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The Story of Dhammika Upasaka (Verse 16)

While residing at the Jetavana monastery in Savatthi, the Buddha uttered Verse (16) of
this book, with reference to Dhammika, a lay disciple.

Once there lived in Savatthi, a lay disciple by the name of Dhammika, who was virtuous
and very fond of giving in charity. He generously offered food and other requisites to the
Bhikkhus regularly and also on special occasions. He was, in fact, the leader of five
hundred virtuous lay disciples of the Buddha who lived in Savatthi. Dhammika had seven
sons and seven daughters and all of them, like their father, were virtuous and devoted to
charity. When Dhammika was very ill and was on his death-bed he made a request to the
Sanghato come to him and recite the sacred texts by his bedside. While the Bhikkhus
were reciting the Maha satipatthana Sutta, six decorated chariots from six celestial
worlds arrived to invite him to their respective worlds. Dhammika told them to wait for a
while for fear of interrupting the recitation of the Sutta. The Bhikkhus, thinking that
they were being asked to stop, stopped and left the place.

A little while later, Dhammika told his children about the six decorated chariots waiting
for him. Then and there he decided to choose the chariot from the Tusita world and
asked one of his children to throw a garland on to it. Then he passed away and was reborn
in the Tusita world. Thus, the virtuous man rejoices in this world as well as in the next.

Then the Buddha spoke in verse as follows:

Verse 16: Here he rejoices, hereafter he rejoices; one who performed meritorious deeds
rejoices in both existences. He rejoices and greatly rejoices when he sees the purity of
his own deeds.

Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A.,
Burma Pitaka Association, Rangoon, Burma 1986.