīnaṁ. Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe… buddho samāno kiṁ labhati? Mahāpañño hoti puthupañño hāsapañño javanapañño tikkhapañño nibbedhikapañño, nāssa hoti koci paññāya sadiso vā seṭṭho vā sabbasattānaṁ. Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”. Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“In olden days, in past lives,eager to understand, he asked questions.Keen to learn, he waited on renunciates,heeding their explanation with pure intent.
“Pure puratthā purimāsu jātisu,Aññātukāmo paripucchitā ahu;Sussūsitā pabbajitaṁ upāsitā,Atthantaro atthakathaṁ nisāmayi.
Due to that deed of acquiring wisdom,as a human being his skin is delicate.At his birth <j>the soothsayers expert in signs prophesied:‘He’ll discern delicate matters.’
Paññāpaṭilābhagatena kammunā,Manussabhūto sukhumacchavī ahu;Byākaṁsu uppādanimittakovidā,Sukhumāni atthāni avecca dakkhiti.
If one such doesn’t choose the life gone forth,he’ll roll the wheel and rule the land.Among those with material things <j>who have been educated,none equal or better than him is found.
Sace na pabbajjamupeti tādiso,Vatteti cakkaṁ pathaviṁ pasāsati;Atthānusiṭṭhīsu pariggahesu ca,Na tena seyyo sadiso ca vijjati.
But if one such chooses the life gone forth,seeing clearly, loving renunciation,gaining wisdom that’s supreme and distinguished,the one of superb, vast intelligence <j>attains awakening.”
Sace ca pabbajjamupeti tādiso,Nekkhammachandābhirato vicakkhaṇo;Paññāvisiṭṭhaṁ labhate anuttaraṁ,Pappoti bodhiṁ varabhūrimedhaso”ti.
13. Golden Skin
13. Suvaṇṇavaṇṇalakkhaṇaṁ
“Mendicants, in some past lives the Realized One was reborn as a human being. He wasn’t irritable or bad-tempered. Even when heavily criticized he didn’t lose his temper, become annoyed, hostile, and hard-hearted, or display annoyance, hate, and bitterness. He donated soft and delicate mats and blankets, and cloaks of delicate linen, cotton, silk, and wool. Due to performing those deeds he was reborn in a heavenly realm. When he came back to this place he obtained this mark: he is golden colored; his skin shines like lustrous gold.
“Yampi, bhikkhave, tathāgato purimaṁ jātiṁ purimaṁ bhavaṁ purimaṁ niketaṁ pubbe manussabhūto samāno akkodhano ahosi anupāyāsabahulo, bahumpi vutto samāno nābhisajji na kuppi na byāpajji na patitthīyi, na kopañca dosañca appaccayañca pātvākāsi. Dātā ca ahosi sukhumānaṁ mudukānaṁ attharaṇānaṁ pāvuraṇānaṁ khomasukhumānaṁ kappāsikasukhumānaṁ koseyyasukhumānaṁ kambalasukhumānaṁ. So tassa kammassa kaṭattā upacitattā …pe… so tato cuto itthattaṁ āgato samāno imaṁ mahāpurisalakkhaṇaṁ paṭilabhati. Suvaṇṇavaṇṇo hoti kañcanasannibhattaco.
Possessing this mark, if he stays at home he becomes a wheel-turning monarch. And what does he obtain as king? He obtains soft and delicate mats and blankets, and delicate cloaks of linen, cotton, silk, and wool. That’s what he obtains as king. And what does he obtain as Buddha? He obtains soft and delicate mats and blankets, and cloaks of delicate linen, cotton, silk, and wool. That’s what he obtains as Buddha.” The Buddha spoke this matter.
So tena lakkhaṇena samannāgato sace agāraṁ ajjhāvasati, rājā hoti cakkavattī …pe… rājā samāno kiṁ labhati? Lābhī hoti sukhumānaṁ mudukānaṁ attharaṇānaṁ pāvuraṇānaṁ khomasukhumānaṁ kappāsikasukhumānaṁ koseyyasukhumānaṁ kambalasukhumānaṁ. Rājā samāno idaṁ labhati …pe… buddho samāno kiṁ labhati? Lābhī hoti sukhumānaṁ mudukānaṁ attharaṇānaṁ pāvuraṇānaṁ khomasukhumānaṁ kappāsikasukhumānaṁ koseyyasukhumānaṁ kambalasukhumānaṁ. Buddho samāno idaṁ labhati”. Etamatthaṁ bhagavā avoca.
On this it is said:
Tatthetaṁ vuccati:
“Fixated on good will, he gave gifts.In an earlier life he poured forth clothfine and soft to touch,like a god pouring rain on this broad earth.
“Akkodhañca adhiṭṭhahi adāsi,Dānañca vatthāni sukhumāni succhavīni;Purimatarabhave ṭhito abhivissaji,Mahimiva suro abhivassaṁ.
So doing he passed from here to heaven,where he enjoyed the fruits of deeds well done.Here he wins a figure <j>shining like honey-yellow gold,like Indra, the finest of gods.
Taṁ katvāna ito cuto dibbaṁ,Upapajji sukataphalavipākamanubhutvā;Kanakatanusannibho idhābhibhavati,Suravarataroriva indo.
If that man stays in the house, not wishing to go forth,he conquers and rules this vast, broad earth,together with the seven treasures here.He gets immaculate, delicate, pure skin,
Gehañcāvasati naro apabbajjam’,icchaṁ mahatimahiṁ anusāsati;Pasayha sahidha sattaratanaṁ,Paṭilabhati vimalasukhumacchaviṁ suciñca.
receiving clothing, cloth, and the finest cloaksif he chooses the life gone forth.For he still partakes of past deed’s fruit;what’s been done is never lost.”
Lābhī acchādanavatthamokkhapāvuraṇānaṁ,Bhavati yadi anāgāriyataṁ upeti;Sahito purimakataphalaṁ anubhavati,Na bhavati katassa panāso”ti.