Page 62 - Inside Sec 1_มาตลังกา.indd

PILGRIMAGE TO LANKA 71

After the rainfall, the sun began shining and the ship went on its way to Rangoon
where the monks stayed seven days. They took the opportunity to pay homage to the
great Cetiya ( Shwedagon - erWdguM) and then headed further North where they visited
other holy places, like the sacred rock of Phra Chao Inda Khwen (Kyaikhtiyo - k¥oik\T^;Rui;),
the Cetiya of Suaymodo (Shwemadaw - erWema\eDå), the Buddha of Suaythaleng
(Shwethalyaung - erWqael¥ac\;) and the statue of Phra Chao Rakheng (Maha Myat
Muni - rKuic\) in Mandalay. This pilgrimage, in addition to that done in Lanka, allowed
them to acquire more and more merits, both for themselves and for those dear to them.
Then it was the return to their country.

On the ninth day of the waning moon, we were back at Keng Tung.
Filled with a strong faith, the people came to greet Venerable Phra Gruba.
Sen Thiem Khek, our guide, made his way to the palace,
And gave an account of the journey to the Reigning Prince, who was delighted.
(Verse 193)

The Venerable Phra Gruba of Wat Hua Khuang, also went to the palace,
And gave to the Prince a detailed report of the trip.
O ye people, I accompanied Phra Gruba, the great monk,
And the story is recorded in this writing, without assertion. (Verse 194)

« To me, Noi Bunyao from the village of Ban Don Luang, Sen Thiem Khek
Has presented his text. I made a version in Khün verses to be read at religious
festivals.
I raise my hands above my head and salute you with respect.
1
The story ends here and to all of you I say « sædhu, sædhu . » (Verse 196)

1
The meaning of “ Sædhu ” varies according to the context in which it is used. It is generally used at
the end of a prayer (the equivalent of Amen of the Hebrews and the Christians) or a wish expressed by
a lay faithful and can be translated by : « Yes, it is good ; let it be so. »