[Intro]
Beneath the Bodhi, a banner flies,
A symbol of faith beneath the skies.
Fallen leaves upon the ground,
A humble heart is where goodness is found.
[Verse 1]
In the days of Padumuttara,
A faithful heart began to rise.
Dhajadāyaka stood with joy,
And raised a flag beneath the skies.
He gathered leaves that fell below,
And cleared the ground with gentle care.
He bowed before the sacred tree,
With faith and reverence in his prayer.
[Chorus]
Raise the banner of faith up high,
Let the Dhamma reach the sky.
Hands that serve and hearts that care,
Bring the light of goodness everywhere.
Do not stop with words alone,
Let your kindness become your own.
Walk the path of truth each day,
And let your wisdom lead the way.
[Verse 2]
The Buddha spoke of merits grown,
From every seed of good deeds sown.
Through many lives, through joy and grace,
He found his way to a higher place.
When Gotama Buddha came,
He left behind his worldly name.
He joined the path of peace and light,
And freed his heart from every plight.
[Chorus]
Raise the banner of faith up high,
Let the Dhamma reach the sky.
Hands that serve and hearts that care,
Bring the light of goodness everywhere.
Do not stop with words alone,
Let your kindness become your own.
Walk the path of truth each day,
And let your wisdom lead the way.
[Bridge]
Flags may fade as years go by,
Leaves will fall beneath the sky.
But deeds of kindness still remain,
Like precious wisdom after rain.
[Outro]
Dhajadāyaka showed the way,
Through faith and service every day.
Respect with love, give with your heart,
Let wisdom guide your spiritual start.
Dhajadāyaka Thera Apadāna: The Offering of a Flag and the Path to Spiritual Liberation
The Dhajadāyaka Thera Apadāna recounts the story of a devoted follower who offered a flag and cared for the Bodhi Tree during the time of Padumuttara Buddha. His actions demonstrate the importance of faith, reverence, generosity, and service. His spiritual journey eventually led him to renounce worldly life and attain arahantship during the time of Gotama Buddha.
1. Background and Story
During the time of Padumuttara Buddha, Dhajadāyaka Thera developed deep faith in the Buddha and his teachings.
With a joyful and devoted mind, he raised a flag and placed it beside the sacred Bodhi Tree, the tree associated with the supreme enlightenment of the Buddha.
In addition to offering the flag, he collected the fallen Bodhi leaves and removed them from the area to keep the surroundings clean.
He then paid homage to the sacred Bodhi Tree as though he were bowing directly before the Fully Enlightened Buddha.
His actions represented two important forms of devotion: offering a symbolic gift and actively caring for a sacred place.
2. The Buddha's Prophecy on the Fruits of Merit
Padumuttara Buddha, standing among the community of monks, delivered a prophecy concerning the merits of these two actions: offering a flag and maintaining the sacred Bodhi Tree.
The Buddha declared that these meritorious deeds would protect the donor from unfortunate rebirths for one hundred thousand aeons.
He would enjoy abundant heavenly happiness, become a king in many hundreds of existences, and eventually become a Universal Monarch named Uggata.
After enjoying the fruits of his accumulated merits, his wholesome roots would inspire him to develop faith in the dispensation of Gotama Buddha.
The Thera also recalled his spiritual development, describing his determination to practice diligently, attain tranquility, and become free from the foundations of renewed existence.
He declared that he had realized the Four Analytical Knowledges, the Eight Liberations, and the Six Higher Knowledges, completing the Buddha's teaching.
3. The Spiritual Biography of Dhajadāyaka Thera
According to the commentary, Dhajadāyaka Thera had accumulated meritorious deeds under previous Buddhas, creating the spiritual conditions for final liberation.
His offering during the time of Padumuttara Buddha
He was born into a family during the time of Padumuttara Buddha. As he grew older, he developed faith in the Buddha.
He arranged for a flag to be made from several pieces of fine cloth and offered it as an act of reverence.
He also cared for the sacred Bodhi Tree by collecting fallen leaves and maintaining its surroundings.
The results of his meritorious deeds
As a result of his offering, he was repeatedly reborn into high-status families and became worthy of respect and honor.
His accumulated merits brought him happiness and prosperity throughout many existences.
His liberation during the time of Gotama Buddha
When Gotama Buddha appeared in the world, Dhajadāyaka was born into a family and eventually established a household with a wife and children.
He became wealthy and well known. Later, he developed deep faith in the Buddha's teachings and decided to renounce household life.
After entering the monastic order, he practiced diligently and soon attained arahantship.
Having attained liberation, he remembered his previous meritorious actions and recited the verses of his Apadāna.
The commentary therefore presents him as an example of a person who progressed from faith and generosity to renunciation, spiritual practice, and complete liberation.
4. Six Important Buddhist Teachings
1. Saddhā – Faith
The Thera's story begins with sincere faith in Padumuttara Buddha.
Faith provides motivation for wholesome actions and spiritual development. In Buddhism, it should be accompanied by wisdom and understanding.
2. Apacāyana – Reverence and Respect
Worshipping the Bodhi Tree symbolizes humility and respect for the Buddha's enlightenment.
This teaches us to honor those who possess virtue and wisdom.
3. Veyyāvacca – Service and Helpful Actions
Collecting fallen leaves and maintaining the sacred Bodhi Tree represents practical service.
It reminds us that devotion should be expressed through actions, not merely words.
4. Dānamaya – Merit Through Giving
Offering a flag represents generosity and the willingness to give something valuable in support of the Buddha's teachings.
Giving also includes sharing time, knowledge, skills, and assistance with others.
5. Viriya and Tranquility – Effort and Inner Peace
The Thera emphasized determination, diligent practice, and the attainment of tranquility.
This teaches that spiritual development requires continuous effort through moral discipline, concentration, and wisdom.
6. Āsavakkhayañāṇa – Knowledge of the Destruction of Defilements
The highest achievement of the Thera was the realization of arahantship and the destruction of mental defilements.
True spiritual success is not measured by wealth, power, or status, but by freedom from greed, hatred, and delusion.
5. Lessons for Modern Society
The story of Dhajadāyaka Thera provides several lessons for contemporary society:
Symbols of goodness: A flag can represent faith, unity, and commitment to moral values.
Care and responsibility: Maintaining the Bodhi Tree reminds us to care for places and things we respect.
Community service: Voluntary work helps preserve temples, communities, and the environment.
Respect for virtue: Respecting sacred symbols reminds us of the value of the Buddha's teachings.
Progress toward wisdom: Generosity should develop into moral discipline, meditation, and wisdom.
Conclusion
The Dhajadāyaka Thera Apadāna teaches that true devotion is not limited to ceremonial offerings. It also involves caring actions, service, and a sincere commitment to goodness.
Offering a flag represents faith, maintaining the Bodhi Tree represents selfless service, and the attainment of arahantship represents the highest goal of Buddhist practice.
A flag represents faith, service represents compassion, and wisdom leads to liberation.
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