51Pankajapa

Pankaja was the son of a Brahman, and was named so because he was born from a lotus in his parent’s peaceful garden of lotuses. His siddhi came from Avalokitesvara. A short while after his birth, an image of Avalokitesvara was placed near the pond of lotuses, and for 12 years Panjaka made offerings of flowers there 3 times a day by placing them on top of the head of the image, believing it was Mahadeva.

One day, Nagarjuna came and offered a flower. The image accepted it and placed it upon its own head. Upon seeing that, Pankaja became angry and thought to himself, “For twelve years, I made offerings and the image did not accept them.” Then out of the mouth of the image, it said: “Your thoughts were not pure. I was not pleased with your actions.”

Feeling remorse, Panjaka prostrated himself before Nagarjuna and respectfully asked to be his student. Nagarjuna initiated him and instructed him in the integration of vision and activity.

Understanding this, Pankaja practiced and in 7 days he obtained siddhi. He benefitted many living beings with his compassionate gaze and instructions on methods. Finally in this very body, he went to the realm of the Dakas.

em