Mahapadanasutta 1.32.1

1.32.1

1 Given also at M. II, 136, 137. Comp. the note above Vol. I, p. no. The whole theory is pre-Buddhistic.
2 Suppatthita-pado: literally, 'well-planted feet.' The traditional meaning is, that the whole under-surface touched the ground at once. The Great Man was ' flat-footed,' and did not toe or heel the ground in walking.
3 If the foot of a ' Great Man ' be measured in four parts, two are taken up by the sole and toes, one is under the leg, and one is the heel projecting rearward.
4 And all four, fingers and toes, are of equal length, like a monkey's. Cy.
5 Like a lattice, says the Cy., and explains this to mean that there is no 'webbing' between fingers and toes, but that these are set in right lines, like the meshes of a net.
6 Ensuring the maximum of flexibility. Cy. This is desirable in sitting cross-legged.
7 With protuberant well-modelled joints, like an ear of rice or barley. Cy.
8 Hence the Buddhas only wash as an example to their fol- lowers. Cy.
The down on it grows in single hairs, one to each pore,
The small hairs on his body turn upward, every hair of it, blue-black in colour like eye-paint, in little curling rings, curling to the right.
' " This babe has a frame divinely straight 1.