You are on page 1of 64

1

Maha-Parinibbna Sutta
Last Days of the Buddha

Maha-Parinibbna Sutta

Part One In Magadha


Thus have I heard: 1.Once the Blessed One [1] dwelt at Rajagaha, on the hill called Vultures' ea!. "t that ti#e the !ing o$ %agadha, "jatashatru, son o$ the Videhi &ueen, [ 2] desired to wage war against the Vajjis. 'e s(o!e in this $ashion: )These Vajjis, (ower$ul and glorious as the* are, I shall annihilate the#, I shall #a!e the# (erish, I shall utterl* destro* the#.) +. "nd "jatashatru, the !ing o$ %agadha, addressed his chie$ #inister, the Brah#in Vassa!ara, sa*ing: ),o#e, Brah#in, go to the Blessed One, (a* ho#age in #* na#e at his $eet, wish hi# good health, strength, ease, vigor, and co#$ort, and s(ea! thus: 'O -ord, "jatashatru, the !ing o$ %agadha, desires to wage war against the Vajjis. 'e has s(o!en in this $ashion: )These Vajjis, (ower$ul and glorious as the* are, I shall annihilate the#, I shall #a!e the# (erish, I shall utterl* destro* the#.)' "nd whatever the Blessed One should answer *ou, !ee( it well in #ind and in$or# #e. $or Tath/gatas [ 3] do not s(ea! $alsel*.) 0. )Ver* well, sire,) said the Brah#in Vassa!ara in assent to "jatashatru, !ing o$ %agadha. "nd he ordered a large nu#1er o$ #agni$icent carriages to 1e #ade read*, #ounted one hi#sel$, and acco#(anied 1* the rest, drove out to Rajagaha towards Vultures' ea!. 'e went 1* carriage as $ar as the carriage could go, then dis#ounting. he a((roached the Blessed One on $oot. "$ter e2changing courteous greetings with the Blessed One, together with #an* (leasant words, he sat down at one side and addressed the Blessed One thus: )Venera1le 3ota#a, "jatashatru, the !ing o$ %agadha, (a*s ho#age at the $eet o$ the Venera1le 3ota#a and wishes hi# good health, strength, ease, vigor, and co#$ort. 'e desires to wage war against the Vajjis, and he has s(o!en in this $ashion: 'These Vajjis, (ower$ul and glorious as the* are, I shall annihilate the#, I shall #a!e the# (erish, I shall utterl* destro* the#.')

Conditions of a Nation s !e"fare

2 4. "t that ti#e the Venera1le 5nanda [#] was standing 1ehind the Blessed One, $anning hi#, and the Blessed One addressed the Venera1le 5nanda thus: )6hat have *ou heard, 5nanda: do the Vajjis have $re&uent gatherings, and are their #eetings well attended7) )I have heard, -ord, that this is so.) )8o long, 5nanda, as this is the case, the growth o$ the Vajjis is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline. )6hat have *ou heard, 5nanda: do the Vajjis asse#1le and dis(erse (eace$ull* and attend to their a$$airs in concord7) )I have heard, -ord, that the* do.) )8o long, 5nanda, as this is the case, the growth o$ the Vajjis is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline. )6hat have *ou heard, 5nanda: do the Vajjis neither enact new decrees nor a1olish e2isting ones, 1ut (roceed in accordance with their ancient constitutions7) )I have heard, -ord, that the* do.) )8o long, 5nanda, as this is the case, the growth o$ the Vajjis is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline. )6hat have *ou heard, 5nanda: do the Vajjis show res(ect, honor, estee#, and veneration towards their elders and thin! it worthwhile to listen to the#7) )I have heard, -ord, that the* do.) )8o long, 5nanda, as this is the case, the growth o$ the Vajjis is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline. )6hat have *ou heard, 5nanda: do the Vajjis re$rain $ro# a1ducting wo#en and #aidens o$ good $a#ilies and $ro# detaining the#7) )I have heard, -ord, that the* re$rain $ro# doing so.) )8o long, 5nanda, as this is the case, the growth o$ the Vajjis is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline. )6hat have *ou heard, 5nanda: do the Vajjis show res(ect, honor, estee#, and veneration towards their shrines, 1oth those within the cit* and those outside it,

3 and do not de(rive the# o$ the due o$$erings as given and #ade to the# $or#erl*7) )I have heard, -ord, that the* do venerate their shrines, and that the* do not de(rive the# o$ their o$$erings.) )8o long, 5nanda, as this is the case, the growth o$ the Vajjis is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline. )6hat have *ou heard, 5nanda: do the Vajjis dul* (rotect and guard the "rhats, so that those who have not co#e to the real# *et #ight do so, and those who have alread* co#e #ight live there in (eace7) )I have heard, -ord, that the* do.) )8o long, 5nanda, as this is the case, the growth o$ the Vajjis is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline.) 9. "nd the Blessed One addressed the Brah#in Vassa!ara in these words: )Once, Brah#in, I dwelt at Vesali, at the 8arandada shrine, and there it was that I taught the Vajjis these seven conditions leading to :a nation's; wel$are. [ $] 8o long, Brah#in, as these endure a#ong the Vajjis, and the Vajjis are !nown $or it, their growth is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline.) Thereu(on the Brah#in Vassa!ara s(o!e thus to the Blessed One: )I$ the Vajjis, Venera1le 3ota#a, were endowed with onl* one or another o$ these conditions leading to wel$are, their growth would have to 1e e2(ected, not their decline. 6hat then o$ all the seven7 <o har#, indeed, can 1e done to the Vajjis in 1attle 1* %agadha's !ing, "jatashatru, e2ce(t through treacher* or discord. 6ell, then, Venera1le 3ota#a, we will ta!e our leave, $or we have #uch to (er$or#, #uch wor! to do.) )=o as now see#s $it to *ou, Brah#in.) "nd the Brah#in Vassa!ara, the chie$ #inister o$ %agadha, a((roving o$ the Blessed One's words and delighted 1* the#, rose $ro# his seat and de(arted.

!e"fare of the Bhi%%hus


>. Then, soon a$ter Vassa!ara's de(arture, the Blessed One addressed the Venera1le 5nanda thus: )3o now, 5nanda, and asse#1le in the hall o$ audience as #an* Bhi!!hus as live around Rajagaha.) )Ver* well, -ord.) "nd the Venera1le 5nanda did as he was re&uested and in$or#ed the Blessed One: )The co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus is asse#1led, -ord. <ow let the Blessed One do as he wishes.)

4 Thereu(on the Blessed One rose $ro# his seat, went u( to the hall o$ audience, too! his a((ointed seat there, and addressed the Bhi!!hus thus: )8even conditions leading to wel$are I shall set $orth, Bhi!!hus. -isten and (a* heed to what I shall sa*.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) )The growth o$ the Bhi!!hus is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline, Bhi!!hus, so long as the* asse#1le $re&uentl* and in large nu#1ers. #eet and dis(erse (eace$ull* and attend to the a$$airs o$ the 8angha in concord. so long as the* a((oint no new rules, and do not a1olish the e2isting ones, 1ut (roceed in accordance with the code o$ training :Vina*a; laid down. so long as the* show res(ect, honor, estee#, and veneration towards the elder Bhi!!hus, those o$ long standing, long gone $orth, the $athers and leaders o$ the 8angha, and thin! it worthwhile to listen to the#. so long as the* do not co#e under the (ower o$ the craving that leads to $resh 1eco#ing. so long as the* cherish the $orest de(ths $or their dwellings. so long as the* esta1lish the#selves in #ind$ulness, so that virtuous 1rethren o$ the Order who have not co#e *et #ight do so, and those alread* co#e #ight live in (eace. so long, Bhi!!hus, as these seven conditions leading to wel$are endure a#ong the Bhi!!hus and the Bhi!!hus are !nown $or it, their growth is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline. ?. )8even $urther conditions leading to wel$are I shall set $orth, Bhi!!hus. -isten and (a* heed to what I shall sa*.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) )The growth o$ the Bhi!!hus is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline, Bhi!!hus, so long as the* do not delight in, are not (leased with, and are not $ond o$ activities, tal!, slee(, and co#(an*. so long as the* do not har1or, do not co#e under the s(ell o$ evil desires. have no 1ad $riends, associates, or co#(anions. and so long as the* do not sto( hal$wa* on account o$ so#e tri$ling achieve#ent. 8o long, Bhi!!hus, as these seven conditions leading to wel$are endure a#ong the Bhi!!hus and the Bhi!!hus are !nown $or it, their growth is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline.

Se&en 'ood (ua"ities )*+


@. )8even $urther conditions leading to wel$are I shall set $orth, Bhi!!hus. -isten and (a* heed to what I shall sa*.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) )The growth o$ the Bhi!!hus is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline, Bhi!!hus, so long as the* shall have $aith, so long as the* have #oral sha#e and $ear o$ #isconduct, are (ro$icient in learning, resolute, #ind$ul, and wise. 8o long,

5 Bhi!!hus, as these seven conditions leading to wel$are endure a#ong the Bhi!!hus, and the Bhi!!hus are !nown $or it, their growth is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline.

Se&en ,a-tors of .n"ighten/ent )0+


A. )8even $urther conditions leading to wel$are I shall set $orth, Bhi!!hus. -isten and (a* heed to what I shall sa*.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) )The growth o$ the Bhi!!hus is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline, Bhi!!hus, so long as the* cultivate the seven $actors o$ enlighten#ent, that is: #ind$ulness, investigation into (heno#ena, energ*, 1liss, tran&uilit*, concentration, and e&uani#it*. 8o long, Bhi!!hus, as these seven conditions leading to wel$are endure a#ong the Bhi!!hus, and the Bhi!!hus are !nown $or it, their growth is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline.

Se&en Per-e1tions
1B. )8even $urther conditions leading to wel$are I shall set $orth, Bhi!!hus. -isten and (a* heed to what I shall sa*.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) )The growth o$ the Bhi!!hus is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline, Bhi!!hus, so long as the* cultivate the (erce(tion o$ i#(er#anence, o$ egoClessCness, o$ :the 1od*'s; i#(urit*, o$ :the 1od*'s; wretchedness, o$ relin&uish#ent, o$ dis(assion, and o$ cessation. 8o long, Bhi!!hus, as these seven conditions leading to wel$are endure a#ong the Bhi!!hus, and the Bhi!!hus are !nown $or it, their growth is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline.

Si2 Conditions to be 3e/e/bered )4+


11. )8i2 $urther conditions leading to wel$are I shall set $orth, Bhi!!hus. -isten and (a* heed to what I shall sa*.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) )The growth o$ the Bhi!!hus is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline, Bhi!!hus, so long as the* attend on each other with lovingC!indness in deed, word, and thought, 1oth o(enl* and in (rivate. so long as in res(ect o$ what the* receive as due o$$erings, even the contents o$ their al#s 1owls, the* do not #a!e use o$ the# without sharing the# with virtuous #e#1ers o$ the co##unit*. so long as, in co#(an* with their 1rethren, the* train the#selves, o(enl* and in (rivate, in

6 the rules o$ conduct, which are co#(lete and (er$ect, s(otless and (ure, li1erating, (raised 1* the wise, unin$luenced :1* #undane concerns;, and $avora1le to concentration o$ #ind. and in co#(an* with their 1rethren, (reserve, o(enl* and in (rivate, the insight that is no1le and li1erating, and leads one who acts u(on it to the utter destruction o$ su$$ering. 8o long, Bhi!!hus, as these si2 conditions leading to wel$are endure a#ong the Bhi!!hus, and the Bhi!!hus are !nown $or it, their growth is to 1e e2(ected, not their decline.

Counse" to the Bhi%%hus


1+. "nd the Blessed One, living at Rajagaha, at the hill called Vultures' ea!, o$ten gave counsel to the Bhi!!hus thus: )8uch and such is virtue. such and such is concentration. and such and such is wisdo#. [5] 3reat 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ concentration when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* virtuous conduct. great 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ wisdo# when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* concentration. utterl* $reed $ro# the taints [16] o$ lust, 1eco#ing, and ignorance is the #ind that is $ull* develo(ed in wisdo#.) 10. 6hen the Blessed One had sta*ed at Rajagaha as long as he (leased, he addressed the Venera1le 5nanda thus: ),o#e, 5nanda, let us go to "#1alatthi!a.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Blessed One too! u( his a1ode at "#1alatthi!a, together with a large co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus. 14. "t "#1alatthi!a the Blessed One ca#e to sta* in the !ing's rest house. and there, too, the Blessed One o$ten gave counsel to the Bhi!!hus thus: )8uch and such is virtue. such and such is concentration. and such and such is wisdo#. 3reat 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ concentration when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* virtuous conduct. great 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ wisdo# when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* concentration. utterl* $reed $ro# the taints o$ lust, 1eco#ing, and ignorance is the #ind that is $ull* develo(ed in wisdo#.) 19. 6hen the Blessed One had sta*ed at "#1alatthi!a as long as he (leased, he addressed the Venera1le 5nanda thus: ),o#e, 5nanda, let us go to <alanda.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Blessed One too! u( his a1ode at <alanda together with a large co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus, and ca#e to sta* in the #ango grove o$ avari!a.

Shari1utra7s Lion s 3oar )11+


1>. Then the Venera1le 8hari(utra went to the Blessed One, res(ect$ull* greeted hi#, sat down at one side, and s(o!e thus to hi#: )This $aith, -ord, I have in the Blessed One, that there has not 1een, there will not 1e, nor is there now, another recluse or Brah#in #ore e2alted in Dnlighten#ent than the Blessed One.) )-o$t* indeed is this s(eech o$ *ours, 8hari(utra, and lordl*E " 1old utterance, a verita1le sounding o$ the lion's roarE But how is this, 8hari(utra7 Those "rhats, Full* Dnlightened Ones o$ the (ast CC do *ou have direct (ersonal !nowledge o$ all those Blessed Ones, as to their virtue, their #editation, [ 12] their wisdo#, their a1iding, and their e#anci(ation7) [13] )<ot so, -ord.) )Then how is this, 8hari(utra7 Those "rhats, Full* Dnlightened Ones o$ the $uture CC do *ou have direct (ersonal !nowledge o$ all those Blessed Ones, as to their virtue, their #editation, their wisdo#, their a1iding, and their e#anci(ation7) )<ot so, -ord.) )Then how is this, 8hari(utra7 O$ #e, who a# at (resent the "rhat, the Full* Dnlightened One, do *ou have direct (ersonal !nowledge as to #* virtue, #* #editation, #* wisdo#, #* a1iding, and #* e#anci(ation7) )<ot so, -ord.) )Then it is clear, 8hari(utra, that *ou have no such direct (ersonal !nowledge o$ the "rhats, the Full* Dnlightened Ones o$ the (ast, the $uture, and the (resent. 'ow then dare *ou set $orth a s(eech so lo$t* and lordl*, an utterance so 1old, a verita1le sounding o$ the lion's roar, sa*ing: 'This $aith, -ord, I have in the Blessed One, that there has not 1een, there will not 1e, nor is there now another recluse or Brah#in #ore e2alted in Dnlighten#ent than the Blessed One'7) 1?. )<o such direct (ersonal !nowledge, indeed, is #ine, -ord, o$ the "rhats, the Full* Dnlightened Ones o$ the (ast, the $uture, and the (resent. and *et I have co#e to !now the law$ulness o$ the =ha##a. 8u((ose, -ord, a !ing's $rontier $ortress was strongl* $orti$ied, with strong ra#(arts and turrets, and it had a single gate, and there was a gate!ee(er, intelligent, e2(erienced, and (rudent, who would !ee( out the stranger 1ut allow the $riend to enter. "s he (atrols the (ath that leads all around the $ortress, he does not (erceive a hole or $issure in the ra#(arts even 1ig enough to allow a cat to sli( through. 8o he co#es to the conclusion: '6hatever grosser living things are to enter or leave this cit*, the* will

8 all have to do so just 1* this gate.G In the sa#e wa*, -ord, I have co#e to !now the law$ulness o$ the =ha##a. )For, -ord, all the Blessed Ones, "rhats, Full* Dnlightened Ones o$ the (ast had a1andoned the $ive hindrances, [ 1#] the #ental de$ile#ents that wea!en wisdo#. had well esta1lished their #inds in the $our $oundations o$ #ind$ulness. [ 1$] had dul* cultivated the seven $actors o$ enlighten#ent, and were $ull* enlightened in unsur(assed, su(re#e Dnlighten#ent. )"nd, -ord, all the Blessed Ones, "rhats, Full* Dnlightened Ones o$ the $uture will a1andon the $ive hindrances, the #ental de$ile#ents that wea!en wisdo#. will well esta1lish their #inds in the $our $oundations o$ #ind$ulness. will dul* cultivate the seven $actors o$ enlighten#ent, and will 1e $ull* enlightened in unsur(assed, su(re#e Dnlighten#ent. )"nd the Blessed One too, -ord, 1eing at (resent the "rhat, the Full* Dnlightened One, has a1andoned the $ive hindrances, the #ental de$ile#ents that wea!en wisdo#. has well esta1lished his #ind in the $our $oundations o$ #ind$ulness. has dul* cultivated the seven $actors o$ enlighten#ent, and is $ull* enlightened in unsur(assed, su(re#e Dnlighten#ent.) 1@. "nd also in <alanda, in the #ango grove o$ avari!a, the Blessed One o$ten gave counsel to the Bhi!!hus thus: )8uch and such is virtue. such and such is concentration. and such and such is wisdo#. 3reat 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ concentration when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* virtuous conduct. great 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ wisdo# when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* concentration. utterl* $reed $ro# the taints o$ lust, 1eco#ing, and ignorance is the #ind that is $ull* develo(ed in wisdo#.) 1A. 6hen the Blessed One had sta*ed at <alanda as long as he (leased, he addressed the Venera1le 5nanda thus: ),o#e, 5nanda, let us go to ataliga#a.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Blessed One too! u( his a1ode at ataliga#a together with a large co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus. +B. Then the devotees o$ ataliga#a ca#e to !now: )The Blessed One, the* sa*, has arrived at ataliga#a.) "nd the* a((roached the Blessed One, res(ect$ull* greeted hi#, sat down at one side, and addressed hi# thus: )%a* the Blessed One, -ord, !indl* visit our council hall.) "nd the Blessed One consented 1* his silence.

9 +1. Hnowing the Blessed One's consent, the devotees o$ ataliga#a rose $ro# their seats, res(ect$ull* saluted hi#, and !ee(ing their right sides towards hi#, de(arted $or the council hall. Then the* (re(ared the council hall 1* covering the $loor all over, arranging seats and water, and setting out an oil la#(. 'aving done this, the* returned to the Blessed One, res(ect$ull* greeted hi#, and standing at one side, announced: )-ord, the council hall is read*, with the $loor covered all over, seats and water (re(ared, and an oil la#( has 1een set out. -et the Blessed One co#e, -ord, at his convenience. ++. "nd the Blessed One got read*, and ta!ing his 1owl and ro1e, went to the council hall together with the co#(an* o$ Bhi!!hus. "$ter rinsing his $eet, the Blessed One entered the council hall and too! his seat close to the #iddle (illar, $acing east. The co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus, a$ter rinsing their $eet, also entered the council hall and too! seats near the western wall, $acing east, so that the Blessed One was 1e$ore the#. "nd the devotees o$ ataliga#a, a$ter rinsing their $eet and entering the council hall, sat down near the eastern wall, $acing west, so that the Blessed One was in $ront o$ the#.

8he ,ruits of an I//ora" and a Mora" Life


+0. Thereu(on the Blessed One addressed the devotees o$ ataliga#a thus: )The i##oral #an, householders, 1* $alling awa* $ro# virtue, encounters $ive (erils: great loss o$ wealth through heedlessness. an evil re(utation. a ti#id and trou1led de#eanor in ever* societ*, 1e it that o$ no1les, Brah#ins, householders, or ascetics. death in 1ewilder#ent. and, at the 1rea!ing u( o$ the 1od* a$ter death, re1irth in a real# o$ #iser*, in an unha((* state, in the nether world, in hell. +4. )Five 1lessings, householders, accrue to the righteous #an through his (ractice o$ virtue: great increase o$ wealth through his diligence. a $avora1le re(utation. a con$ident de(ort#ent, without ti#idit*, in ever* societ*, 1e it that o$ no1les, Brah#ins, householders, or ascetics. a serene death. and, at the 1rea!ing u( o$ the 1od* a$ter death, re1irth in a ha((* state, in a heavenl* world.) +9. "nd the Blessed One s(ent #uch o$ the night instructing the devotees o$ ataliga#a in the =ha##a, rousing, edi$*ing, and gladdening the#, a$ter which he dis#issed the#, sa*ing: )The night is $ar advanced, householders. Iou #a* go at *our convenience. )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the devotees o$ ataliga#a rose $ro# their seats, res(ect$ull* saluted the Blessed One, and !ee(ing their right sides towards hi#, de(arted. "nd the Blessed One, soon a$ter their de(arture, retired into (rivac*. +>. "t that ti#e 8unidha and Vassa!ara, the chie$ #inisters o$ %agadha, were 1uilding a $ortress at ataliga#a in de$ense against the Vajjis. "nd deities in large nu#1ers, counted in thousands, had ta!en (ossession o$ sites at

10 ataliga#a. In the region where deities o$ great (ower (revailed, o$$icials o$ great (ower were 1ent on constructing edi$ices. and where deities o$ #ediu# (ower and lesser (ower (revailed, o$$icials o$ #ediu# and lesser (ower were 1ent on constructing edi$ices. +?. "nd the Blessed One saw with the heavenl* e*e, (ure and transcending the $acult* o$ #en, the deities, counted in thousands, where the* had ta!en (ossession o$ sites in ataliga#a. "nd rising 1e$ore the night was s(ent, towards dawn, the Blessed One addressed the Venera1le 5nanda thus: )6ho is it, 5nanda, that is erecting a cit* at ataliga#a7) )8unidha and Vassa!ara, -ord, the chie$ #inisters o$ %agadha, are 1uilding a $ortress at ataliga#a, in de$ense against the Vajjis.) +@. )It is, 5nanda, as i$ 8unidha and Vassa!ara had ta!en counsel with the gods o$ the Thirt*Cthree. For I 1eheld, 5nanda, with the heavenl* e*e, (ure and transcending the $acult* o$ #en, a large nu#1er o$ deities, counted in thousands that have ta!en (ossession o$ sites at ataliga#a. In the region where deities o$ great (ower (revail, o$$icials o$ great (ower are 1ent on constructing edi$ices. and where deities o$ #ediu# and lesser (ower (revail, o$$icials o$ #ediu# and lesser (ower are 1ent on constructing edi$ices. Trul*, 5nanda, as $ar as the "r*an race e2tends and trade routes s(read, this will 1e the $ore#ost cit* atali(utta, a tradeCcenter. [1*] But atali(utta, 5nanda, will 1e assailed 1* three (erils CC $ire, water, and dissension.) +A. Then 8unidha and Vassa!ara went to the Blessed One, and a$ter courteous greeting to the Blessed One, and e2changing #an* (leasant words, the* stood at one side and addressed hi# thus: )%a* the Venera1le 3ota#a (lease acce(t our invitation $or to#orrow's #eal, together with the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus.) "nd the Blessed One consented 1* his silence. 0B. Hnowing the Blessed One's consent, 8unidha and Vassa!ara de(arted $or their own a1odes, where the* had choice $ood, hard and so$t, (re(ared. "nd when it was ti#e, the* announced to the Blessed One: )It is ti#e, Venera1le 3ota#a. the #eal is read*.) Thereu(on the Blessed One got read* in the $orenoon, and ta!ing 1owl and ro1e, he went together with the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus to the a1ode o$ 8unidha and Vassa!ara, where he too! the seat (re(ared $or hi#. "nd 8unidha and Vassa!ara the#selves attended on the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus headed 1* the Buddha, and served the# with choice $ood, hard and so$t. 6hen the Blessed One had $inished his #eal and had re#oved his hand $ro# the 1owl, the* too! low seats and sat down at one side. 01. "nd the Blessed One than!ed the# with these stanJas:

11 )6herever he #a* dwell, the (rudent #an %inisters to the chaste and virtuous. and having to these worth* ones #ade gi$ts, 'e shares his #erits with the local devas. "nd so revered, the* honor hi# in turn, "re gracious to hi# even as a #other Is towards her own, her onl* son. "nd he who thus enjo*s the devas' grace, "nd is 1* the# 1eloved, good $ortune sees.) "$ter this, the Blessed One rose $ro# his seat and de(arted.

Crossing the 'anges


0+. Then 8unidha and Vassa!ara $ollowed 1ehind the Blessed One, ste( 1* ste(, sa*ing: )Through whichever gate the recluse 3ota#a will de(art toda*, that we will na#e the 3ota#aCgate. and the $ord 1* which he will cross the river 3anges shall 1e na#ed the 3ota#aC$ord.) "nd so it ca#e to (ass, where the gate was concerned. 00. But when the Blessed One ca#e to the river 3anges, it was $ull to the 1ri#, so that crows could drin! $ro# it. "nd so#e (eo(le went in search o$ a 1oat or $loat, while others tied u( a ra$t, 1ecause the* desired to get across. But the Blessed One, as &uic!l* as a strong #an #ight stretch out his 1ent ar# or draw in his outstretched ar#, vanished $ro# this side o$ the river 3anges, and ca#e to stand on the *onder side. 04. "nd the Blessed One saw the (eo(le who desired to cross searching $or a 1oat or $loat, while others were 1inding ra$ts. "nd then the Blessed One, seeing the# thus, gave $orth the sole#n utterance: )The* who have 1ridged the ocean vast, -eaving the lowlands $ar 1ehind, 6hile others still their $rail ra$ts 1ind, "re saved 1* wisdo# unsur(assed.)

Part 89o 8he :ourney to ;esa"i


8he ,our Nob"e 8ruths

12 1. <ow the Blessed One s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: ),o#e, 5nanda, let us go to Hotiga#a.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Blessed One too! u( his a1ode at Hotiga#a together with a large co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus. +. "nd the Blessed One addressed the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )Bhi!!hus, it is through not realiJing, through not (enetrating the Four <o1le Truths that this long course o$ 1irth and death has 1een (assed through and undergone 1* #e as well as 1* *ou. 6hat are these $our7 The* are the no1le truth o$ su$$ering. the no1le truth o$ the origin o$ su$$ering. the no1le truth o$ the cessation o$ su$$ering. and the no1le truth o$ the wa* to the cessation o$ su$$ering. But now, Bhi!!hus, that these have 1een realiJed and (enetrated, cut o$$ is the craving $or e2istence, destro*ed is that which leads to renewed 1eco#ing, and there is no $resh 1eco#ing.) 0. Thus it was said 1* the Blessed One. "nd the 'a((* One, the %aster, $urther said: )Through not seeing the Four <o1le Truths, -ong was the wear* (ath $ro# 1irth to 1irth. 6hen these are !nown, re#oved is re1irth's cause, the root o$ sorrow (luc!ed. and then ends re1irth.) 4. "nd also at Hotiga#a the Blessed One o$ten gave counsel to the Bhi!!hus thus: )8uch and such is virtue. such and such is concentration. and such and such is wisdo#. 3reat 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ concentration when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* virtuous conduct. great 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ wisdo# when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* concentration. utterl* $reed $ro# the taints o$ lust, 1eco#ing, and ignorance is the #ind that is $ull* develo(ed in wisdo#.) 9. 6hen the Blessed One had sta*ed at Hotiga#a as long as he (leased, he s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: ),o#e, 5nanda, let us go to <adi!a.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Blessed One too! u( his a1ode in <adi!a together with a large co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus, sta*ing in the Bric! 'ouse.

8he ,our S1e-ifi- <ttain/ents


>. Then the Venera1le 5nanda a((roached the Blessed One and, a$ter greeting hi# res(ect$ull*, sat down at one side. "nd he said to the Blessed One: )'ere in <adi!a, -ord, there have (assed awa* the Bhi!!hu 8alha and the Bhi!!hunK <anda. -i!ewise there have (assed awa* the la*#an 8udatta and the la*wo#an 8ujata. li!ewise the la*#an Ha!udha, Halinga, <i!ata, Hatissa1ha, Tuttha, 8antuttha, Bhadda, and 8u1hadda. 6hat is their destin*, -ord7 6hat is their $uture state7)

13 ?. )The Bhi!!hu 8alha, 5nanda, through the destruction o$ the taints in this ver* li$eti#e has attained to the taintC$ree deliverance o$ #ind and deliverance through wisdo#, having directl* !nown and realiJed it 1* hi#sel$. [ 10] )The Bhi!!hunK <anda, 5nanda, through the destruction o$ the $ive lower $etters :that 1ind 1eings to the world o$ the senses;, has arisen s(ontaneousl* :a#ong the 8uddhavasa deities; and will co#e to $inal cessation in that ver* (lace, not lia1le to return $ro# that world. )The la*#an 8udatta, 5nanda, through the destruction o$ the three $etters :sel$C 1elie$, dou1t, and $aith in the e$$icac* o$ rituals and o1servances;, and the lessening o$ lust, hatred, and delusion, has 1eco#e a onceCreturner and is 1ound to #a!e an end o$ su$$ering a$ter having returned 1ut once #ore to this world. )The la*wo#an 8ujata, 5nanda, through the destruction o$ the three $etters has 1eco#e a strea#Centerer, and is sa$e $ro# $alling into the states o$ #iser*, assured, and 1ound $or Dnlighten#ent. )The la*#an Ha!udha, 5nanda, through the destruction o$ the $ive lower $etters :that 1ind 1eings to the world o$ the senses;, has arisen s(ontaneousl* :a#ong the 8uddhavasa deities;, and will co#e to $inal cessation in that ver* (lace, not lia1le to return $ro# that world. )8o it is with Halinga, <i!ata, Hatissa1ha, Tuttha, 8antuttha, Bhadda, and 8u1hadda, and with #ore than $i$t* la*#en in <adi!a. %ore than ninet* la*#en who have (assed awa* in <adi!a, 5nanda, through the destruction o$ the three $etters, and the lessening o$ lust, hatred, and delusion, have 1eco#e onceC Returners and are 1ound to #a!e an end o$ su$$ering a$ter having returned 1ut once #ore to this world. )%ore than $ive hundred la*#en who have (assed awa* in <adi!a, 5nanda, through the co#(lete destruction o$ the three $etters have 1eco#e strea#C enterers, and are sa$e $ro# $alling into the states o$ #iser*, assured, and 1ound $or Dnlighten#ent.

8he Mirror of the Dha//a


@. )But trul*, 5nanda, it is nothing strange that hu#an 1eings should die. But i$ each ti#e it ha((ens *ou should co#e to the Tath/gata and as! a1out the# in this #anner, indeed it would 1e trou1leso#e to hi#. There$ore, 5nanda, I will give *ou the teaching called the %irror o$ the =ha##a, (ossessing which the no1le disci(le, should he so desire, can declare o$ hi#sel$: 'There is no #ore re1irth $or #e in hell, nor as an ani#al or ghost, nor in an* real# o$ woe. " strea#Centerer a# I, sa$e $ro# $alling into the states o$ #iser*, assured a# I and 1ound $or Dnlighten#ent.')

14 A. )"nd what, 5nanda, is that teaching called the %irror o$ =ha##a, (ossessing which the no1le disci(le #a* thus declare o$ hi#sel$7 )In this case, 5nanda, the no1le disci(le (ossesses unwavering $aith in the Buddha thus: 'The Blessed One is an "rhat, the Full* Dnlightened One, (er$ect in !nowledge and conduct, the 'a((* One, the !nower o$ the world, the (ara#ount trainer o$ 1eings, the teacher o$ gods and #en, the Dnlightened One, the Blessed One.' )'e (ossesses unwavering $aith in the =ha##a thus: '6ell (ro(ounded 1* the Blessed One is the =ha##a, evident, ti#eless, [ 14] inviting investigation, leading to e#anci(ation, to 1e co#(rehended 1* the wise, each $or hi#sel$.' )'e (ossesses unwavering $aith in the Blessed One's Order o$ =isci(les thus: '6ell $aring is the Blessed One's Order o$ =isci(les, righteousl*, wisel*, and duti$ull*: that is to sa*, the $our (airs o$ #en, the eight classes o$ (ersons. The Blessed One's Order o$ =isci(les is worth* o$ honor, o$ hos(italit*, o$ o$$erings, o$ veneration CC the su(re#e $ield $or #eritorious deeds in the world.' )"nd he (ossesses virtues that are dear to the <o1le Ones, co#(lete and (er$ect, s(otless and (ure, which are li1erating, (raised 1* the wise, unin$luenced :1* worldl* concerns;, and $avora1le to concentration o$ #ind. 1B. )This, 5nanda, is the teaching called the %irror o$ the =ha##a, where1* the no1le disci(le #a* thus !now o$ hi#sel$: 'there is no #ore re1irth $or #e in hell, nor as an ani#al or ghost, nor in an* real# o$ woe. " strea#Centerer a# I, sa$e $ro# $alling into the states o$ #iser*, assured a# I and 1ound $or Dnlighten#ent.') 11. "nd also in <adi!a, in the Bric! 'ouse, the Blessed One o$ten gave counsel to the Bhi!!hus thus: )8uch and such is virtue. such and such is concentration. and such and such is wisdo#. 3reat 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ concentration when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* virtuous conduct. great 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ wisdo# when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* concentration. utterl* $reed $ro# the taints o$ lust, 1eco#ing, and ignorance is the #ind that is $ull* develo(ed in wisdo#.) 1+. 6hen the Blessed One had sta*ed in <adi!a as long as he (leased, he s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: ),o#e, 5nanda, let us go to Vesali.) )8o 1e it, O -ord.) "nd the Blessed One too! u( his a1ode in Vesali together with a large co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus, and sta*ed in "#1a(ali's grove.

Mindfu"ness and C"ear Co/1rehension

15 10. Then the Blessed One addressed the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )%ind$ul should *ou dwell, Bhi!!hus, clearl* co#(rehending. thus I e2hort *ou. 14. )"nd how, Bhi!!hus, is a Bhi!!hu #ind$ul7 6hen he dwells conte#(lating the 1od* in the 1od*, earnestl*, clearl* co#(rehending, and #ind$ull*, a$ter having overco#e desire and sorrow in regard to the world. and when he dwells conte#(lating $eelings in $eelings, the #ind in the #ind, and #ental o1jects in #ental o1jects, earnestl*, clearl* co#(rehending, and #ind$ull*, a$ter having overco#e desire and sorrow in regard to the world, then is he said to 1e #ind$ul. 19. )"nd how, Bhi!!hus, does a Bhi!!hu have clear co#(rehension7 6hen he re#ains $ull* aware o$ his co#ing and going, his loo!ing $orward and his loo!ing awa*, his 1ending and stretching, his wearing o$ his ro1e and carr*ing o$ his 1owl, his eating and drin!ing, #asticating and savoring, his de$ecating and urinating, his wal!ing, standing, sitting, l*ing down, going to slee( or !ee(ing awa!e, his s(ea!ing or 1eing silent, then is he said to have clear co#(rehension. )%ind$ul should *ou dwell, Bhi!!hus, clearl* co#(rehending. thus I e2hort *ou.)

</ba1a"i and the Li--ha&is


1>. Then "#1a(ali the courtesan ca#e to !now: )The Blessed One, the* sa*, has arrived at Vesali and is now sta*ing in #* %ango 3rove.) "nd she ordered a large nu#1er o$ #agni$icent carriages to 1e #ade read*, #ounted one o$ the# hersel$, and acco#(anied 1* the rest, drove out $ro# Vesali towards her (ar!. 8he went 1* carriage as $ar as the carriage could go, then alighted. and a((roaching the Blessed One on $oot, she res(ect$ull* greeted hi# and sat down at one side. "nd the Blessed One instructed "#1a(ali the courtesan in the =ha##a and roused, edi$ied, and gladdened her. 1?. Therea$ter "#1a(ali the courtesan s(o!e to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )%a* the Blessed One, O -ord, (lease acce(t #* invitation $or to#orrow's #eal, together with the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus.) "nd 1* his silence the Blessed One consented. 8ure, then, o$ the Blessed One's consent, "#1a(ali the courtesan rose $ro# her seat, res(ect$ull* saluted hi#, and !ee(ing her right side towards hi#, too! her de(arture. 1@. Then the -icchavi o$ Vesali ca#e to !now: )The Blessed One, the* sa*, has arrived at Vesali and is now sta*ing in "#1a(ali's grove.) "nd the* ordered a large nu#1er o$ #agni$icent carriages to 1e #ade read*, each #ounted one, and acco#(anied 1* the rest, drove out $ro# Vesali. <ow, o$ these -icchavis, so#e were in 1lue, with clothing and orna#ents all o$ 1lue, while others were in *ellow, red, and white.

16 1A. "nd it so ha((ened that "#1a(ali the courtesan drove u( against the *oung -icchavis, a2leC1*Ca2le, wheelC1*Cwheel, and *o!e 1* *o!e. Thereu(on the -icchavis e2clai#ed: )6h* do *ou drive u( against us in this $ashion, "#1a(ali7) )Thus it is, indeed, #* (rinces, and not otherwiseE For the Blessed One is invited 1* #e $or to#orrow's #eal, together with the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!husE) )3ive u( the #eal, "#1a(ali, $or a hundred thousandE) But she re(lied: )Dven i$ *ou were to give #e Vesali, sirs, together with its tri1utar* lands, I would not give u( a #eal o$ such i#(ortance.) Then the -icchavis sna((ed their $ingers in anno*ance: )8ee, $riendsE 6e are de$eated 1* this #ango lassE 6e are utterl* outdone 1* this #ango lassE) But the* continued on their wa* to "#1a(ali's grove. +B. "nd the Blessed One 1eheld the -icchavis $ro# a$ar, as the* drove u(. Then he s(o!e to the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )Those o$ *ou, Bhi!!hus, who have not *et seen the Thirt*Cthree gods, #a* 1ehold the asse#1l* o$ the -icchavis, and #a* gaJe on the#, $or the* are co#(ara1le to the asse#1l* o$ the Thirt*Cthree gods.) +1. Then the -icchavis drove their carriages as $ar as the carriages could go, then alighted. and a((roaching the Blessed One on $oot, the* res(ect$ull* greeted hi# and sat down at one side. The Blessed One instructed the -icchavis in the =ha##a, and roused, edi$ied, and gladdened the#. ++. Therea$ter the -icchavis s(o!e to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )%a* the Blessed One, O -ord, (lease acce(t our invitation $or to#orrow's #eal, together with the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus.) )The invitation $or to#orrow's #eal, -icchavis, has 1een acce(ted 1* #e $ro# "#1a(ali the courtesan.) Then the -icchavis sna((ed their $ingers in anno*ance: )8ee, $riendsE 6e are de$eated 1* this #ango lassE 6e are utterl* outdone 1* this #ango lassE) "nd then the -icchavis, a((roving o$ the Blessed One's words and delighted with the#, rose $ro# their seats, res(ect$ull* saluted hi#, and !ee(ing their right sides towards hi#, too! their de(arture. +0. Then, a$ter the night had (assed, "#1a(ali the courtesan had choice $ood, hard and so$t, (re(ared in her (ar!, and announced it to the Blessed One: )It is ti#e, O -ord. the #eal is read*.) Thereu(on the Blessed One got read* in the $orenoon, and ta!ing 1owl and ro1e, he went together with the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus to "#1a(ali's dwelling, and there he too! the seat (re(ared $or hi#. "nd "#1a(ali hersel$ attended on the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus headed 1* the Buddha, and served the# with choice $ood, hard and so$t.

17 +4. "nd when the Blessed One had $inished his #eal and had re#oved his hand $ro# his 1owl, "#1a(ali the courtesan too! a low seat, and (lacing hersel$ at one side, s(o!e to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )This (ar!, O -ord, I o$$er to the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus headed 1* the Buddha.) "nd the Blessed One acce(ted the (ar!. 'e then instructed "#1a(ali in the =ha##a, and having roused, edi$ied, and gladdened her. he rose $ro# his seat and de(arted. +9. "nd also at Vesali, in "#1a(ali's grove, the Blessed One o$ten gave counsel to the Bhi!!hus thus: )8uch and such is virtue. such and such is concentration. and such and such is wisdo#. 3reat 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ concentration when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* virtuous conduct. great 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ wisdo# when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* concentration. utterl* $reed $ro# the taints o$ lust, 1eco#ing, and ignorance is the #ind that is $ull* develo(ed in wisdo#.) +>. 6hen the Blessed One had sta*ed in "#1a(ali's grove as long as he (leased, he s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: ),o#e, 5nanda, let us go to the village o$ Beluva.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Blessed One too! u( his a1ode in the village o$ Beluva together with a large co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus.

8he B"essed One s Dead"y Si-%ness


+?. "t that ti#e the Blessed One s(o!e to the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )3o now, Bhi!!hus, and see! shelter an*where in the neigh1orhood o$ Vesali where *ou are welco#e, a#ong ac&uaintances and $riends, and there s(end the rain* season. "s $or #e, I shall s(end the rain* season in this ver* (lace, in the village o$ Beluva.) )8o 1e it, O -ord,) the Bhi!!hus said. +@. But when the Blessed One had entered u(on the rain* season, there arose in hi# a severe illness, and shar( and deadl* (ains ca#e u(on hi#. "nd the Blessed One endured the# #ind$ull*, clearl* co#(rehending and un(ertur1ed. +A. Then it occurred to the Blessed One: )It would not 1e $itting i$ I ca#e to #* $inal (assing awa* without addressing those who attended on #e, without ta!ing leave o$ the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus. Then let #e su((ress this illness 1* strength o$ will, resolve to #aintain the li$e (rocess, and live on.) 0B. "nd the Blessed One su((ressed the illness 1* strength o$ will, resolved to #aintain the li$e (rocess, and lived on. 8o it ca#e a1out that the Blessed One's illness was alla*ed.

18 01. "nd the Blessed One recovered $ro# that illness. and soon a$ter his recover* he ca#e out $ro# his dwelling (lace and sat down in the shade o$ the 1uilding, on a seat (re(ared $or hi#. Then the Venera1le 5nanda a((roached the Blessed One, res(ect$ull* greeted hi#, and sitting down at one side, he s(o!e to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )Fortunate it is $or #e, O -ord, to see the Blessed One at ease againE Fortunate it is $or #e, O -ord, to see the Blessed One recoveredE For trul*, -ord, when I saw the Blessed One's sic!ness it was as though #* own 1od* 1eca#e wea! as a cree(er, ever* thing around 1eca#e di# to #e, and #* senses $ailed #e. Iet, -ord, I still had so#e little co#$ort in the thought that the Blessed One would not co#e to his $inal (assing awa* until he had given so#e last instructions res(ecting the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus.) 0+. Thus s(o!e the Venera1le 5nanda, 1ut the Blessed One answered hi#, sa*ing: )6hat #ore does the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus e2(ect $ro# #e, 5nanda7 I have set $orth the =ha##a without #a!ing an* distinction o$ esoteric and e2oteric doctrine. there is nothing, 5nanda, with regard to the teachings that the Tath/gata holds to the last with the closed $ist o$ a teacher who !ee(s so#e things 1ac!. 6hosoever #a* thin! that it is he who should lead the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus, or that the co##unit* de(ends u(on hi#, it is such a one that would have to give last instructions res(ecting the#. But, 5nanda, the Tath/gata has no such idea, as that it is he who should lead the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus, or that the co##unit* de(ends u(on hi#. 8o what instructions should he have to give res(ecting the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus7 )<ow I a# $rail, 5nanda, old, aged, $ar gone in *ears. This is #* eightieth *ear, and #* li$e is s(ent. Dven as an old cart, 5nanda, is held together with #uch di$$icult*, so the 1od* o$ the Tath/gata is !e(t going onl* with su((orts. It is, 5nanda, onl* when the Tath/gata, disregarding e2ternal o1jects, with the cessation o$ certain $eelings, attains to and a1ides in the sign less concentration o$ #ind, [15] that his 1od* is #ore co#$orta1le. 00. )There$ore, 5nanda, 1e islands unto *ourselves, re$uges unto *ourselves, see!ing no e2ternal re$uge. with the =ha##a as *our island, the =ha##a as *our re$uge, see!ing no other re$uge. )"nd how, 5nanda, is a Bhi!!hu an island unto hi#sel$, a re$uge unto hi#sel$, see!ing no e2ternal re$uge. with the =ha##a as his island, the =ha##a as his re$uge, see!ing no other re$uge7 04. )6hen he dwells conte#(lating the 1od* in the 1od*, earnestl*, clearl* co#(rehending, and #ind$ull*, a$ter having overco#e desire and sorrow in regard to the world. when he dwells conte#(lating $eelings in $eelings, the #ind in the #ind, and #ental o1jects in #ental o1jects, earnestl*, clearl* co#(rehending, and #ind$ull*, a$ter having overco#e desire and sorrow in regard to the world, then, trul*, he is an island unto hi#sel$, a re$uge unto

19 hi#sel$, see!ing no e2ternal re$uge. having the =ha##a as his island, the =ha##a as his re$uge, see!ing no other re$uge. 09. )Those Bhi!!hus o$ #ine, 5nanda, who now or a$ter I a# gone, a1ide as an island unto the#selves, as a re$uge unto the#selves, see!ing no other re$uge. having the =ha##a as their island and re$uge, see!ing no other re$uge: it is the* who will 1eco#e the highest, [26] i$ the* have the desire to learn.)

Part 8hree 3e"in=uishing the !i"" to Li&e


8he B"essed One s Pro/1ting
1. Then the Blessed One, getting read* in the $orenoon, too! 1owl and ro1e and went into Vesali $or al#s. "$ter the al#s round and #eal, on his return, he s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: )Ta!e u( a #at, 5nanda, and let us s(end the da* at the ,a(ala shrine.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Venera1le 5nanda too! u( a #at and $ollowed 1ehind the Blessed One, ste( 1* ste(. +. "nd the Blessed One went to the ,a(ala shrine and sat down on the seat (re(ared $or hi#. "nd when the Venera1le 5nanda had seated hi#sel$ at one side a$ter he had res(ect$ull* saluted the Blessed One, the -ord said to hi#: ) leasant, 5nanda, is Vesali. (leasant are the shrines o$ Ldena, 3ota#a!a, 8atta#1a!a, Bahu(utta, 8arandada, and ,a(ala.) 0. "nd the Blessed One said: )6hosoever, 5nanda, has develo(ed, (racticed, e#(lo*ed, strengthened, #aintained, scrutiniJed, and 1rought to (er$ection the $our constituents o$ (s*chic (ower could, i$ he so desired, re#ain throughout a worldC(eriod or until the end o$ it. [ 21] The Tath/gata, 5nanda, has done so. There$ore the Tath/gata could, i$ he so desired, re#ain throughout a worldC (eriod or until the end o$ it.) 4. But the Venera1le 5nanda was una1le to gras( the (lain suggestion, the signi$icant (ro#(ting, given 1* the Blessed One. "s though his #ind was in$luenced 1* %ara, [22] he did not 1eseech the Blessed One: )%a* the Blessed One re#ain, O -ordE. %a* the 'a((* One re#ain, O -ord, throughout the worldC (eriod, $or the wel$are and ha((iness o$ the #ultitude, out o$ co#(assion $or the world, $or the 1ene$it, well 1eing, and ha((iness o$ gods and #enE) 9. "nd when $or a second and a third ti#e the Blessed One re(eated his words, the Venera1le 5nanda re#ained silent.

20 >. Then the Blessed One said to the Venera1le 5nanda: )3o now, 5nanda, and do as see#s $it to *ou.) )Dven so, O -ord.) "nd the Venera1le 5nanda, rising $ro# his seat, res(ect$ull* saluted the Blessed One, and !ee(ing his right side towards hi#, too! his seat under a tree so#e distance awa*.

Mara s <11ea"
?. "nd when the Venera1le 5nanda had gone awa*, %ara, the Dvil One, a((roached the Blessed One. "nd standing at one side he s(o!e to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )<ow, O -ord, let the Blessed One co#e to his $inal (assing awa*. let the 'a((* One utterl* (ass awa*E The ti#e has co#e $or the arini11/na o$ the -ord. )For the Blessed One, O -ord, s(o!e these words to #e: 'I shall not co#e to #* $inal (assing awa*, Dvil One, until #* Bhi!!hus and Bhi!!hunis, la*#en and la*wo#en, have co#e to 1e true disci(les CC wise, well disci(lined, a(t and learned, (reservers o$ the =ha##a, living according to the =ha##a, a1iding 1* the a((ro(riate conduct, and having learned the %aster's word, are a1le to e2(ound it, (reach it, (roclai# it, esta1lish it, reveal it, e2(lain it in detail, and #a!e it clear. until, when adverse o(inions arise, the* shall 1e a1le to re$ute the# thoroughl* and well, and to (reach this convincing and li1erating =ha##a.' [23] @. )"nd now, O -ord, Bhi!!hus and Bhi!!hunis, la*#en and la*wo#en, have 1eco#e the Blessed One's disci(les in just this wa*. 8o, O -ord, let the Blessed One co#e to his $inal (assing awa*E The ti#e has co#e $or the arini11/na o$ the -ord. )For the Blessed One, O -ord, s(o!e these words to #e: 'I shall not co#e to #* $inal (assing awa*, Dvil One, until this hol* li$e taught 1* #e has 1eco#e success$ul, (ros(erous, $arCrenowned, (o(ular, and wides(read, until it is well (roclai#ed a#ong gods and #en.G "nd this too has co#e to (ass in just this wa*. 8o, O -ord, let the Blessed One co#e to his $inal (assing awa*, let the 'a((* One utterl* (ass awa*E The ti#e has co#e $or the arini11/na o$ the -ord.)

8he B"essed One 3e"in=uishes >is !i"" to Li&e


A. 6hen this was said, the Blessed One s(o!e to %ara, the Dvil One, sa*ing: )=o not trou1le *oursel$, Dvil One. Be$ore long the arini11/na o$ the Tath/gata will co#e a1out. Three #onths hence the Tath/gata will utterl* (ass awa*.)

21 1B. "nd at the ,a(ala shrine the Blessed One thus #ind$ull* and clearl* co#(rehending renounced his will to live on. "nd u(on the -ord's renouncing his will to live on, there ca#e a tre#endous earth&ua!e, dread$ul and astonishing, and thunder rolled across the heavens. "nd the Blessed One 1eheld it with understanding, and #ade this sole#n utterance: )6hat causes li$e, un1ounded or con$ined [ 2#] CC 'is (rocess o$ 1eco#ing [2$] CC this the 8age Renounces. 6ith inward cal# and jo* he 1rea!s, "s though a coat o$ #ail, his own li$e's cause.) [2*] 11. Then it ca#e to the #ind o$ the Venera1le 5nanda: )%arvelous it is indeed, and #ost wonder$ulE The earth sha!es #ightil*, tre#endousl*E =read$ul and astonishing it is, how the thunders roll across the heavensE 6hat could 1e the reason, what the cause, that so #ight* an earth&ua!e should arise7)

.ight Causes of .arth=ua%es


1+. "nd the Venera1le 5nanda a((roached the Blessed One, and res(ect$ull* greeting hi#, sat down at one side. Then he s(o!e to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )%arvelous it is indeed, and #ost wonder$ulE The earth sha!es #ightil*, tre#endousl*E =read$ul and astonishing it is how the thunders roll across the heavensE 6hat could 1e the reason, what the cause, that so #ight* an earth&ua!e should arise7) 10. Then the Blessed One said: )There are eight reasons, 5nanda, eight causes $or a #ight* earth&ua!e to arise. 6hat are those eight7 14. )This great earth, 5nanda, is esta1lished u(on li&uid, the li&uid u(on the at#os(here, and the at#os(here u(on s(ace. "nd when, 5nanda, #ight* at#os(heric distur1ances ta!e (lace, the li&uid is agitated. "nd with the agitation o$ the li&uid, tre#ors o$ the earth arise. This is the $irst reason, the $irst cause $or the arising o$ #ight* earth&ua!es. 19. )"gain, 5nanda, when an ascetic or hol* #an o$ great (ower, one who has gained #aster* o$ his #ind, or a deit* who is #ight* and (otent, develo(s intense concentration on the deli#ited as(ect o$ the earth ele#ent, and to a 1oundless degree on the li&uid ele#ent, he, too, causes the earth to tre#1le, &uiver, and sha!e. This is the second reason, the second cause $or the arising o$ #ight* earth&ua!es. 1>C+1. )"gain, 5nanda, when the Bodhisattva de(arts $ro# the Tushita real# and descends into his #other's wo#1, #ind$ull* and clearl* co#(rehending. and when the Bodhisattva co#es out $ro# his #other's wo#1, #ind$ull* and clearl* co#(rehending. and when the Tath/gata 1eco#es $ull* enlightened in unsur(assed, su(re#e Dnlighten#ent. when the Tath/gata sets rolling the

22 e2cellent 6heel o$ the =ha##a. when the Tath/gata renounces his will to live on. and when the Tath/gata co#es to (ass awa* into the state o$ <i11/na in which no ele#ent o$ clinging re#ains CC then, too, 5nanda, this great earth tre#1les, &uivers, and sha!es. )These, 5nanda, are the eight reasons, the eight causes $or a great earth&ua!e to arise. [20]

.ight <sse/b"ies
++. )<ow there are eight !inds o$ asse#1lies, 5nanda, that is to sa*, asse#1lies o$ no1les, Brah#ins, householders, ascetics, o$ the Four 3reat Hings, o$ the Thirt*Cthree gods, o$ %araGs, and o$ Brah#as. +0. )"nd I recall, 5nanda, how I have attended each o$ these eight !inds o$ asse#1lies, a#ounting to hundreds. [24] "nd 1e$ore seating #*sel$ and starting the conversation or the discussion, I #ade #* a((earance rese#1le theirs, #* voice rese#1le theirs. "nd so I taught the# the =ha##a, and roused, edi$ied, and gladdened the#. Iet while I was s(ea!ing to the# thus, the* did not !now #e, and the* would en&uire o$ one another, as!ing: 'who is he that s(ea!s to us7 Is it a #an or a god7' )Then having taught the# the =ha##a, and roused, edi$ied, and gladdened the#, I would straightawa* vanish. "nd when I had vanished, too, the* did not !now #e, and the* would en&uire o$ one another, as!ing: 'who is he that has vanished7 Is it a #an or a god7' )"nd such, 5nanda, are the eight !inds o$ asse#1lies.

.ight ,ie"ds of Mastery


+4. )<ow there are eight $ields o$ #aster*, [ 25] 5nanda. 6hat are those eight7 +9. )6hen one, (erceiving $or#s su1jectivel*, [36] sees s#all $or#s, 1eauti$ul or ugl*, e2ternal to hi#sel$, [31] and #astering the#, is aware that he (erceives and !nows the# as the* are CC this is the $irst $ield o$ #aster*. +>. )6hen one, (erceiving $or#s su1jectivel*, sees large $or#s, 1eauti$ul or ugl*, e2ternal to hi#sel$, and #astering the#, is aware that he (erceives and !nows the# as the* are CC this is the second $ield o$ #aster*. +?. )6hen one, not (erceiving $or#s su1jectivel*, [32] sees s#all $or#s, 1eauti$ul or ugl*, e2ternal to hi#sel$, and #astering the#, is aware that he (erceives and !nows the# as the* are CC this is the third $ield o$ #aster*.

23 +@. )6hen one, not (erceiving $or#s su1jectivel*, sees large $or#s, 1eauti$ul or ugl*, e2ternal to hi#sel$, and #astering the#, is aware that he (erceives and !nows the# as the* are CC this is the $ourth $ield o$ #aster*. +A. )6hen one, not (erceiving $or#s su1jectivel*, sees $or#s e2ternal to hi#sel$ that are 1lue, 1lue in color, o$ a 1lue luster li!e the 1losso#s o$ $la2, or li!e $ine Benares #uslin which, 1urnished on 1oth sides, is 1lue, 1lue in color, o$ a 1lue luster CC when such a one sees $or#s e2ternal to hi#sel$ that are 1lue, and #astering the#, is aware that he (erceives and !nows the# as the* are CC this is the $i$th $ield o$ #aster*. 0B. )6hen one, not (erceiving $or#s su1jectivel*, sees $or#s e2ternal to hi#sel$ that are *ellow, *ellow in color, o$ a *ellow luster li!e the Hani!ara 1losso#, or li!e $ine Benares #uslin which, 1urnished on 1oth sides, is *ellow, *ellow in color, o$ a *ellow luster CC when such a one sees $or#s e2ternal to hi#sel$ that are *ellow, and #astering the#, is aware that he (erceives and !nows the# as the* are CC this is the si2th $ield o$ #aster*. 01. )6hen one, not (erceiving $or#s su1jectivel*, sees $or#s e2ternal to hi#sel$ that are red, red in color, o$ a red luster li!e the Bandhujiva!a 1losso#, or li!e $ine Benares #uslin which, 1urnished on 1oth sides, is red, red in color, o$ a red luster CC when such a one sees $or#s e2ternal to hi#sel$ that are red, and #astering the#, is aware that he (erceives and !nows the# as the* are CC this is the seventh $ield o$ #aster*. 0+. )6hen one, not (erceiving $or#s su1jectivel*, sees $or#s e2ternal to hi#sel$ that are white, white in color, o$ a white luster li!e the #orning star, or li!e $ine Benares #uslin which, 1urnished on 1oth sides, is white, white in color, o$ a white luster CC when such a one sees $or#s e2ternal to hi#sel$ that are white, and #astering the#, is aware that he (erceives and !nows the# as the* are CC this is the eighth $ield o$ #aster*. )These, 5nanda, are the eight $ields o$ #aster*.

.ight Liberations
00. )<ow there are eight li1erations, 5nanda. 6hat are those eight7 [ 33] 04. )Onesel$ having $or#, [3#] one (erceives $or#s. this is the $irst li1eration. 09. )Being unaware o$ one's own $or#, one (erceives $or#s e2ternal to onesel$. this is the second li1eration. 0>. )D2(eriencing loveliness, one is intent u(on it. [ 3$] this is the third li1eration.

24 0?. )B* utterl* transcending the (erce(tions o$ #atter, 1* the disa((earance o$ the (erce(tions o$ senseCreaction, and 1* giving no attention to diversit*C (erce(tions, one 1eco#es aware o$, attains to, and a1ides in the s(here o$ in$inite s(ace. this is the $ourth li1eration. 0@. )B* utterl* transcending the s(here o$ in$inite s(ace, one 1eco#es aware o$, attains to, and a1ides in the s(here o$ in$inite consciousness. this is the $i$th li1eration. 0A. )B* utterl* transcending the s(here o$ in$inite consciousness, one 1eco#es aware o$, attains to, and a1ides in the s(here o$ nothingness. this is the si2th li1eration. 4B. )B* utterl* transcending the s(here o$ nothingness, one attains to and a1ides in the s(here o$ neitherC(erce(tionCnorCnonC(erce(tion. this is the seventh li1eration. 41. )B* utterl* transcending the s(here o$ neitherC(erce(tionCnorCnonC(erce(tion, one attains to and a1ides in the cessation o$ (erce(tion and sensation. this is the eighth li1eration. )These, 5nanda, are the eight li1erations.

Mara s ,or/er 8e/1tation


4+. )There was a ti#e, 5nanda, when I dwelt at Lruvela, on the 1an! o$ the <eraMjara River, at the $oot o$ the goatherds' 1an*anCtree, soon a$ter #* su(re#e Dnlighten#ent. "nd %ara, the Dvil One, a((roached #e, sa*ing: '<ow, O -ord, let the Blessed One co#e to his $inal (assing awa*E -et the 'a((* One utterl* (ass awa*E The ti#e has co#e $or the arini11/na o$ the -ord.' 40. )Then, 5nanda, I answered %ara, the Dvil One, sa*ing: 'I shall not co#e to #* $inal (assing awa*, Dvil One, until #* Bhi!!hus and Bhi!!hunis, la*#en and la*wo#en, have co#e to 1e true disci(les CC wise, well disci(lined, a(t and learned, (reservers o$ the =ha##a, living according to the =ha##a, a1iding 1* a((ro(riate conduct and, having learned the %aster's word, are a1le to e2(ound it, (reach it, (roclai# it, esta1lish it, reveal it, e2(lain it in detail, and #a!e it clear. until, when adverse o(inions arise, the* shall 1e a1le to re$ute the# thoroughl* and well, and to (reach this convincing and li1erating =ha##a. 44. )'I shall not co#e to #* $inal (assing awa*, Dvil One, until this hol* li$e taught 1* #e has 1eco#e success$ul, (ros(erous, $arCrenowned, (o(ular, and wides(read, until it is well (roclai#ed a#ong gods and #en.' 49. )"nd again toda*, 5nanda, at the ,a(ala shrine, %ara, the Dvil One, a((roached #e, sa*ing: '<ow, O -ord, Bhi!!hus and Bhi!!hunis, la*#en and

25 la*wo#en, have co#e to 1e true disci(les o$ the Blessed One CC wise, well disci(lined, a(t and learned, (reservers o$ the =ha##a, living according to the =ha##a, a1iding in the a((ro(riate conduct, and having learned the %aster's word, are a1le to e2(ound it, (reach it, (roclai# it, esta1lish it, reveal it, e2(lain it in detail, and #a!e it clear. and when adverse o(inions arise, the* are now a1le to re$ute the# thoroughl* and well, and to (reach this convincing and li1erating =ha##a. )'"nd now, O -ord, this hol* li$e taught 1* the Blessed One has 1eco#e success$ul, (ros(erous, $arCrenowned, (o(ular and wides(read, and it is well (roclai#ed a#ong gods and #en. There$ore, O -ord, let the Blessed One co#e to his $inal (assing awa*E -et the 'a((* One utterl* (ass awa*E The ti#e has co#e $or the arini11/na o$ the -ord.' 4>. )"nd then, 5nanda, I answered %ara, the Dvil One, sa*ing: 'do not trou1le *oursel$, Dvil One. Be$ore long the arini11/na o$ the Tath/gata will co#e a1out. Three #onths hence the Tath/gata will utterl* (ass awa*.' 4?. )"nd in this wa*, 5nanda, toda* at the ,a(ala shrine the Tath/gata has renounced his will to live on.)

?nanda s <11ea"
4@. "t these words the Venera1le 5nanda s(o!e to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )%a* the Blessed One re#ain, O -ordE %a* the 'a((* One re#ain, O -ord, throughout the worldC(eriod, $or the wel$are and ha((iness o$ the #ultitude, out o$ co#(assion $or the world, $or the 1ene$it, well 1eing, and ha((iness o$ gods and #enE) 4A. "nd the Blessed One answered, sa*ing: )Dnough, 5nanda. =o not entreat the Tath/gata, $or the ti#e is (ast, 5nanda, $or such an entreat*.) 9BC91. But $or a second and a third ti#e, the Venera1le 5nanda said to the Blessed One: )%a* the Blessed One re#ain, O -ordE %a* the 'a((* One re#ain, O -ord, throughout the worldC(eriod, $or the wel$are and ha((iness o$ the #ultitude, out o$ co#(assion $or the world, $or the 1ene$it, well 1eing, and ha((iness o$ gods and #enE) 9+. Then the Blessed One said: )=o *ou have $aith, 5nanda, in the Dnlighten#ent o$ the Tath/gata7) "nd the Venera1le 5nanda re(lied: )Ies, O -ord, I do.) )Then how, 5nanda, can *ou (ersist against the Tath/gata even u( to the third ti#e7)

26 90. Then the Venera1le 5nanda said: )This, O -ord, I have heard and learned $ro# the Blessed One hi#sel$ when the Blessed One said to #e: '6hosoever, 5nanda, has develo(ed, (racticed, e#(lo*ed, strengthened, #aintained, scrutiniJed, and 1rought to (er$ection the $our constituents o$ (s*chic (ower could, i$ he so desired, re#ain throughout a worldC(eriod or until the end o$ it. The Tath/gata, 5nanda, has done so. There$ore the Tath/gata could, i$ he so desired, re#ain throughout a worldC(eriod or until the end o$ it.') 94. )"nd did *ou 1elieve it, 5nanda7) )Ies, O -ord, I did.) )Then, 5nanda, the $ault is *ours. 'erein have *ou $ailed, inas#uch as *ou were una1le to gras( the (lain suggestion, the signi$icant (ro#(ting given 1* the Tath/gata, and *ou did not then entreat the Tath/gata to re#ain. For i$ *ou had done so, 5nanda, twice the Tath/gata #ight have declined, 1ut the third ti#e he would have consented. There$ore, 5nanda, the $ault is *ours. herein have *ou $ailed. 99. )"t Rajagaha, 5nanda, when dwelling at Vultures' ea!, I s(o!e to *ou, sa*ing: ' leasant, 5nanda, is Rajagaha. (leasant is Vultures' ea!. 6hosoever, 5nanda, has develo(ed ... There$ore the Tath/gata could, i$ he so desired, re#ain throughout a worldC(eriod or until the end o$ it.' 9>. )8o also at the Ban*an 3rove, at Ro11ers' ,li$$, at the 8atta(anni ,ave on the Ve1hara %ountain, at the Blac! Roc! o$ Isigili, at the 8er(ents' ool in the ,ool Forest, at the Ta(oda 3rove, at the Ba#1oo 3rove in the 8&uirrels' FeedingCground, at Niva!a's %ango 3rove, and at 8#all <oo! in the =eer ar! I s(o!e to *ou in the sa#e words, sa*ing: ' leasant, 5nanda, is Rajagaha, (leasant are these (laces. 6hosoever, 5nanda, has develo(ed...There$ore the Tath/gata could, i$ he so desired, re#ain throughout a worldC(eriod or until the end o$ it.' )But *ou, 5nanda, were una1le to gras( the (lain suggestion, the signi$icant (ro#(ting given *ou 1* the Tath/gata, and *ou did not entreat the Tath/gata to re#ain. For i$ *ou had done so, 5nanda, twice the Tath/gata #ight have declined, 1ut the third ti#e he would have consented. There$ore, 5nanda, the $ault is *ours. herein *ou have $ailed. 9?. )8o also at Vesali, 5nanda, at di$$erent ti#es the Tath/gata has s(o!en to *ou, sa*ing: ' leasant, 5nanda, is Vesali. (leasant are the shrines o$ Ldena, 3ota#a!a, 8atta#1a!a, Bahu(utta, 8arandada, and ,a(ala. 6hosoever, 5nanda, has develo(ed ... There$ore the Tath/gata could, i$ he so desired, re#ain throughout a worldC(eriod or until the end o$ it.'

27 )But *ou, 5nanda, were una1le to gras( the (lain suggestion, the signi$icant (ro#(ting, given *ou 1* the Tath/gata, and *ou did not entreat the Tath/gata to re#ain. For i$ *ou had done so, 5nanda, twice the Tath/gata #ight have declined, 1ut the third ti#e he would have consented. There$ore, 5nanda, the $ault is *ours. herein *ou have $ailed. 9@. )Iet, 5nanda, have I not taught $ro# the ver* 1eginning that with all that is dear and 1eloved there #ust 1e change, se(aration, and severance7 O$ that which is 1orn, co#e into 1eing, is co#(ounded and su1ject to deca*, how can one sa*: '%a* it not co#e to dissolutionE' There can 1e no such state o$ things. "nd o$ that, 5nanda, which the Tath/gata has $inished with, that which he has relin&uished, given u(, a1andoned, and rejected CC his will to live on CC the Tath/gata's word has 1een s(o!en once $or all: 'Be$ore long the arini11/na o$ the Tath/gata will co#e a1out. Three #onths hence the Tath/gata will utterl* (ass awa*.' "nd that the Tath/gata should withdraw his words $or the sa!e o$ living on CC this is an i#(ossi1ilit*.

8he Last <d/onition


9A. )8o, then, 5nanda, let us go to the hall o$ the 3a1led 'ouse, in the 3reat Forest.) "nd the Venera1le 5nanda re(lied: )8o 1e it, -ord.) >B. Then the Blessed One, with the Venera1le 5nanda, went to the hall o$ the 3a1led 'ouse, in the 3reat Forest. "nd there he s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: )3o now, 5nanda, and asse#1le in the hall o$ audience all the Bhi!!hus who dwell in the neigh1orhood o$ Vesali.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Venera1le 5nanda gathered all the Bhi!!hus who dwelt in the neigh1orhood o$ Vesali, and asse#1led the# in the hall o$ audience. "nd then, res(ect$ull* saluting the Blessed One, and standing at one side, he said: )The co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus is asse#1led, -ord. <ow let the Blessed One do as he wishes.) >1. Thereu(on the Blessed One entered the hall o$ audience, and ta!ing the seat (re(ared $or hi#, he e2horted the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )<ow, O Bhi!!hus, I sa* to *ou that these teachings o$ which I have direct !nowledge and which I have #ade !nown to *ou CC these *ou should thoroughl* learn, cultivate, develo(, and $re&uentl* (ractice, that the li$e o$ (urit* #a* 1e esta1lished and #a* long endure, $or the wel$are and ha((iness o$ the #ultitude, out o$ co#(assion $or the world, $or the 1ene$it, well 1eing, and ha((iness o$ gods and #en. >+. )"nd what, Bhi!!hus, are these teachings7 The* are the $our $oundations o$ #ind$ulness, the $our right e$$orts, the $our constituents o$ (s*chic (ower, the $ive $aculties, the $ive (owers, the seven $actors o$ enlighten#ent, and the <o1le Dight$old ath. These, Bhi!!hus, are the teachings o$ which I have direct !nowledge, which I have #ade !nown to *ou, and which *ou should thoroughl*

28 learn, cultivate, develo(, and $re&uentl* (ractice, that the li$e o$ (urit* #a* 1e esta1lished and #a* long endure, $or the wel$are and ha((iness o$ the #ultitude, out o$ co#(assion $or the world, $or the 1ene$it, well 1eing, and ha((iness o$ gods and #en.) >0. Then the Blessed One said to the Bhi!!hus: )8o, Bhi!!hus, I e2hort *ou: "ll co#(ounded things are su1ject to vanish. 8trive with earnestness. The ti#e o$ the Tath/gata's arini11/na is near. Three #onths hence the Tath/gata will utterl* (ass awa*.) >4. "nd having s(o!en these words, the 'a((* One, the %aster, s(o!e again, sa*ing: )%* *ears are now $ull ri(e, the li$e s(an le$t is short. =e(arting, I go hence $ro# *ou, rel*ing on #*sel$ alone. Be earnest, then, O Bhi!!hus, 1e #ind$ul and o$ virtue (ureE 6ith $ir# resolve, guard *our own #indE 6hoso untiringl* (ursues the =ha##a and the =isci(line 8hall go 1e*ond the round o$ 1irths and #a!e an end o$ su$$ering.)

Part ,our 8he Last Mea"


8he ."e1hant s Loo%
1. Then the Blessed One, getting read* in the $orenoon, too! 1owl and ro1e and went into Vesali $or al#s. "$ter the al#s round and #eal, on his return, he loo!ed u(on Vesali with the ele(hant's loo!, [ 3*] and said to the Venera1le 5nanda: )This, 5nanda, is the last ti#e that the Tath/gata will loo! u(on Vesali. ,o#e, 5nanda, let us go to Bhandaga#a.) )8o 1e it, O -ord.) "nd the Blessed One too! u( his a1ode at Bhandaga#a together with a large co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus. +. "nd the Blessed One addressed the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )Bhi!!hus, it is through not realiJing, through not (enetrating $our (rinci(les that this long course o$ 1irth and death has 1een (assed through and undergone 1* #e as well as 1* *ou. 6hat are those $our7 The* are: no1le virtue, no1le concentration, no1le wisdo#,

29 and no1le e#anci(ation. But now, Bhi!!hus, that these have 1een realiJed and (enetrated, cut o$$ is the craving $or e2istence, destro*ed is that which leads to renewed 1eco#ing, and there is no $resh 1eco#ing.) 0. "nd having s(o!en these words, the 'a((* One, the %aster, s(o!e again, sa*ing: )Virtue, concentration, wisdo#, and e#anci(ation unsur(assed CC These are the (rinci(les realiJed 1* 3ota#a the renowned. "nd, !nowing the#, he, the Buddha, to his #on!s has taught the =ha##a. 'e, the destro*er o$ su$$ering, the %aster, the 8eer, is at (eace.) 4. "nd also at Bhandaga#a the Blessed One o$ten gave counsel to the Bhi!!hus thus: )8uch and such is virtue. such and such is concentration. and such and such is wisdo#. 3reat 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ concentration when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* virtuous conduct. great 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ wisdo# when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* concentration. utterl* $reed $ro# the taints o$ lust, 1eco#ing, and ignorance is the #ind that is $ull* develo(ed in wisdo#.) 9. 6hen the Blessed One had sta*ed at Bhandaga#a as long as he (leased, he s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda: ),o#e, 5nanda, let us go to 'atthiga#a.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Blessed One too! u( his a1ode at 'atthiga#a together with a large co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus. "nd when the Blessed One had sta*ed at 'atthiga#a as long as he (leased, he too! u( his a1ode at "#1aga#a, then at Na#1uga#a. "nd at each o$ these (laces the Blessed One o$ten gave counsel to the Bhi!!hus thus: )8uch and such is virtue. such and such is concentration. and such and such is wisdo#. 3reat 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ concentration when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* virtuous conduct. great 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ wisdo# when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* concentration. utterl* $reed $ro# the taints o$ lust, 1eco#ing, and ignorance is the #ind that is $ull* develo(ed in wisdo#.) >. "nd when the Blessed One had sta*ed at Na#1uga#a as long as he (leased, he s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda: ),o#e, 5nanda, let us go to Bhoganagara.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Blessed One too! u( his a1ode at Bhoganagara together with a large co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus, and sta*ed in the 5nanda shrine.

8he ,our 'reat 3eferen-es

30 ?. "nd there the Blessed One addressed the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )<ow, Bhi!!hus, I shall #a!e !nown to *ou the $our great re$erences. [30] -isten and (a* heed to #* words.) "nd those Bhi!!hus answered, sa*ing: )8o 1e it, -ord.) @C11. Then the Blessed One said: )In this $ashion, Bhi!!hus, a Bhi!!hu #ight s(ea!: 'Face to $ace with the Blessed One, 1rethren, I have heard and learned thus: This is the =ha##a and the =isci(line, the %aster's =is(ensation'. or: 'in an a1ode o$ such and such a na#e lives a co##unit* with elders and a chie$. Face to $ace with that co##unit*, I have heard and learned thus: This is the =ha##a and the =isci(line, the %aster's =is(ensation'. or: 'In an a1ode o$ such and such a na#e live several Bhi!!hus who are elders, who are learned, who have acco#(lished their course, who are (reservers o$ the =ha##a, the =isci(line, and the 8u##aries. Face to $ace with those elders, I have heard and learned thus: This is the =ha##a and the =isci(line, the %aster's =is(ensation'. or: 'In an a1ode o$ such and such a na#e lives a single Bhi!!hu who is an elder, who is learned, who has acco#(lished his course, who is a (reserver o$ the =ha##a, the =isci(line, and the 8u##aries. Face to $ace with that elder, I have heard and learned thus: This is the =ha##a and the =isci(line, the %aster's =is(ensation.' )In such a case, Bhi!!hus, the declaration o$ such a Bhi!!hu is neither to 1e received with a((roval nor with scorn. 6ithout a((roval and without scorn, 1ut care$ull* stud*ing the sentences word 1* word, one should trace the# in the =iscourses and veri$* the# 1* the =isci(line. I$ the* are neither tracea1le in the =iscourses nor veri$ia1le 1* the =isci(line, one #ust conclude thus: ',ertainl*, this is not the Blessed One's utterance. this has 1een #isunderstood 1* that Bhi!!hu CC or 1* that co##unit*, or 1* those elders, or 1* that elder.' In that wa*, Bhi!!hus, *ou should reject it. But i$ the sentences concerned are tracea1le in the =iscourses and veri$ia1le 1* the =isci(line, then one #ust conclude thus: ',ertainl*, this is the Blessed One's utterance. this has 1een well understood 1* that Bhi!!hu CC or 1* that co##unit*, or 1* those elders, or 1* that elder.G "nd in that wa*, Bhi!!hus, *ou #a* acce(t it on the $irst, second, third, or $ourth re$erence. These, Bhi!!hus, are the $our great re$erences $or *ou to (reserve.) 1+. "nd also at Bhoganagara, at the 5nanda shrine, the Blessed One o$ten gave counsel to the Bhi!!hus thus: )8uch and such is virtue. such and such is concentration. and such and such is wisdo#. 3reat 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ concentration when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* virtuous conduct. great 1eco#es the $ruit, great is the gain o$ wisdo# when it is $ull* develo(ed 1* concentration. utterl* $reed $ro# the taints o$ lust, 1eco#ing, and ignorance is the #ind that is $ull* develo(ed in wisdo#.) 10. 6hen the Blessed One had sta*ed at Bhoganagara as long as he (leased, he s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: ),o#e, 5nanda, let us go to ava.)

31 )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Blessed One too! u( his a1ode at ava together with a great co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus, and sta*ed in the %ango 3rove o$ ,hunda, who was 1* $a#il* a #etalwor!er.

8he Buddha s Last Mea"


14. "nd ,hunda the #etalwor!er ca#e to !now: )The Blessed One, the* sa*, has arrived at ava, and is sta*ing in #* %ango 3rove.) "nd he went to the Blessed One, and having res(ect$ull* greeted hi#, sat down at one side. "nd the Blessed One instructed ,hunda the #etalwor!er in the =ha##a, and roused, edi$ied, and gladdened hi#. 19. Then ,hunda s(o!e to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )%a* the Blessed One, O -ord, (lease acce(t #* invitation $or to#orrow's #eal, together with the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus.) "nd 1* his silence the Blessed One consented. 1>. 8ure, then, o$ the Blessed One's consent, ,hunda the #etalwor!er rose $ro# his seat, res(ect$ull* saluted the Blessed One, and !ee(ing his right side towards hi#, too! his de(arture. 1?. "nd ,hunda the #etalwor!er, a$ter the night had (assed, had choice $ood, hard and so$t, (re(ared in his a1ode, together with a &uantit* o$ sukaramaddava, [34] and announced it to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )It is ti#e, O -ord, the #eal is read*.) 1@. Thereu(on the Blessed One, in the $orenoon, having got read*, too! 1owl and ro1e and went with the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus to the house o$ ,hunda, and there sat down on the seat (re(ared $or hi#. "nd he s(o!e to ,hunda, sa*ing: )6ith the sukara-maddava *ou have (re(ared, ,hunda, *ou #a* serve #e. with the other $ood, hard and so$t, *ou #a* serve the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd with the sukara-maddava (re(ared 1* hi#, he served the Blessed One. and with the other $ood, hard and so$t, he served the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus. 1A. Therea$ter the Blessed One s(o!e to ,hunda, sa*ing: )6hatever, ,hunda, is le$t over o$ the sukara-maddava, 1ur* that in a (it. For I do not see in all this world, with its gods, %araGs, and Brah#as, a#ong the host o$ ascetics and Brah#ins, gods and #en, an*one who could eat it and entirel* digest it e2ce(t the Tath/gata alone.) "nd ,hunda the #etalwor!er answered the Blessed One sa*ing: )8o 1e it, O -ord. )"nd what re#ained over o$ the sukara-maddava he 1uried in a (it. +B. Then he returned to the Blessed One, res(ect$ull* greeted hi#, and sat down at one side. "nd the Blessed One instructed ,hunda the #etalwor!er in the

32 =ha##a, and roused, edi$ied, and gladdened hi#. "$ter this he rose $ro# his seat and de(arted. +1. "nd soon a$ter the Blessed One had eaten the #eal (rovided 1* ,hunda the #etalwor!er, a dire sic!ness $ell u(on hi#, even d*senter*, and he su$$ered shar( and deadl* (ains. But the Blessed One endured the# #ind$ull*, clearl* co#(rehending and un(ertur1ed. ++. Then the Blessed One s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: ),o#e, 5nanda, let us go to Husinara.) "nd the Venera1le 5nanda answered: )8o 1e it, -ord.) +0. 6hen he had eaten ,hundaGs $ood, I heard, 6ith $ortitude the deadl* (ains he 1ore. Fro# the sukara-maddava a sore "nd dread$ul sic!ness ca#e u(on the -ord. But nature's (angs he endured. ),o#e, let us go To Husinara,) was his dauntless word. [35]

8he C"earing of the !aters


+4. <ow on the wa* the Blessed One went aside $ro# the highwa* and sto((ed at the $oot o$ a tree. "nd he said to the Venera1le 5nanda: ) lease $old #* u((er ro1e in $our, 5nanda, and la* it down. I a# wear* and want to rest awhile.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Venera1le 5nanda $olded the ro1e in $our and laid it down. +9. "nd the Blessed One sat down on the seat (re(ared $or hi# and said to the Venera1le 5nanda: ) lease 1ring #e so#e water, 5nanda. I a# thirst* and want to drin!.) +>. "nd the Venera1le 5nanda answered the Blessed One: )But just now, -ord, a great nu#1er o$ carts, $ive hundred carts, have (assed over, and the shallow water has 1een cut through 1* the wheels, so that it $lows tur1id and #udd*. But the Ha!uttha River, -ord, is &uite close 1*, and its waters are clear, (leasant, cool, and translucent. It is easil* a((roacha1le and delight$ull* (laced. There the Blessed One can &uench his thirst and re$resh his li#1s.) +?C+A. But a second ti#e the Blessed One #ade his re&uest, and the Venera1le 5nanda answered hi# as 1e$ore. "nd then $or a third ti#e the Blessed One said: ) lease 1ring #e so#e water, 5nanda. I a# thirst* and want to drin!.) 0B. Then the Venera1le 5nanda answered, sa*ing: )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd he too! the 1owl and went to the strea#. "nd the shallow water, which had 1een cut

33 through 1* the wheels so that it $lowed tur1id and #udd*, 1eca#e clear and settled down, (ure and (leasant as the Venera1le 5nanda drew near. 01. Then the Venera1le 5nanda thought: )%arvelous and #ost wonder$ul indeed is the (ower and glor* o$ the Tath/gataE) 0+. "nd he too! u( water in the 1owl and carried it to the Blessed One, and said: )%arvelous and #ost wonder$ul indeed is the (ower and glor* o$ the Tath/gataE For this shallow water, which had 1een cut through 1* the wheels so that it $lowed tur1id and #udd*, 1eca#e clear and settled down, (ure and (leasant as I drew near. <ow let the Blessed One drin! the water. -et the 'a((* One drin!.) "nd the Blessed One dran! the water.

Pu%%usa the Ma""a


00. <ow it so ha((ened that one u!!usa o$ the %alla clan, who was a disci(le o$ "lara Hala#a, was (assing 1* on his wa* $ro# Husinara to ava. [ #6] 04. "nd when he saw the Blessed One seated at the $oot o$ a tree, he a((roached hi#, res(ect$ull* greeted hi#, and sat down at one side. "nd he s(o!e to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )%arvelous it is, -ord, #ost wonder$ul it is, O -ord, the state o$ cal#ness wherein a1ide those who have gone $orth $ro# the world. 09. )For at one ti#e, -ord, "lara Hala#a was on a journe*, and he went aside $ro# the highwa* and sat down 1* the wa*side at the $oot o$ a tree to (ass the heat o$ the da*. "nd it ca#e a1out, -ord that a great nu#1er o$ carts, even $ive hundred carts, (assed 1* hi#, one 1* one. "nd then, -ord, a certain #an who was $ollowing 1ehind that train o$ carts, a((roached and s(o!e to hi#, sa*ing: '=id *ou, sir, see a great nu#1er o$ carts that (assed *ou 1*7' "nd "lara Hala#a answered hi#: 'I did not see the#, 1rother.' 'But the noise, sir, surel* *ou heard7' 'I did not hear it, 1rother.' Then that #an as!ed hi#: 'Then, sir, (erha(s *ou sle(t7' '<o, 1rother, I was not slee(ing.' 'Then, sir, were *ou conscious7' 'I was, 1rother.' Then that #an said: 'Then, sir, while conscious and awa!e *ou still did not see the great nu#1er o$ carts, even $ive hundred carts, that (assed *ou 1* one a$ter another, nor heard the noise7 6h*, sir, *our ver* ro1e is covered with their dustE' "nd "lara Hala#a re(lied, sa*ing: '8o it is, 1rother.' 0>. )"nd to that #an, O -ord, ca#e the thought: '%arvelous it is, #ost wonder$ul indeed it is, the state o$ cal#ness wherein a1ide those who have gone $orth $ro# the worldE' "nd there arose in hi# great $aith in "lara Hala#a, and he went his wa*.) 0?. )<ow what do *ou thin!, u!!usa7 6hat is #ore di$$icult to do, #ore di$$icult to #eet with CC that a #an, while conscious and awa!e, should not see a great nu#1er o$ carts, even $ive hundred carts, that (assed hi# 1* one a$ter another,

34 nor hear the noise, or that one conscious and awa!e, in the #idst o$ a heav* rain, with thunder rolling, lightning $lashing, and thunder1olts crashing, should neither see it nor hear the noise7) 0@. )6hat, O -ord, are $ive hundred carts CC na*, si2, seven, eight, nine hundred, or a thousand or even hundreds o$ thousands o$ carts CC co#(ared with this7) 0A. )<ow one ti#e, u!!usa, I was sta*ing at "tu#a, and had #* a1ode in a 1arn there. "nd at that ti#e there was a heav* rain, with thunder rolling, lightning $lashing, and thunder1olts crashing. "nd two $ar#ers who were 1rothers were !illed close to the 1arn, together with $our o2en, and a great crowd ca#e $orth $ro# "tu#a to the s(ot where the* were !illed. 4B. )<ow at that ti#e, u!!usa, I had co#e out o$ the 1arn and was wal!ing u( and down in thought 1e$ore the door. "nd a certain #an $ro# the great crowd a((roached #e, res(ect$ull* greeted #e, and stood at one side. 41. )"nd I as!ed hi#: '6h*, 1rother, has this great crowd gathered together7' "nd he answered #e: 'Nust now, -ord, there was a heav* rain, with thunder rolling, lightning $lashing, and thunder1olts crashing. "nd two $ar#ers who were 1rothers were !illed close 1*, together with $our o2en. It is 1ecause o$ this that the great crowd has gathered. But where, -ord, were *ou7' )'I was here, 1rother.G 'Iet, -ord, did *ou not see it7' 'I did not see it, 1rother.G 'But the noise, -ord, *ou surel* heard7' 'I did not hear it, 1rother.G Then that #an as!ed #e: 'Then, -ord, (erha(s *ou sle(t7' '<o, 1rother, I was not slee(ing.G 'Then, -ord, *ou were conscious7' 'I was, 1rother.' Then that #an said: 'Then, -ord, while conscious and awa!e, in the #idst o$ a heav* rain, with thunder rolling, lightning $lashing, and thunder1olts crashing, *ou neither saw it nor heard the noise7' "nd I answered hi#, sa*ing: 'I did not, 1rother.' 4+. )"nd to that #an, u!!usa, ca#e the thought: '%arvelous it is, #ost wonder$ul indeed it is, the state o$ cal#ness wherein a1ide those who have gone $orth $ro# the worldE' "nd there arose in hi# great $aith in #e, and he res(ect$ull* saluted #e, and !ee(ing his right side towards #e, he went his wa*.) 40. 6hen this had 1een said, u!!usa o$ the %alla clan said to the Blessed One: )The $aith, -ord, that I had in "lara Hala#a I now scatter to the #ight* wind, I let it 1e carried awa* as 1* a $lowing strea#E D2cellent, O -ord, #ost e2cellent, O -ordE It is as i$, -ord, one were to set u(right what had 1een overthrown, or to reveal what had 1een hidden, or to show the (ath to one who had gone astra*, or to light a la#( in the dar!ness so that those having e*es #ight see CC even so has the Blessed One set $orth the =ha##a in #an* wa*s. "nd so, O -ord, I ta!e #* re$uge in the Blessed One, the =ha##a, and the ,o##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus. %a* the Blessed One acce(t #e as his disci(le, one who has ta!en re$uge until the end o$ li$e.)

35 44. Then u!!usa o$ the %alla clan s(o!e to a certain #an, sa*ing: )Bring #e at once, $riend, two sets o$ goldenChued ro1es, 1urnished and read* $or wear.) "nd the #an answered hi#: )8o 1e it, sir.) 49. "nd when the ro1es were 1rought, u!!usa o$ the %alla clan o$$ered the# to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )%a* the Blessed One, O -ord, out o$ co#(assion, acce(t this $ro# #e.) "nd the Blessed One said: )Ro1e #e, then in one, u!!usa, and in the other ro1e 5nanda.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd he thereu(on ro1ed the Blessed One in one, and in the other he ro1ed the Venera1le 5nanda. 4>. "nd then the Blessed One instructed u!!usa o$ the %alla clan in the =ha##a, and roused, edi$ied, and gladdened hi#. "nd a$ter that, u!!usa rose $ro# his seat, res(ect$ull* saluted the Blessed One, and !ee(ing his right side towards hi#, went his wa*. 4?. "nd soon a$ter u!!usa o$ the %alla clan had de(arted, the Venera1le 5nanda arranged the set o$ goldenChued ro1es, 1urnished and read* $or wear, a1out the 1od* o$ the Blessed One. But when the set o$ ro1es was arranged u(on the 1od* o$ the Blessed One, it 1eca#e as though $aded, and its s(lendor di##ed. 4@. "nd the Venera1le 5nanda said to the Blessed One: )%arvelous it is, O -ord, #ost wonder$ul indeed it is, how clear and radiant the s!in o$ the Tath/gata a((earsE This set o$ goldenChued ro1es, 1urnished and read* $or wear, -ord, now that it is arranged u(on the 1od* o$ the Blessed One see#s to have 1eco#e $aded, its s(lendor di##ed.) 4A. )It is so, 5nanda. There are two occasions, 5nanda, when the s!in o$ the Tath/gata a((ears e2ceedingl* clear and radiant. 6hich are these two7 The night, 5nanda, when the Tath/gata 1eco#es $ull* enlightened in unsur(assed, su(re#e Dnlighten#ent, and the night when the Tath/gata co#es to his $inal (assing awa* into the state o$ <i11/na in which no ele#ent o$ clinging re#ains. These, 5nanda, are the two occasions on which the s!in o$ the Tath/gata a((ears e2ceedingl* clear and radiant. 9B. )"nd now toda*, in the last watch o$ this ver* night, 5nanda, in the %allas' 8ala 3rove, in the vicinit* o$ Husinara, 1etween two 8ala trees, the Tath/gata will co#e to his arini11/na. 8o now, 5nanda let us go to the Ha!uttha River.) 91. ,lad in u!!usa's gi$t, the ro1es o$ gold, The %aster's $or# was radiant to 1ehold.

<t the @a%uttha 3i&er

36 9+. Then the Blessed One went to the Ha!uttha River together with a great co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus. 90. "nd he went down into the water, 1athed, and dran!. "nd co#ing $orth $ro# the water again, he went to the %ango 3rove, and there s(o!e to the Venera1le ,unda!a, sa*ing: ) lease $old #* u((er ro1e in $our, ,unda!a, and la* it down. I a# wear* and would rest awhile.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd ,unda!a $olded the ro1e in $our and laid it down. 94. "nd the Blessed One la* down on his right side, in the lion's (osture, resting one $oot u(on the other, and so dis(osed hi#sel$, #ind$ull* and clearl* co#(rehending, with the ti#e $or rising held in #ind. "nd the Venera1le ,unda!a sat down right in $ront o$ the Blessed One. 99. The Buddha to Ha!uttha's river ca#e, 6here cool and li#(id $lows the (leasant strea#. There washed in water clear his wear* $ra#e The Buddha CC he in all the world su(re#eE "nd having 1athed and dran!, the Teacher straight ,rossed over, the Bhi!!hus thronging in his wa!e. =iscoursing hol* truths, the %aster great Towards the %ango 3rove his (ath did ta!e. There to the elder ,unda!a he s(o!e: )-a* down #* ro1e, (lease, $olded into $our.) Then the elder, swi$t as lightning stro!e, hastened the Teacher's 1idding to o1e*. 6ear*, the -ord then la* down on the #at, "nd ,hunda on the ground 1e$ore hi# sat.

3e"ie&ing Chunda s 3e/orse


9>. Then the Blessed One s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: )It #a* co#e to (ass, 5nanda, that so#eone will cause re#orse to ,hunda the #etalwor!er, sa*ing: 'It is no gain to *ou, $riend ,hunda, 1ut a loss, that it was $ro# *ou the Tath/gata too! his last al#s #eal, and then ca#e to his end.' then, 5nanda, the re#orse o$ ,hunda should 1e dis(elled a$ter this #anner: 'It is a gain to *ou, $riend ,hunda, a 1lessing that the Tath/gata too! his last al#s #eal $ro# *ou, and then ca#e to his end. For, $riend, $ace to $ace with the Blessed One I have heard and learned: )There are two o$$erings o$ $ood which are o$ e&ual $ruition, o$ e&ual outco#e, e2ceeding in grandeur the $ruition and result o$ an* other o$$erings o$ $ood. 6hich two7 The one (arta!en o$ 1* the Tath/gata 1e$ore 1eco#ing $ull* enlightened in unsur(assed, su(re#e Dnlighten#ent. and the one (arta!en o$ 1* the Tath/gata 1e$ore (assing into the state o$ <i11/na in which no ele#ent o$ clinging re#ains. B* his deed the worth* ,hunda has accu#ulated

37 #erit which #a!es $or long li$e, 1eaut*, well 1eing, glor*, heavenl* re1irth, and sovereignt*.)' Thus, 5nanda, the re#orse o$ ,hunda the #etalwor!er should 1e dis(elled.) 9?. Then the Blessed One, understanding that #atter, 1reathed $orth the sole#n utterance: )6ho gives, his virtues shall increase. 6ho is sel$Ccur1ed, no hatred 1ears. 6hoso is s!illed in virtue, evil shuns, "nd 1* the rooting out o$ lust and hate "nd all delusion, co#es to 1e at (eace.)

Part ,i&e <t @usinara


Last P"a-e of 3est
1. Then the Blessed One addressed the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: ),o#e, 5nanda, let us cross to the $arther 1an! o$ the 'iraMMavati, and go to the %allas' 8ala 3rove, in the vicinit* o$ Husinara.) )8o 1e it, -ord.) +. "nd the Blessed One, together with a large co#(an* o$ Bhi!!hus, went to the $urther 1an! o$ the river 'iraMMavati, to the 8ala 3rove o$ the %allas, in the vicinit* o$ Husinara. "nd there he s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: 0. ) lease, 5nanda, (re(are $or #e a couch 1etween the twin 8ala trees, with the head to the north. I a# wear*, 5nanda, and want to lie down.) [ #1] )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Venera1le 5nanda did as the Blessed One as!ed hi# to do. Then the Blessed One la* down on his right side, in the lion's (osture, resting one $oot u(on the other, and so dis(osed hi#sel$, #ind$ull* and clearl* co#(rehending. 4. "t that ti#e the twin 8ala trees 1ro!e out in $ull 1loo#, though it was not the season o$ $lowering. "nd the 1losso#s rained u(on the 1od* o$ the Tath/gata and dro((ed and scattered and were strewn u(on it in worshi( o$ the Tath/gata. "nd celestial mandarava $lowers and heavenl* sandalwood (owder $ro# the s!* rained down u(on the 1od* o$ the Tath/gata, and dro((ed and scattered and

38 were strewn u(on it in worshi( o$ the Tath/gata. "nd the sound o$ heavenl* voices and heavenl* instru#ents #ade #usic in the air out o$ reverence $or the Tath/gata. 9. "nd the Blessed One s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: )5nanda, the twin 8ala trees are in $ull 1loo#, though it is not the season o$ $lowering. "nd the 1losso#s rain u(on the 1od* o$ the Tath/gata, dro(, scatter, and are strewn u(on it in worshi( o$ the Tath/gata. "nd celestial coral $lowers and heavenl* sandalwood (owder $ro# the s!* rain down u(on the 1od* o$ the Tath/gata, and dro( and scatter and are strewn u(on it in worshi( o$ the Tath/gata. "nd the sound o$ heavenl* voices and heavenl* instru#ents #a!es #usic in the air out o$ reverence $or the Tath/gata. >. )Iet it is not thus, 5nanda, that the Tath/gata is res(ected, venerated, estee#ed, worshi((ed, and honored in the highest degree. But, 5nanda, whatever Bhi!!hu or Bhi!!hunK, la*#an or la*wo#an, a1ides 1* the =ha##a, lives u(rightl* in the =ha##a, wal!s in the wa* o$ the =ha##a, it is 1* such a one that the Tath/gata is res(ected, venerated, estee#ed, worshi((ed, and honored in the highest degree. There$ore, 5nanda, thus should *ou train *ourselves: '6e shall a1ide 1* the =ha##a, live u(rightl* in the =ha##a, wal! in the wa* o$ the =ha##a.')

8he 'rief of the 'ods


?. "t that ti#e the Venera1le L(avana was standing 1e$ore the Blessed One, $anning hi#. "nd the Blessed One re1u!ed hi#, sa*ing: )%ove aside, Bhi!!hu, do not stand in $ront o$ #e.) @. "nd to the Venera1le 5nanda ca#e the thought: )This Venera1le L(avana has 1een in attendance on the Blessed One $or a long ti#e, closel* associating with hi# and serving hi#. Iet now, right at the end, the Blessed One re1u!es hi#. 6hat now could 1e the reason, what the cause $or the Blessed One to re1u!e the Venera1le L(avana, sa*ing: '%ove aside, Bhi!!hu, do not stand in $ront o$ #e'7) AC1B. "nd the Venera1le 5nanda told his thought to the Blessed One. The Blessed One said: )Throughout the ten$old worldCs*ste#, 5nanda, there are hardl* an* o$ the deities that have not gathered together to loo! u(on the Tath/gata. For a distance o$ twelve *ojanas around the 8ala 3rove o$ the %allas in the vicinit* o$ Husinara there is not a s(ot that could 1e (ric!ed with the ti( o$ a hair that is not $illed with (ower$ul deities. "nd these deities, 5nanda, are co#(laining: 'Fro# a$ar have we co#e to loo! u(on the Tath/gata. For rare in the world is the arising o$ Tath/gatas, "rhats, and Full* Dnlightened Ones. "nd this da*, in the last watch o$ the night, the Tath/gata's arini11/na will co#e a1out. But this Bhi!!hu o$ great (owers has (laced hi#sel$ right in $ront o$ the

39 Blessed One, concealing hi#, so that now, at the ver* end, we are (revented $ro# loo!ing u(on hi#.' Thus, 5nanda, the deities co#(lain.) 11. )O$ what !ind o$ deities, -ord, is the Blessed One aware7) 1+C10. )There are deities, 5nanda, in s(ace and on earth, who are earthl*C #inded. with disheveled hair the* wee(, with u(li$ted ar#s the* wee(. $linging the#selves on the ground, the* roll $ro# side to side, la#enting: 'Too soon has the Blessed One co#e to his arini11/naE Too soon has the 'a((* One co#e to his arini11/naE Too soon will the D*e o$ the 6orld vanish $ro# sightE' 14. )But those deities who are $reed $ro# (assion, #ind$ul and co#(rehending, re$lect in this wa*: 'I#(er#anent are all co#(ounded things. 'ow could this 1e otherwise7')

?nanda s Con-ern
19. )For#erl*, -ord, on leaving their &uarters a$ter the rains, the Bhi!!hus would set $orth to see the Tath/gata, and to us there was the gain and 1ene$it o$ receiving and associating with those ver* revered Bhi!!hus who ca#e to have audience with the Blessed One and to wait u(on hi#. But, -ord, a$ter the Blessed One has gone, we shall no longer have that gain and 1ene$it.)

,our P"a-es of Pi"gri/age


1>. )There are $our (laces, 5nanda, that a (ious (erson should visit and loo! u(on with $eelings o$ reverence. [#2] 6hat are the $our7 1?. )''ere the Tath/gata was 1ornE' [#3] This, 5nanda, is a (lace that a (ious (erson should visit and loo! u(on with $eelings o$ reverence. 1@. )''ere the Tath/gata 1eca#e $ull* enlightened in unsur(assed, su(re#e Dnlighten#entE' [##] This, 5nanda, is a (lace that a (ious (erson should visit and loo! u(on with $eelings o$ reverence. 1A. )''ere the Tath/gata set rolling the une2celled 6heel o$ the =ha##aE' [ #$] This, 5nanda, is a (lace that a (ious (erson should visit and loo! u(on with $eelings o$ reverence. +B. )''ere the Tath/gata (assed awa* into the state o$ <i11/na in which no ele#ent o$ clinging re#ainsE' This, 5nanda, is a (lace that a (ious (erson should visit and loo! u(on with $eelings o$ reverence. +1. )These, 5nanda, are the $our (laces that a (ious (erson should visit and loo! u(on with $eelings o$ reverence. "nd trul* there will co#e to these (laces,

40 5nanda, (ious Bhi!!hus and Bhi!!hunis, la*#en and la*wo#en, re$lecting: ''ere the Tath/gata was 1ornE 'ere the Tath/gata 1eca#e $ull* enlightened in unsur(assed, su(re#e Dnlighten#entE 'ere the Tath/gata set rolling the une2celled 6heel o$ the =ha##aE 'ere the Tath/gata (assed awa* into the state o$ <i11/na in which no ele#ent o$ clinging re#ainsE' ++. )"nd whoever, 5nanda, should die on such a (ilgri#age with his heart esta1lished in $aith, at the 1rea!ing u( o$ the 1od*, a$ter death, will 1e re1orn in a real# o$ heavenl* ha((iness.) +0. Then the Venera1le 5nanda said to the Blessed One: )'ow, -ord, should we conduct ourselves towards wo#en7) )=o not see the#, 5nanda.) )But, -ord, i$ we do see the#7) )=o not s(ea!, 5nanda.) )But, -ord, i$ the* should s(ea! to us7) )Then, 5nanda, *ou should esta1lish #ind$ulness.) +4. Then the Venera1le 5nanda said: )'ow should we act, -ord, res(ecting the 1od* o$ the Tath/gata7) )=o not hinder *ourselves, 5nanda, to honor the 1od* o$ the Tath/gata. Rather *ou should strive, 5nanda, and 1e Jealous on *our own 1ehal$, [ #*] $or *our own good. Ln$linchingl*, ardentl*, and resolutel* *ou should a((l* *ourselves to *our own good. For there are, 5nanda, wise no1les, wise Brah#ins, and wise householders who are devoted to the Tath/gata, and it is the* who will render the honor to the 1od* o$ the Tath/gata.) +9. Then the Venera1le 5nanda said: )But how, -ord, should the* act res(ecting the 1od* o$ the Tath/gata7) )"$ter the sa#e #anner, 5nanda, as towards the 1od* o$ a universal #onarch.)[#0] )But how, -ord, do the* act res(ecting the 1od* o$ a universal #onarch7) +>. )The 1od* o$ a universal #onarch, 5nanda, is $irst wra((ed round with new linen, and then with teased cotton wool, and so it is done u( to $ive hundred la*ers o$ linen and $ive hundred o$ cotton wool. 6hen that is done, the 1od* o$ the universal #onarch is (laced in an iron [#4] oil vessel, which is enclosed in another iron vessel, a $uneral (*re is 1uilt o$ all !inds o$ (er$u#ed woods, and so

41 the 1od* o$ the universal #onarch is 1urned. and at a crossroads a stu(a is raised $or the universal #onarch. 8o it is done, 5nanda, with the 1od* o$ a universal #onarch. "nd even, 5nanda, as with the 1od* o$ a universal #onarch, so should it 1e done with the 1od* o$ the Tath/gata. and at a crossroads also a stu(a should 1e raised $or the Tath/gata. "nd whosoever shall 1ring to that (lace garlands or incense or sandal (aste, or (a* reverence, and whose #ind 1eco#es cal# there CC it will 1e to his well 1eing and ha((iness $or a long ti#e. +?. )There are $our (ersons, 5nanda, who are worth* o$ a stu(a. 6ho are those $our7 " Tath/gata, an "rhat, a Full* Dnlightened One is worth* o$ a stu(a. so also is a rat*e!a1uddha, [#5] and a disci(le o$ a Tath/gata, and a universal #onarch. +@C01. )"nd wh*, 5nanda, is a Tath/gata, an "rhat, a Full* Dnlightened One worth* o$ a stu(a7 Because, 5nanda, at the thought: 'This is the stu(a o$ that Blessed One, "rhat, Full* Dnlightened OneE' the hearts o$ #an* (eo(le will 1e cal#ed and #ade ha((*. and so cal#ed and with their #inds esta1lished in $aith therein, at the 1rea!ing u( o$ the 1od*, a$ter death, the* will 1e re1orn in a real# o$ heavenl* ha((iness. "nd so also at the thought: 'This is the stu(a o$ that rat*e!a1uddhaE' or 'This is the stu(a o$ a disci(le o$ that Tath/gata, "rhat, Full* Dnlightened OneE' or 'This is the stu(a o$ that righteous #onarch who ruled according to =ha##aE' CC the hearts o$ #an* (eo(le are cal#ed and #ade ha((*. and so cal#ed and with their #inds esta1lished in $aith therein, at the 1rea!ing u( o$ the 1od*, a$ter death, the* will 1e re1orn in a real# o$ heavenl* ha((iness. "nd it is 1ecause o$ this, 5nanda, that these $our (ersons are worth* o$ a stu(a.)

?nanda s 'rief
0+. Then the Venera1le 5nanda went into the vihara [ $6] and leaned against the door(ost and we(t: )I a# still 1ut a learner, [ $1] and still have to strive $or #* own (er$ection. But, alas, #* %aster, who was so co#(assionate towards #e, is a1out to (ass awa*E) 00. "nd the Blessed One s(o!e to the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )6here, Bhi!!hus, is 5nanda7) )The Venera1le 5nanda, -ord, has gone into the vihara and there stands leaning against the door (ost and wee(ing: 'I a# still 1ut a learner, and still have to strive $or #* own (er$ection. But, alas, #* %aster, who was so co#(assionate towards #e, is a1out to (ass awa*E') 04. Then the Blessed One as!ed a certain Bhi!!hu to 1ring the Venera1le 5nanda to hi#, sa*ing: )3o, Bhi!!hu, and sa* to 5nanda, 'Friend 5nanda, the %aster calls *ou.')

42 )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd that Bhi!!hu went and s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda as the Blessed One had as!ed hi# to. "nd the Venera1le 5nanda went to the Blessed One, 1owed down to hi#, and sat down on one side. 09. Then the Blessed One s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: )Dnough, 5nandaE =o not grieve do not la#entE For have I not taught $ro# the ver* 1eginning that with all that is dear and 1eloved there #ust 1e change, se(aration, and severance7 O$ that which is 1orn, co#e into 1eing, co#(ounded, and su1ject to deca*, how can one sa*: '%a* it not co#e to dissolutionE'7 There can 1e no such state o$ things. <ow $or a long ti#e, 5nanda, *ou have served the Tath/gata with lovingC!indness in deed, word, and thought, graciousl*, (leasantl*, with a whole heart and 1e*ond #easure. 3reat good have *ou gathered, 5nandaE <ow *ou should (ut $orth energ*, and soon *ou too will 1e $ree $ro# the taints.)[$2]

Praise of ?nanda
0>. Then the Blessed One addressed the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )Bhi!!hus, the Blessed Ones, "rhats, Full* Dnlightened Ones o$ ti#es (ast also had e2cellent and devoted attendant Bhi!!hus, such as I have in 5nanda. "nd so also, Bhi!!hus will the Blessed Ones, "rhats, and Full* Dnlightened Ones o$ ti#es to co#e. 0?. ),a(a1le and judicious is 5nanda, Bhi!!hus, $or he !nows the (ro(er ti#e $or Bhi!!hus to have audience with the Tath/gata, and the ti#e $or Bhi!!hunis, the ti#e $or la*#en and $or la*wo#en. the ti#e $or !ings and $or #inisters o$ state. the ti#e $or teachers o$ other sects and $or their $ollowers. 0@. )In 5nanda, Bhi!!hus, are to 1e $ound $our rare and su(erlative &ualities. 6hat are the $our7 I$, Bhi!!hus, a co#(an* o$ Bhi!!hus should go to see 5nanda, the* 1eco#e jo*$ul on seeing hi#. and i$ he then s(ea!s to the# o$ the =ha##a, the* are #ade jo*$ul 1* his discourse. and when he 1eco#es silent, the* are disa((ointed. 8o it is also when Bhi!!hunis, la*#en, or la*wo#en go to see 5nanda: the* 1eco#e jo*$ul on seeing hi#. and i$ he then s(ea!s to the# o$ the =ha##a, the* are #ade jo*$ul 1* his discourse. and when he 1eco#es silent, the* are disa((ointed. 0A. )In a universal #onarch, Bhi!!hus, are to 1e $ound $our rare and su(erlative &ualities. 6hat are those $our7 I$, Bhi!!hus, a co#(an* o$ no1les should go to see the universal #onarch, the* 1eco#e jo*$ul on seeing hi#. and i$ he then s(ea!s, the* are #ade jo*$ul 1* his tal!. and when he 1eco#es silent, the* are disa((ointed. 8o it is also when a co#(an* o$ Brah#ins, o$ householders, or o$ ascetics goes to see a universal #onarch. 4B. )"nd in just the sa#e wa*, Bhi!!hus, in 5nanda are to 1e $ound these $our rare and su(erlative &ualities.)

43

8he Past '"ory of @usinara


41. 6hen this had 1een said, the Venera1le 5nanda s(o!e to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )-et it not 1e, -ord, that the Blessed One should (ass awa* in this #ean (lace, this unciviliJed townshi( in the #idst o$ the jungle, a #ere out(ost o$ the (rovince. There are great cities, -ord, such as ,a#(a, Rajagaha, 8avatthi, 8a!eta, Hosa#1i, and Benares CC let the Blessed One have his $inal (assing awa* in one o$ those. For in those cities dwell #an* wealth* no1les and Brah#ins and householders who are devotees o$ the Tath/gata, and the* will render due honor to the re#ains o$ the Tath/gata.) 4+. )=o not sa* that, 5nandaE =o not sa*: 'This #ean (lace, this unciviliJed townshi( in the #idst o$ the jungle, a #ere out(ost o$ the (rovince.G In ti#es long (ast, 5nanda, there was a !ing 1* the na#e o$ %aha 8udassana, who was a universal #onarch, a !ing o$ righteousness, a con&ueror o$ the $our &uarters o$ the earth, whose real# was esta1lished in securit*, and who was endowed with the seven jewels.[90] "nd that Hing %aha 8udassana, 5nanda, had his ro*al residence here at Husinara, which was then called Husavati, and it e2tended twelve *ojanas $ro# east to west, and seven $ro# north to south. 40. )"nd #ight*, 5nanda, was Husavati, the ca(ital, (ros(erous and well (o(ulated, #uch $re&uented 1* (eo(le, and a1undantl* (rovided with $ood. Nust as the ro*al residence o$ the deities, "la!a#anda, is #ight*, (ros(erous, and well (o(ulated, #uch $re&uented 1* deities and a1undantl* (rovided with $ood, so was the ro*al ca(ital o$ Husavati. 44. )Husavati, 5nanda, resounded unceasingl* da* and night with ten sounds CC the tru#(eting o$ ele(hants, the neighing o$ horses, the rattling o$ chariots, the 1eating o$ dru#s and ta1ors, #usic and song, cheers, the cla((ing o$ hands, and cries o$ 'Dat, drin!, and 1e #err*E'

La/entation of the Ma""as


49. )3o now, 5nanda, to Husinara and announce to the %allas: 'Toda*, Vasetthas, in the last watch o$ the night, the Tath/gata's arini11/na will ta!e (lace. "((roach, O Vasetthas, draw nearE =o not 1e re#orse$ul later at the thought: )In our townshi( it was that the Tath/gata's arini11/na too! (lace, 1ut we $ailed to see hi# at the endE)') )8o 1e it, -ord.) "nd the Venera1le 5nanda (re(ared hi#sel$, and ta!ing 1owl and ro1e, went with a co#(anion to Husinara. 4>. <ow at that ti#e the %allas had gathered in the council hall $or so#e (u1lic 1usiness. "nd the Venera1le 5nanda a((roached the# and announced: )Toda*, Vasetthas, in the last watch o$ the night, the Tath/gata's arini11/na will ta!e

44 (lace. "((roach, Vasetthas, draw nearE =o not 1e re#orse$ul later at the thought: 'In our townshi( it was that the Tath/gata's arini11/na too! (lace, 1ut we $ailed to see hi# at the end.') 4?. 6hen the* heard the Venera1le 5nanda s(ea! these words, the %allas with their sons, their wives, and the wives o$ their sons, were sorel* grieved, grieved at heart and a$$licted. and so#e, with their hair all disheveled, with ar#s u(li$ted in des(air, we(t. $linging the#selves on the ground, the* rolled $ro# side to side, la#enting: )Too soon has the Blessed One co#e to his arini11/naE Too soon has the 'a((* One co#e to his arini11/naE Too soon will the D*e o$ the 6orld vanish $ro# sightE) 4@. "nd thus a$$licted and $illed with grie$, the %allas, with their sons, their wives, and the wives o$ their sons, went to the 8ala 3rove, the recreation (ar! o$ the %allas, to the (lace where the Venera1le 5nanda was. 4A. "nd the thought arose in the Venera1le 5nanda: )I$ I were to allow the %allas o$ Husinara to (a* reverence to the Buddha one 1* one, the night will have given (lace to dawn 1e$ore the* are all (resented to hi#. There$ore let #e divide the# u( according to clan, each $a#il* in a grou(, and so (resent the# to the Blessed One thus: 'The %alla o$ such and such a na#e, -ord, with his wives and children, his attendants and his $riends, (a*s ho#age at the $eet o$ the Blessed One.') 9B. "nd the Venera1le 5nanda divided the %allas u( according to clan, each $a#il* in a grou(, and (resented the# to the Blessed One. 8o it was that the Venera1le 5nanda caused the %allas o$ Husinara to 1e (resented to the Blessed One 1* clans, each $a#il* in a grou(, even in the $irst watch o$ the night.

8he Last Con&ert


91. <ow at that ti#e a wandering ascetic na#ed 8u1hadda was dwelling at Husinara. "nd 8u1hadda the wandering ascetic heard it said: )Toda* in the third watch o$ the night, the arini11/na o$ the ascetic 3ota#a will ta!e (lace.) 9+. "nd the thought arose in hi#: )I have heard it said 1* old and venera1le wandering ascetics, teachers o$ teachers, that the arising o$ Tath/gatas, "rhats, Full* Dnlightened Ones, is rare in the world. Iet this ver* da*, in the last watch o$ the night, the arini11/na o$ the ascetic 3ota#a will ta!e (lace. <ow there is in #e a dou1t. 1ut to this e2tent I have $aith in the ascetic 3ota#a, that he could so teach #e the =ha##a as to re#ove that dou1t.) 90. Then the wandering ascetic 8u1hadda went to the 8ala 3rove, the recreation (ar! o$ the %allas, and drew near to the Venera1le 5nanda, and told the Venera1le 5nanda his thought. "nd he s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: )Friend 5nanda, it would 1e good i$ I could 1e allowed into the (resence o$ the ascetic 3ota#a.)

45 94. But the Venera1le 5nanda answered hi#, sa*ing: )Dnough, $riend 8u1haddaE =o not trou1le the Tath/gata. The Blessed One is wear*.) 99C9>. Iet a second and a third ti#e the wandering ascetic 8u1hadda #ade his re&uest, and a second and a third ti#e the Venera1le 5nanda re$used hi#. 9?. "nd the Blessed One heard the tal! 1etween the#, and he called the Venera1le 5nanda and said: )8to(, 5nandaE =o not re$use 8u1hadda. 8u1hadda, 5nanda, #a* 1e allowed into the (resence o$ the Tath/gata. For whatever he will as! #e, he will as! $or the sa!e o$ !nowledge, and not as an o$$ence. "nd the answer I give hi#, that he will readil* understand.) 9@. Thereu(on the Venera1le 5nanda said to the wandering ascetic 8u1hadda: )3o then, $riend 8u1hadda, the Blessed One gives *ou leave.) 9A. Then the wandering ascetic 8u1hadda a((roached the Blessed One and saluted hi# courteousl*. "nd having e2changed with hi# (leasant and civil greetings, the wandering ascetic 8u1hadda seated hi#sel$ at one side and addressed the Blessed One, sa*ing: )There are, Venera1le 3ota#a, ascetics and Brah#ins who are heads o$ great co#(anies o$ disci(les, who have large retinues, who are leaders o$ schools, well !nown and renowned, and held in high estee# 1* the #ultitude, such teachers as urna Hassa(a, %a!!hali 3osala, "jita Hesa!a#1ali, a!udha Hacca*ana, 8aMja*a Belatthi(utta, <igantha <ata(utta. 'ave all o$ these attained realiJation, as each o$ the# would have it 1elieved, or has none o$ the#, or is it that so#e have attained realiJation and others not7) >B. )Dnough, 8u1haddaE -et it 1e as it #a*, whether all o$ the# have attained realiJation, as each o$ the# would have it 1elieved, or whether none o$ the# has, or whether so#e have attained realiJation and others not. I will teach *ou the =ha##a, 8u1hadda. listen and heed it well, and I will s(ea!.) )8o 1e it, -ord.)

8he Lion s 3oar


>1. "nd the Blessed One s(o!e, sa*ing: )In whatsoever =ha##a and =isci(line, 8u1hadda, there is not $ound the <o1le Dight$old ath, neither is there $ound a true ascetic o$ the $irst, second, third, or $ourth degree o$ saintliness. But in whatsoever =ha##a and =isci(line there is $ound the <o1le Dight$old ath, there is $ound a true ascetic o$ the $irst, second, third, and $ourth degrees o$ saintliness. [94] <ow in this =ha##a and =isci(line, 8u1hadda, is $ound the <o1le Dight$old ath. and in it alone are also $ound true ascetics o$ the $irst, second, third, and $ourth degrees o$ saintliness. =evoid o$ true ascetics are the s*ste#s o$ other teachers. But i$, 8u1hadda, the Bhi!!hus live righteousl*, the world will not 1e destitute o$ arhats.

46 >+. )In age 1ut twent*Cnine was I, 8u1hadda, 6hen I renounced the world to see! the 3ood. Fi$t*Cone *ears have (assed since then, 8u1hadda, "nd in all that ti#e a wanderer have I 1een In the do#ain o$ virtue and o$ truth, "nd e2ce(t therein, there is no saint :o$ the $irst degree;. )"nd there is none o$ the second degree, nor o$ the third degree, nor o$ the $ourth degree o$ saintliness. =evoid o$ true ascetics are the s*ste#s o$ other teachers. But i$, 8u1hadda, the Bhi!!hus live righteousl*, the world will not 1e destitute o$ "rhats.) >0. 6hen this was said, the wandering ascetic 8u1hadda s(o!e to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )D2cellent, O -ord, #ost e2cellent, O -ordE It is as i$, -ord, one were to set u(right what had 1een overthrown, or to reveal what had 1een hidden, or to show the (ath to one who had gone astra*, or to light a la#( in the dar!ness so that those with e*es #ight see CC even so has the Blessed One set $orth the =ha##a in #an* wa*s. "nd so, O -ord, I ta!e #* re$uge in the Blessed One, the =ha##a, and the ,o##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus. %a* I receive $ro# the Blessed One ad#ission to the Order and also the higher ordination.) >4. )6hoever, 8u1hadda, having 1een $or#erl* a $ollower o$ another creed, wishes to receive ad#ission and higher ordination in this =ha##a and =isci(line, re#ains on (ro1ation $or a (eriod o$ $our #onths. "t the end o$ those $our #onths, i$ the Bhi!!hus are satis$ied with hi#, the* grant hi# ad#ission and higher ordination as a Bhi!!hu. Iet in this #atter I recogniJe di$$erences o$ (ersonalities.) >9. )I$, O -ord, whoever, having 1een $or#erl* a $ollower o$ another creed, wishes to receive ad#ission and higher ordination in this =ha##a and =isci(line, re#ains on (ro1ation $or a (eriod o$ $our #onths, and at the end o$ those $our #onths, i$ the Bhi!!hus are satis$ied with hi#, the* grant hi# ad#ission and higher ordination as a Bhi!!hu CC then I will re#ain on (ro1ation $or a (eriod o$ $our *ears. "nd at the end o$ those $our *ears, i$ the Bhi!!hus are satis$ied with #e, let the# grant #e ad#ission and higher ordination as a Bhi!!hu.) >>. But the Blessed One called the Venera1le 5nanda and said to hi#: )5nanda, let 8u1hadda 1e given ad#ission into the Order.) "nd the Venera1le 5nanda re(lied: )8o 1e it, -ord.) >?. Then the wandering ascetic 8u1hadda said to the Venera1le 5nanda: )It is a gain to *ou, $riend 5nanda, a 1lessing, that in the (resence o$ the %aster hi#sel$ *ou have received the s(rin!ling o$ ordination as a disci(le.)

47 >@. 8o it ca#e a1out that the wandering ascetic 8u1hadda, in the (resence o$ the Blessed One, received ad#ission and higher ordination. "nd $ro# the ti#e o$ his ordination the Venera1le 8u1hadda re#ained alone, secluded, heed$ul, ardent, and resolute. "nd 1e$ore long he attained to the goal $or which a worth* #an goes $orth rightl* $ro# ho#e to ho#elessness, the su(re#e goal o$ the hol* li$e. and having 1* hi#sel$ realiJed it with higher !nowledge, he dwelt therein. 'e !new: )=estro*ed is 1irth. the higher li$e is $ul$illed. nothing #ore is to 1e done, and 1e*ond this li$e nothing #ore re#ains.) "nd the Venera1le 8u1hadda 1eca#e *et another a#ong the "rhats, and he was the last disci(le converted 1* the Blessed One hi#sel$.

Part Si2 8he Passing <9ay


8he B"essed One s ,ina" .2hortation
1. <ow the Blessed One s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: )It #a* 1e, 5nanda, that to so#e a#ong *ou the thought will co#e: 'Dnded is the word o$ the %aster. we have a %aster no longer.G But it should not, 5nanda, 1e so considered. For that which I have (roclai#ed and #ade !nown as the =ha##a and the =isci(line, that shall 1e *our %aster when I a# gone. +. )"nd, 5nanda, whereas now the Bhi!!hus address one another as '$riend,' let it not 1e so when I a# gone. The senior Bhi!!hus, 5nanda, #a* address the junior ones 1* their na#e, their $a#il* na#e, or as '$riend'. 1ut the junior Bhi!!hus should address the senior ones as 'venera1le sir' or '*our reverence.G [$$] 0. )I$ it is desired, 5nanda, the 8angha #a*, when I a# gone, a1olish the lesser and #inor rules. [$*] 4. )5nanda, when I a# gone, let the higher (enalt* 1e i#(osed u(on the Bhi!!hu ,hanna.) [$0] )But what, -ord, is the higher (enalt*7) )The Bhi!!hu ,hanna, 5nanda, #a* sa* what he will, 1ut the Bhi!!hus should neither converse with hi#, nor e2hort hi#, nor ad#onish hi#.) 9. Then the Blessed One addressed the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )It #a* 1e, Bhi!!hus, that one o$ *ou is in dou1t or (er(le2it* as to the Buddha, the =ha##a, or the 8angha, the (ath or the (ractice. Then &uestion, Bhi!!husE =o not 1e given to

48 re#orse later on with the thought: 'The %aster was with us $ace to $ace, *et $ace to $ace we $ailed to as! hi#.') >. But when this was said, the Bhi!!hus were silent. "nd *et a second and a third ti#e the Blessed One said to the#: )It #a* 1e, Bhi!!hus, that one o$ *ou is in dou1t or (er(le2it* as to the Buddha, the =ha##a, or the 8angha, the (ath or the (ractice. Then &uestion, Bhi!!husE =o not 1e given to re#orse later on with the thought: 'The %aster was with us $ace to $ace, *et $ace to $ace we $ailed to as! hi#.') "nd $or a second and a third ti#e the Bhi!!hus were silent. Then the Blessed One said to the#: )It #a* 1e, Bhi!!hus, out o$ res(ect $or the %aster that *ou as! no &uestions. Then, Bhi!!hus, let $riend co##unicate it to $riend.) Iet still the Bhi!!hus were silent. ?. "nd the Venera1le 5nanda s(o!e to the Blessed One, sa*ing: )%arvelous it is, O -ord, #ost wonder$ul it isE This $aith I have in the co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus, that not even one Bhi!!hu is in dou1t or (er(le2it* as to the Buddha, the =ha##a, or the 8angha, the (ath or the (ractice.) )Out o$ $aith, 5nanda, *ou s(ea! thus. But here, 5nanda, the Tath/gata !nows $or certain that a#ong this co##unit* o$ Bhi!!hus there is not even one Bhi!!hu who is in dou1t or (er(le2it* as to the Buddha, the =ha##a, or the 8angha, the (ath or the (ractice. For, 5nanda, a#ong these $ive hundred Bhi!!hus even the lowest is a strea#Centerer, secure $ro# down$all, assured, and 1ound $or enlighten#ent.) @. "nd the Blessed One addressed the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )Behold now, Bhi!!hus, I e2hort *ou: "ll co#(ounded things are su1ject to vanish. 8trive with earnestnessE) [$4] This was the last word o$ the Tath/gata.

>o9 the B"essed One Passed into Nibbna


A. "nd the Blessed One entered the $irst jhana. Rising $ro# the $irst jhana, he entered the second jhana. Rising $ro# the second jhana, he entered the third jhana. Rising $ro# the third jhana, he entered the $ourth jhana. "nd rising out o$ the $ourth jhana, he entered the s(here o$ in$inite s(ace. Rising $ro# the attain#ent o$ the s(here o$ in$inite s(ace, he entered the s(here o$ in$inite consciousness. Rising $ro# the attain#ent o$ the s(here o$ in$inite consciousness, he entered the s(here o$ nothingness. Rising $ro# the attain#ent o$ the s(here o$ nothingness, he entered the s(here o$ neitherC(erce(tionCnorC nonC(erce(tion. "nd rising out o$ the attain#ent o$ the s(here o$ neitherC (erce(tionCnorCnonC(erce(tion, he attained to the cessation o$ (erce(tion and $eeling.

49 1B. "nd the Venera1le 5nanda s(o!e to the Venera1le "niruddha, sa*ing: )Venera1le "niruddha, the Blessed One has (assed awa*.) )<o, $riend 5nanda, the Blessed One has not (assed awa*. 'e has entered the state o$ the cessation o$ (erce(tion and $eeling.)[ $5] 11. Then the Blessed One, rising $ro# the cessation o$ (erce(tion and $eeling, entered the s(here o$ neitherC(erce(tionCnorCnonC(erce(tion. Rising $ro# the attain#ent o$ the s(here o$ neitherC(erce(tionCnorCnonC(erce(tion, he entered the s(here o$ nothingness. Rising $ro# the attain#ent o$ the s(here o$ nothingness, he entered the s(here o$ in$inite consciousness. Rising $ro# the attain#ent o$ the s(here o$ in$inite consciousness, he entered the s(here o$ in$inite s(ace. Rising $ro# the attain#ent o$ the s(here o$ in$inite s(ace, he entered the $ourth jhana. Rising $ro# the $ourth jhana, he entered the third jhana. Rising $ro# the third jhana, he entered the second jhana. Rising $ro# the second jhana, he entered the $irst jhana. Rising $ro# the $irst jhana, he entered the second jhana. Rising $ro# the second jhana, he entered the third jhana. Rising $ro# the third jhana, he entered the $ourth jhana. "nd, rising $ro# the $ourth jhana, the Blessed One i##ediatel* (assed awa*.

8he !or"d s .-ho


1+. "nd when the Blessed One had (assed awa*, si#ultaneousl* with his arini11/na there ca#e a tre#endous earth&ua!e, dread$ul and astounding, and the thunders rolled across the heavens. 10. "nd when the Blessed One had (assed awa*, si#ultaneousl* with his arini11/na, Brah#a 8aha#(ati [*6] s(o!e this stanJa: )"ll #ust de(art CC all 1eings that have li$e %ust shed their co#(ound $or#s. Iea, even one, " %aster such as he, a (eerless 1eing, ower$ul in wisdo#, the Dnlightened One, has (assed awa*.) 14. "nd when the Blessed One had (assed awa*, si#ultaneousl* with his arini11/na, 8a!!a, !ing o$ the gods, [*1] s(o!e this stanJa: )Transient are all co#(ounded things, 8u1ject to arise and vanish. 'aving co#e into e2istence the* (ass awa*. 3ood is the (eace when the* $orever cease.)

50 19. "nd when the Blessed One had (assed awa*, si#ultaneousl* with his arini11/na, the Venera1le "niruddha s(o!e this stanJa: )<o #ove#ent o$ the 1reath, 1ut with stead$ast heart, Free $ro# desires and tran&uil CC so the sage ,o#es to his end. B* #ortal (angs unsha!en, 'is #ind, li!e a $la#e e2tinguished, $inds release.) 1>. "nd when the Blessed One had (assed awa*, si#ultaneousl* with his arini11/na, the Venera1le 5nanda s(o!e this stanJa: )Then there was terror, and the hair stood u(, when he, The "llCacco#(lished One, the Buddha, (assed awa*.) 1?. Then, when the Blessed One had (assed awa*, so#e Bhi!!hus, not *et $reed $ro# (assion, li$ted u( their ar#s and we(t. and so#e, $linging the#selves on the ground, rolled $ro# side to side and we(t, la#enting: )Too soon has the Blessed One co#e to his arini11/naE Too soon has the 'a((* One co#e to his arini11/naE Too soon has the D*e o$ the 6orld vanished $ro# sightE) But the Bhi!!hus who were $reed $ro# (assion, #ind$ul and clearl* co#(rehending, re$lected in this wa*: )I#(er#anent are all co#(ounded things. 'ow could this 1e otherwise7) 1@. "nd the Venera1le "niruddha addressed the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )Dnough, $riendsE =o not grieve do not la#entE For has not the Blessed One declared that with all that is dear and 1eloved there #ust 1e change, se(aration, and severance7 O$ that which is 1orn, co#e into 1eing, co#(ounded and su1ject to deca*, how can one sa*: '%a* it not co#e to dissolutionE' The deities, $riends, are aggrieved.) )But, venera1le sir, o$ what deities is the Venera1le "niruddha aware7) )There are deities, $riend 5nanda, in s(ace and on the earth who are earthl*C #inded. with disheveled hair the* wee(, with u(li$ted ar#s the* wee(. $linging the#selves on the ground, the* roll $ro# side to side, la#enting: 'Too soon has the Blessed One co#e to his arini11/naE Too soon has the 'a((* One co#e to his arini11/naE Too soon has the D*e o$ the 6orld vanished $ro# sightE' But those deities who are $reed $ro# (assion, #ind$ul and clearl* co#(rehending, re$lect in this wa*: 'I#(er#anent are all co#(ounded things. 'ow could this 1e otherwise7') 1A. <ow the Venera1le "niruddha and the Venera1le 5nanda s(ent the rest o$ the night in tal!ing on the =ha##a. Then the Venera1le "niruddha s(o!e to the

51 Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: )3o now, $riend 5nanda, to Husinara, and announce to the %allas: 'The Blessed One, Vasetthas, has (assed awa*. =o now as see#s $itting to *ou.') )8o 1e it, venera1le sir.) "nd the Venera1le 5nanda (re(ared hi#sel$ in the $orenoon, and ta!ing 1owl and ro1e, went with a co#(anion into Husinara. +B. "t that ti#e the %allas o$ Husinara had gathered in the council hall to consider that ver* #atter. "nd the Venera1le 5nanda a((roached the# and announced: )The Blessed One, Vasetthas, has (assed awa*. =o now as see#s $itting to *ou.) "nd when the* heard the Venera1le 5nanda s(ea! these words, the %allas with their sons, their wives, and the wives o$ their sons, were sorel* grieved, grieved at heart and a$$licted. and so#e, with their hair all disheveled, with ar#s u(raised in des(air, we(t. $linging the#selves on the ground, the* rolled $ro# side to side, la#enting: )Too soon has the Blessed One co#e to his arini11/naE )Too soon has the 'a((* One co#e to his arini11/naE Too soon has the D*e o$ the 6orld vanished $ro# sightE)

>o/age to the 3e/ains


+1. Then the %allas o$ Husinara gave orders to their #en, sa*ing: )3ather now all the (er$u#es, $lowerCgarlands, and #usicians, even all that are in Husinara.) "nd the %allas, with the (er$u#es, the $lowerCgarlands, and the #usicians, and with $ive hundred sets o$ clothing, went to the 8ala 3rove, the recreation (ar! o$ the %allas, and a((roached the 1od* o$ the Blessed One. "nd having a((roached, the* (aid ho#age to the 1od* o$ the Blessed One with dance, song, #usic, $lowerCgarlands, and (er$u#e, and erecting cano(ies and (avilions, the* s(ent the da* showing res(ect, honor, and veneration to the 1od* o$ the Blessed One. "nd then the thought ca#e to the#: )<ow the da* is too $ar s(ent $or us to cre#ate the 1od* o$ the Blessed One. To#orrow we will do it.) "nd $or the second da*, and a third, $ourth, $i$th, and si2th da*, the* (aid ho#age to the 1od* o$ the Blessed One with dance, song, #usic, $lowerCgarlands, and (er$u#e, and erecting cano(ies and (avilions, the* s(ent the da* showing res(ect, honor, and veneration to the 1od* o$ the Blessed One. But on the seventh da* the thought ca#e to the#: )6e have (aid ho#age to the 1od* o$ the Blessed One with dance, song, #usic, $lowerCgarlands, and (er$u#e, and have shown res(ect, honor, and veneration. let us now carr* the 1od* o$ the Blessed One southward to the southern (art o$ the town and 1e*ond, and let us there cre#ate the 1od* o$ the Blessed One south o$ the town.)

52 "nd eight %allas o$ the $ore#ost $a#ilies, 1athed $ro# the crown o$ their heads and wearing new clothes, with the thought: )6e will li$t u( the 1od* o$ the Blessed One,) tried to do so 1ut the* could not. ++. Then the %allas s(o!e to the Venera1le "niruddha, sa*ing: )6hat is the cause, Venera1le "niruddha, what is the reason that these eight %allas o$ the $ore#ost $a#ilies, 1athed $ro# the crown o$ their heads and wearing new clothes, with the thought: '6e will li$t u( the 1od* o$ the Blessed One,' tr* to do so 1ut cannot7) )Iou, Vasetthas, have one (ur(ose, the deities have another.) )Then what, venera1le sir, is the (ur(ose o$ the deities7) )Iour (ur(ose, Vasetthas, is this: '6e have (aid ho#age to the 1od* o$ the Blessed One with dance, song, #usic, $lowerCgarlands, and (er$u#e, and have shown res(ect, honor, and veneration. let us now carr* the 1od* o$ the Blessed One southward to the southern (art o$ the town and 1e*ond, and let us there cre#ate the 1od* o$ the Blessed One south o$ the town.' But the (ur(ose o$ the deities, Vasetthas, is this: '6e have (aid ho#age to the 1od* o$ the Blessed One with heavenl* dance, song, #usic, $lowerCgarlands, and (er$u#e, and have shown res(ect, honor, and veneration. let us now carr* the 1od* o$ the Blessed One northward to the northern (art o$ the town. and having carried it through the northern gate, let us go through the center o$ the town, and then eastward to the east o$ the town. and having (assed through the east gate, let us carr* it to the ceti*a o$ the %allas, %a!utaC1andhana, and there let us cre#ate the 1od* o$ the Blessed One.') )"s the deities wish, venera1le sir, so let it 1e.) +0. Thereu(on the whole o$ Husinara, even to the dust hea(s and ru11ish hea(s 1eca#e covered !neeCdee( in mandarava $lowers. [*2] "nd ho#age was (aid to the 1od* o$ the Blessed One 1* the deities as well as the %allas o$ Husinara. 6ith dance, song, #usic, $lowerCgarlands, and (er$u#e, 1oth divine and hu#an, res(ect, honor, and veneration were shown. "nd the* carried the 1od* o$ the Blessed One northward to the northern (art o$ the town. and having carried it through the northern gate, the* went through the center o$ the town, and then eastward to the east o$ the town. and having (assed through the east gate, the* carried the 1od* o$ the Blessed One to the ceti*a o$ the %allas, %a!utaC 1andhana, and there laid it down. +4. Then the %allas o$ Husinara s(o!e to the Venera1le 5nanda, sa*ing: )'ow should we act, Venera1le 5nanda, res(ecting the 1od* o$ the Tath/gata7) )"$ter the sa#e #anner, Vasetthas, as towards the 1od* o$ a universal #onarch.)

53 )But how, venera1le 5nanda, do the* act res(ecting the 1od* o$ a universal #onarch7) )The 1od* o$ a universal #onarch, Vasetthas, is $irst wra((ed round with new linen, and then with teased cotton wool. "nd again it is wra((ed round with new linen, and again with teased cotton wool, and so it is done u( to $ive hundred la*ers o$ linen and $ive hundred o$ cotton wool. 6hen that is done, the 1od* o$ the universal #onarch is (laced in an iron oilCvessel, which is enclosed in another iron vessel and a $uneral (*re is 1uilt o$ all !inds o$ (er$u#ed woods, and so the 1od* o$ the universal #onarch is 1urned. "nd at a crossroads a stu(a is raised $or the universal #onarch. 8o it is done, Vasetthas, with the 1od* o$ a universal #onarch. )"nd even, Vasetthas, as with the 1od* o$ a universal #onarch, so should it 1e done with the 1od* o$ the Tath/gata. and at a crossroads also a stu(a should 1e raised $or the Tath/gata. "nd whoever shall 1ring to that (lace garlands or incense or sandalwood (aste, or (a* reverence, and whose #ind 1eco#es cal# there CC it will 1e to his well 1eing and ha((iness $or a long ti#e.) +9. Then the %allas gave orders to their #en, sa*ing: )3ather now all the teased cotton wool o$ the %allasE) "nd the %allas o$ Husinara wra((ed the 1od* o$ the Blessed One round with new linen, and then with teased cotton wool. "nd again the* wra((ed it round with new linen, and again with teased cotton wool, and so it was done u( to $ive hundred la*ers o$ linen and $ive hundred o$ cotton wool. 6hen that was done, the* (laced the 1od* o$ the Blessed One in an iron oilC vessel, which was enclosed in another iron vessel, and the* 1uilt a $uneral (*re o$ all !inds o$ (er$u#ed woods, and u(on it the* laid the 1od* o$ the Blessed One. +>. <ow at that ti#e the Venera1le %aha Hassa(a [ *3] was journe*ing $ro# ava to Husinara together with a large co#(an* o$ $ive hundred Bhi!!hus. "nd on the wa*, the Venera1le %aha Hassa(a went aside $ro# the highwa* and sat down at the $oot o$ a tree. "nd a certain "jiva!a ca#e 1*, on his wa* to ava, and he had ta!en a mandarava $lower $ro# Husinara. "nd the Venera1le %aha Hassa(a saw the "jiva!a co#ing $ro# a distance, and as he drew close he s(o!e to hi#, sa*ing: )=o *ou !now, $riend, an*thing o$ our %aster7) )Ies, $riend, I !now. It is now seven da*s since the ascetic 3ota#a (assed awa*. Fro# there I have 1rought this mandarava $lower.) +?. Thereu(on so#e Bhi!!hus, not *et $reed $ro# (assion, li$ted u( their ar#s and we(t. and so#e, $linging the#selves on the ground, rolled $ro# side to side and we(t, la#enting: )Too soon has the Blessed One co#e to his arini11/naE

54 Too soon has the 'a((* One co#e to his arini11/naE Too soon has the D*e o$ the 6orld vanished $ro# sightE) +@. <ow at that ti#e, one 8u1hadda, who had renounced onl* in his old age, was seated in the asse#1l*.[ *#] "nd he addressed the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )Dnough, $riendsE =o not grieve, do not la#entE 6e are well rid o$ that great ascetic. Too long, $riends, have we 1een o((ressed 1* his sa*ing: 'This is $itting $or *ou. that is not $itting $or *ou.' <ow we shall 1e a1le to do as we wish, and what we do not wish, that we shall not do.) But the Venera1le %aha Hassa(a addressed the Bhi!!hus, sa*ing: )Dnough $riendsE =o not grieve, do not la#entE For has not the Blessed One declared that with all that is dear and 1eloved there #ust 1e change, se(aration, and severance7 O$ that which is 1orn, co#e into 1eing, co#(ounded, and su1ject to deca*, how can one sa*: '%a* it not co#e to dissolutionEG) +A. <ow at that ti#e $our %allas o$ the $ore#ost $a#ilies, 1athed $ro# the crown o$ their heads and wearing new clothes, with the thought: )6e will set alight the Blessed One's (*re,) tried to do so 1ut the* could not. "nd the %allas s(o!e to the Venera1le "niruddha, sa*ing: )6hat is the cause, Venera1le "niruddha, what is the reason that these $our %allas o$ the $ore#ost $a#ilies, 1athed $ro# the crown o$ their heads and wearing new clothes, with the thought: )6e will set alight the Blessed One's (*re,' tr* to do so 1ut cannot7) )Iou, Vasetthas, have one (ur(ose, the deities have another.) )Then what, venera1le sir, is the (ur(ose o$ the deities7) )The (ur(ose o$ the deities, Vasetthas, is this: 'The Venera1le %aha Hassa(a is on his wa* $ro# ava to Husinara together with a large co#(an* o$ $ive hundred Bhi!!hus. -et not the Blessed One's (*re 1e set alight until the Venera1le %aha Hassa(a has (aid ho#age at the $eet o$ the Blessed One.') )"s the deities wish, venera1le sir, so let it 1e.) 0B. "nd the Venera1le %aha Hassa(a a((roached the (*re o$ the Blessed One, at the ceti*a o$ the %allas, %a!utaC1andhana, in Husinara. "nd he arranged his u((er ro1e on one shoulder, and with his clas(ed hands raised in salutation, he wal!ed three ti#es round the (*re, !ee(ing his right side towards the Blessed One's 1od*, and he (aid ho#age at the $eet o$ the Blessed One. "nd even so did the $ive hundred Bhi!!hus. "nd when ho#age had 1een (aid 1* the Venera1le %aha Hassa(a and the $ive hundred Bhi!!hus, the (*re o$ the Blessed One 1urst into $la#e 1* itsel$.

55 01. "nd it ca#e a1out that when the 1od* o$ the Blessed One had 1een 1urned, no ashes or (articles were to 1e seen o$ what had 1een s!in, tissue, $lesh, sinews, and $luid. onl* 1ones re#ained. Nust as when ghee or oil is 1urned, it leaves no (articles or ashes 1ehind, even so when the 1od* o$ the Blessed One had 1een 1urned, no ashes or (articles were to 1e seen o$ what had 1een s!in, tissue, $lesh, sinews, and $luid. onl* 1ones re#ained. "nd o$ the $ive hundred linen wra((ings, onl* two were not consu#ed, the inner#ost and the outer#ost. 0+. "nd when the 1od* o$ the Blessed One had 1een 1urned, water rained down $ro# heaven and e2tinguished the (*re o$ the Blessed One, and $ro# the 8ala trees water ca#e $orth, and the %allas o$ Husinara 1rought water scented with #an* !inds o$ (er$u#es, and the* too e2tinguished the (*re o$ the Blessed One. "nd the %allas o$ Husinara laid the relics o$ the Blessed One in their council hall, and surrounded the# with a latticeCwor! o$ s(ears and encircled the# with a $ence o$ 1ows. and there $or seven da*s the* (aid ho#age to the relics o$ the Blessed One with dance, song, #usic, $lowerCgarlands, and (er$u#e, and showed res(ect, honor, and veneration to the relics o$ the Blessed One.

Partition of the 3e"i-s


00. Then the !ing o$ %agadha, "jatashatru, son o$ the Videhi &ueen, ca#e to !now that at Husinara the Blessed One had (assed awa*. "nd he sent a #essage to the %allas o$ Husinara, sa*ing: )The Blessed One was o$ the warrior caste, and I a# too. I a# worth* to receive a (ortion o$ the relics o$ the Blessed One. I will erect a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One and hold a $estival in their honor.) 04. "nd the -icchavis o$ Vesali ca#e to !now that at Husinara the Blessed One had (assed awa*. "nd the* sent a #essage to the %allas o$ Husinara, sa*ing: )The Blessed One was o$ the warrior caste, and we are too. 6e are worth* to receive a (ortion o$ the relics o$ the Blessed One. 6e will erect a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One and hold a $estival in their honor.) 09. "nd the 8a!*as o$ Ha(ilavastu ca#e to !now that at Husinara the Blessed One had (assed awa*. "nd the* sent a #essage to the %allas o$ Husinara, sa*ing: )The Blessed One was the greatest o$ our clan. 6e are worth* to receive a (ortion o$ the relics o$ the Blessed One. 6e will erect a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One and hold a $estival in their honor.) 0>. "nd the Bulis o$ "lla!a((a ca#e to !now that at Husinara the Blessed One had (assed awa*. "nd the* sent a #essage to the %allas o$ Husinara, sa*ing: )The Blessed One was o$ the warrior caste, and we are too. 6e are worth* to receive a (ortion o$ the relics o$ the Blessed One. 6e will erect a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One and hold a $estival in their honor.)

56 0?. "nd the Holis o$ Ra#aga#a ca#e to !now that at Husinara the Blessed One had (assed awa*. "nd the* sent a #essage to the %allas o$ Husinara, sa*ing: )The Blessed One was o$ the warrior caste, and we are too. 6e are worth* to receive a (ortion o$ the relics o$ the Blessed One. 6e will erect a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One and hold a $estival in their honor.) 0@. "nd the Vethadi(a Brah#in ca#e to !now that at Husinara the Blessed One had (assed awa*. "nd he sent a #essage to the %allas o$ Husinara, sa*ing: )The Blessed One was o$ the warrior caste, and I a# a Brah#in. I a# worth* to receive a (ortion o$ the relics o$ the Blessed One. I will erect a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One and hold a $estival in their honor.) 0A. "nd the %allas o$ ava ca#e to !now that at Husinara the Blessed One had (assed awa*. "nd the* sent a #essage to the %allas o$ Husinara, sa*ing: )The Blessed One was o$ the warrior caste, and we are too. 6e are worth* to receive a (ortion o$ the relics o$ the Blessed One. 6e will erect a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One and hold a $estival in their honor.) 4B. But when the* heard these words, the %allas o$ Husinara addressed the asse#1l*, sa*ing: )The Blessed One has (assed awa* in our townshi(. 6e shall not (art with an* (ortion o$ the relics o$ the Blessed One.) Then the Brah#in =ona s(o!e to the asse#1l*, sa*ing: )One word $ro# #e, I 1eg *ou, sirs, to hearE Our Buddha taught us ever to $or1ear. Lnsee#l* would it 1e should stri$e arise "nd war and 1loodshed, over the custod* O$ his re#ains, who was the 1est o$ #enE -et us all, sirs, in $riendliness agree To share eight (ortions CC so that $ar and wide 8tu(as #a* rise, and seeing the#, #an!ind Faith in the "llCDnlightened One will $indE) )8o 1e it, Brah#inE =ivide the relics into eight e&ual (ortions *oursel$.) "nd the Brah#in =ona said to the asse#1l*: )8o 1e it, sirs.) "nd he divided justl* into eight e&ual (ortions the relics o$ the Blessed One, and having done so, he addressed the asse#1l*, sa*ing: )-et this urn, sirs, 1e given to #e. Over this urn I will erect a stu(a, and in its honor I will hold a $estival.) "nd the urn was given to the Brah#in =ona. 41. Then the %ori*as o$ i((halivana ca#e to !now that at Husinara the Blessed One had (assed awa*. "nd the* sent a #essage to the %allas o$ Husinara, sa*ing: )The Blessed One was o$ the warrior caste, and we are too. 6e are worth* to receive a (ortion o$ the relics o$ the Blessed One. 6e will erect a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One and hold a $estival in their honor.)

57 )There is no (ortion o$ the relics o$ the Blessed One re#aining. the relics o$ the Blessed One have 1een divided. But ta!e $ro# here the ashes.) "nd the* too! $ro# there the ashes. 4+. "nd the !ing o$ %agadha, "jatashatru, son o$ the Videhi &ueen, erected a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One at Rajagaha, and in their honor held a $estival. The -icchavis o$ Vesali erected a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One at Vesali, and in their honor held a $estival. The 8a!*as o$ Ha(ilavastu erected a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One at Ha(ilavastu, and in their honor held a $estival. The Bulis o$ "lla!a((a erected a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One at "lla!a((a, and in their honor held a $estival. The Holis o$ Ra#aga#a erected a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One at Ra#aga#a, and in their honor held a $estival. The Vethadi(a Brah#in erected a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One at Vethadi(a, and in their honor held a $estival. The %allas o$ ava erected a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One at ava, and in their honor held a $estival. The %allas o$ Husinara erected a stu(a over the relics o$ the Blessed One at Husinara, and in their honor held a $estival. The Brah#in =ona erected a stu(a over the urn, and in its honor held a $estival. "nd the %ori*as o$ i((halivana erected a stu(a over the ashes at i((halivana, and in their honor held a $estival. 8o it ca#e a1out that there were eight stu(as $or the relics, a ninth $or the urn, and a tenth $or the ashes. "nd thus it was in the da*s o$ old. 40. Dight (ortions there were o$ the relics o$ hi#, The "llC8eeing One, the greatest o$ #en. 8even in Na#1udvi(a are honored, and one In Ra#aga#a, 1* !ings o$ the <aga race. One tooth is honored in the Tavati#sa heaven, One in the real# o$ Halinga, and one 1* the <aga !ings. Through their 1rightness this 1ounti$ul earth 6ith its #ost e2cellent gi$ts is endowed. For thus the relics o$ the "llC8eeing One are 1est honored B* those who are worth* o$ honor CC 1* gods and <agas "nd lords o$ #en, *ea, 1* the highest o$ #an!ind. a* ho#age with clas(ed handsE For hard indeed it is Through hundreds o$ ages to #eet with an "llC Dnlightened OneE [*$]

58

,ootnotesA
[Re$erences to "nguttara <i!/*a :O "<; are to collection $ollowed 1* 8utta nu#1er. those to =igha <i!/*a :O =<; and to %ajjhi#a <i!/*a :O %<; are to 8utta nu#1er.] 1B Bhagava: also rendered )the "us(icious One) or )the D2alted One). the #ost $re&uent a((ellation o$ the Buddha, though not restricted to Buddhist usage. 2B Ajatashatru Vedehiputta. ,o#* sa*s that "jatashatruGs #other was a Hosala (rincess and not the daughter o$ the Vedehi !ing. 'ence ,o#* e2(lains vedehiputta as )son o$ a wise #other.) "jatashatru 1eca#e !ing o$ the (ower$ul state o$ %agadha a$ter #urdering his $ather, Hing Bi#1isara :see =< +;. 3B Tathgata: lit. )ThusCgone) or )ThusCco#e). li!ewise an a((ellation o$ the Buddha, which he generall* used when s(ea!ing o$ hi#sel$. #B 5nanda was a cousin o$ the Buddha and his (ersonal attendant $or twent*C$our *ears. 'e attained "rahatshi( a$ter the (assing awa* o$ the Buddha, just 1e$ore the co##ence#ent o$ the First ,ouncil, at which he was the reciter o$ the =igha <i!/*a and the authorit* $or the 8utta ita!a. $B The discourse re$erred to here is "< VII.1A. *B The grou(Cna#es, which are not in the original, are su((lied $ro# other re$erences to the &ualities concerned. here satta saddhamma, a1out which see "< VII.>0. %< 90. In the ,o#*. to %< @ the* are called )the co#(lete e&ui(#ent re&uired $or insight) :B 8 6heel <o. >1P>+, (.4@;. 0B Satta bojjhanga. 8ee i*adassi Thera, The Seven Factors o !n"ightenment :B 8 6heel <o. 1;. 4B Sarani#a dhamma: also at %< 4@, "< VI.11, 1+. 5B Virtue $s%"a&, concentration $samdhi&, and wisdo# $pa''& are the three divisions o$ the <o1le Dight$old ath. Our te2t stresses again and again the i#(ortance o$ a $ull develo(#ent o$ all three $or $inal li1eration. 16B Asava: those de$iling $actors CC sensual desire, craving $or e2istence, and ignorance CC (ri#aril* res(onsi1le $or #aintaining 1ondage to the c*cle o$ re1irths. "lso translated as )can!ers) or )corru(tions.) -ater te2ts add a $ourth, the taint o$ wrong views. 11B 8hari(utra was the chie$ disci(le o$ the Buddha and the one who e2celled in wisdo#. For a $ull account o$ the li$e and wor!s or this illustrious individual, see <*ana(oni!a Thera, The (i e o Shariputra :B 8 6heel <o. ABPA+;.

59 12B !vam-dhamma. ,o#* Q 8u1. ,o#*: This re$ers to concentration and to the #ental &ualities 1elonging to concentration $samadhipakkhi#a dhamma& such as energ*, #ind$ulness, etc. ,o#* e2(lains )a1iding) $vihara& as a1iding in the attain#ent o$ cessation $nirodha-samapatti&. 13B !vam-vimutta: their deliverance $ro# de$ile#ents and $ro# $uture re1irths. 1#B On the $ive hindrances, see <*ana(oni!a Thera, The Five )enta" *indrances :B 8 6heel <o. +>;. 1$B On the $our $oundations o$ #ind$ulness, see 1elow, II:14. The seven $actors o$ enlighten#ent are enu#erated in I:A. 1*B +uta-bhedanam. ,o#* e2(lains as the 1rea!ing o(en, the un(ac!ing, o$ 1o2es $puta& o$ #erchandise $or the (ur(ose o$ distri1ution. But (ro1a1l* it re$ers to the 1ursting o(en o$ the seedC1o2 o$ the pata"i $lower. 10B The stage o$ "rahatshi(, the last o$ the $our stages o$ deliverance. The ne2t three (aragra(hs re$er to disci(les on the three lower stages, res(ectivel*, the nonCreturner, onceCreturner, and strea#Centerer $anagamin, Sakadagamin, srotaapanna&. 14B Or: )not dela*ed :in its results;.) 15B Animitta cetosamadhi. ,o#* e2(lains this ter# here as re$erring to the $ruitionCattain#ent o$ "rahatshi( $pha"asamapatti&, in which the Buddha 1eco#es a1sor1ed in the direct e2(erience o$ <i11/na and no longer attends to e2ternal o1jects or $eels #undane $eelings. In another conte2t it can #ean the concentration develo(ed 1* intensive insight. 26B Tamatagge: a di$$icult word. ,o#* ta!es it to stand $or the su(erlative $or#, aggatama, )highest,) 1ut alludes also to the ali word tama, )dar!ness.) It is rather di$$icult to acce(t that a su(erlative su$$i2 should 1e #ade to (recede the word it &uali$ies. Ti1etan and ,hinese (arallels :6aldsch#idt, ,as )ahaparinirvana-sutra Berlin, 1A9BC91; ((. +BB $$.; oint to a #eaning as )the highest.) In the $rag#ents o$ the Tur$an 8ans!rit version, these words are not (reserved. ,o#* sa*s: )Tamatagge e&uals tama-agge- the 't' in the #iddle is inserted $or eu(honic reasons. The #eaning is: these are the ver* highest, the #ost e#inent $ime aggatama tamatagga&. 'aving cut ever* 1ondage o$ dar!ness $tama-#oga&, those Bhi!!hus o$ #ine will 1e on the ver* to(, in the highest ran! $ativi#a agge uttamabhave&. "#ong the# those will 1e on the ver* su##it $atiagge& who are desirous o$ training. and those whose resort is the $our $oundations o$ #ind$ulness will 1e at the ver* to( o$ the#.)

60 21B .appam va titthe##a kappavasesam va. ,o#* ta!es kappa not as )worldC (eriod) or )eon,) 1ut as a#u-kappa, )li$e s(an,) and e2(lains avasesa :usuall* )re#ainder); 1* )in e2cess.) ,o#*.: )'e #a* sta* alive co#(leting the li$e s(an (ertaining to #en at the given ti#e. :8u1. ,o#*.: the #a2i#u# li$e s(an.; .appavasesa: 'in e2cess' $atireka&, i.e. #ore or less a1ove the hundred *ears said to 1e the nor#all* highest li$e e2(ectation.) "#ong the nu#erous #eanings o$ the word kappa, there is, in $act, that o$ ti#e in general $ka"a& and not onl* the duration o$ an eon. 1ut the #eaning )li$e s(an) see#s to have 1een ascri1ed to it onl* in this (assage. "lso, the #eaning )in e2cess) $or avasesa :usuall* )re#ainder); is unusual. The $our constituents o$ (s*chic (ower $iddhipada& are concentration due to Jeal, energ*, (urit* o$ #ind, and investigation. 22B "ccording to ,o#*., 5nandaGs #ind had 1een in$luenced $pari#utthitacitto& 1* %ara's e2hi1iting a $right$ul sight which distracted his attention, (reventing hi# $ro# gras(ing the Buddha's suggestion. 23B ),onvincing and li1erating.) This stands $or the one ali word sappatihari#a, an atte#(t to render the two connotations, which the word has according to the co##entaries and in the conte2t o$ other occurrences in the ,anon. The co##entaries derive it $ro# the ver1 patiharati, )to re#ove,) and e2(lain it as :1; the re#oval o$ what is adverse, e.g. o((osition and o1jections :covered 1* )convincing);, and :+; the re#oval o$ inner o1structions, i.e. de$ile#ents such as greed, etc., e$$ected 1* arhatshi(. It is (ro1a1l* to (oint to that latter #eaning that the co##entar* to our (resent te2t (ara(hrases our (assage as $ollows: )until the* are a1le to (reach the Teaching in its li1erating $ni##anika& ca(acit*.) 2#B Tu"am atu"a'ca sambhavam: lit. )The #easura1le and i##easura1le (roductive cause :o$ li$e;,) i.e. the volitional action causing re1irth in the con$ined, or li#ited senseCs(here, or in the un1ounded $ine #aterial and i##aterial s(heres. 2$B Bhavasankhara: the $or#ative $orce o$ 1eco#ing, in the sense o$ what $or#s e2istence. 2*B .avacam iv/attasambhavam. ,o#*.: )'e 1rea!s through the entire net o$ de$ile#ents that envelo(s individual e2istence li!e a coat o$ #ail. he 1rea!s the de$ile#ents as a great warrior 1rea!s his ar#or a$ter a 1attle.) The 8ans!rit version has )li!e an egg shell) $kosam iv/ anda-sambhavam&. 20B ,o#*.: )Dven 1* this #uch the Venera1le 5nanda was aware o$ the $act: '8urel*, toda* the Blessed One has renounced his will to live on.' Though the

61 Blessed One !new that the Venera1le 5nanda was aware o$ it, he did not give hi# another o((ortunit* to as! hi# to sta* on $or the re#ainder o$ his li$e s(an, 1ut he s(o!e to hi# a1out other eightCter# grou(s 1eginning with the eight asse#1lies.) 8u1. ,o#*.: )8o#e sa* that the Buddha did so in order to divert the Venera1le 5nanda and to (revent grie$ $ro# arising in hi#.) 24B 8ee also the %ahaC8ihanada 8utta :%< 1+;. 25B Abhibha#atana. 36B That is: )(erceiving $or#s on his own 1od*.) This re$ers to (reli#inar* concentration. 31B This re$ers to the kasina-nimitta, the a$terCi#age arising with $ull concentration. 32B 'e derives the )sign) $ro# o1jects e2ternal to his 1od*. 33B Attha vimokkha. 3#B 0upi. This re$ers to $or#Cs(here a1sor(tion $rupajjhana& o1tained with $or# o1jects o$ one's own 1od*. 3$B Subhan tveva adhimutto hoti. ,o#*.: )'ere1*, #editative a1sor(tion $jhana&, o1tained through b"ue-kasinas, etc., o$ ver* (ure color is indicated.) 3*B The ,o#*. sa*s that the Buddhas, when loo!ing 1ac!, turn the whole 1od* round as an ele(hant does. 30B In the earlier edition o$ this wor!, mahapadesa was rendered as )great authorities.) It is now !nown that the (ro(er #eaning o$ apadesa is not )authorit*,) 1ut )re$erence) or )source.) Besides, $ro# the (assage it is clear that there are onl* two real )authorities) CC the =iscourses :8uttas; and the =isci(line :Vina*a;. 34B Sukara-maddava: a controversial ter#, which has there$ore 1een le$t unC translated. Sukara e&uals (ig. maddava e&uals so$t, tender, delicate. 'ence two alternative renderings o$ the co#(ound are (ossi1le: :1; the tender (arts o a (ig or 1oar. :+; what is enjo*ed b# (igs and 1oars. In the latter #eaning, the ter# has 1een thought to re$er to a #ushroo# or tru$$le, or a *a# or tu1er. H.D. <eu#ann, in the (re$ace to his 3er#an translation o$ the %ajjhi#a <i!/*a, &uotes $ro# an Indian co#(endiu# o$ #edicinal (lants, the 0ajanigantu, several (lants 1eginning with sukara. The co##entar* to our te2t gives three alternative e2(lanations: :1; the $lesh $ro# a single $irstC1orn :wild; (ig, neither too *oung nor too old, which had co#e

62 to hand naturall*, i.e. without intentional !illing. :+; a (re(aration o$ so$t 1oiled rice coo!ed with the $ive cowC(roducts. :0; a !ind o$ alche#istic eli2ir $rasa#anavidhi&. =ha##a(ala, in his co##entar* to Ldana VIII.9, gives, in addition, *oung 1a#1oo shoots tra#(led 1* (igs $sukarehi madditavamsaka"iro&. 35B ,o#*.: )These verses, and several to $ollow, were inserted 1* the elders who collected the =ha##a :te2ts at the First ,ouncil;.) #6B "lara Hala#a was one o$ the Buddha's teachers 1e$ore his Dnlighten#ent. 'e taught the Bodhisattva how to attain the s(here o$ nothingness, 1ut could not show hi# the (ath to <i11/na. #1B ,o#*.: )Fro# the town o$ ava it is three gavutas :a((ro2. $ive #iles; to Husinara. 6al!ing that distance with great e$$ort and sitting down at twent*C$ive (laces on the wa*, the Blessed One reached the 8ala 3rove at dus! when the sun had alread* set. Thus co#es illness to #an, crushing all his health. "s i$ he wanted to (oint to this $act, the Blessed One s(o!e those words which dee(l* #oved the whole world: 'I a# wear*, 5nanda, and want to lie down.') #2B 8ee The Four Sacred Shrines, 1* i*adassi Thera :B 8 Bodhi -eaves <o. @;. #3B "t -u#1ini near Ha(ilavastu, the ancestral seat o$ the 8a!*ans in the $oothills o$ the 'i#ala*as. "n "so!an (illar #ar!s the s(ot. ##B "t BuddhaC3a*a, in Bihar. #$B "t Isi(atana near Benares :#odern 8arnath;. #*B Sadatthe. ,o#*.: )$or the highest (ur(ose, the goal o$ arhatshi(.) There is a di$$erent reading, saratthe, )$or an essential (ur(ose.) #0B 1akravartin-raja: the ideal !ing o$ righteousness according to Buddhist tradition. #4B A#asa: generall* )#ade o$ iron,) has here according to ,o#* the #eaning )#ade o$ gold,) $or which there is also su((ort in the 8ans!rit usage o$ the word. #5B +rat#ekabuddha is one awa!ened or enlightened $or hi# sel$Calone. 8uch +rat#ekabuddhas arise at ti#es when there is no Full* Dnlightened One $samma-sambuddha&. -i!e the latter, the* attain to Dnlighten#ent 1* their own e$$ort, 1ut unli!e the# are not a1le to lead others to deliverance. 8ee Ria Hlo((en1erg, The +rat#ekabuddha: A Buddhist Ascetic :B 8 6heel <o. 0B9P0B?;.

63 $6B The word vihara, given in the te2t, cannot re$er here to a #onaster* or #on!s' living &uarters. ,o#* e2(lains it as a (avilion $manda"a-ma"a&. I$ the localit* was used as a #eeting (lace $or the clan, as ,o#* states, there #a* well have 1een a !ind o$ shelter there. The couch in the o(en, which 5nanda was as!ed to (re(are $or the %aster, was (ro1a1l* a seat $or the chie$s o$ the %alla clan (ut u( at that (lace. $1B Sekha. This signi$ies those at the three lower stages o$ e#anci(ation, 1e$ore reaching "rahatshi(. 5nanda, at that ti#e, had reached the $irst o$ these stages, strea#Centr*. $2B Anasavo: that is, an "rhat. $3B The )seven jewels) o$ a universal #onarch are: the #agical wheel, e#1le# o$ his sovereignt*, 1* which he con&uers the earth without the use o$ $orce. his wonder$ul ele(hant. his horse. his 1eauti$ul wi$e. his (recious ge#. his treasurer. and his advisor. "ll are endowed with wondrous (ro(erties. For #ore on %aha 8udassana, see the 8utta, which 1ears his na#e, =< 1?. $#B The $our degrees o$ saintliness are the strea#Centerer, the onceCreturner, the nonCreturner, and the arhat. $$B )Friend,) in ali is avuso, )venera1le sir) e&uals bhante, )*our reverence) e&uals a#asma. $*B 8ince 5nanda, at this (oint, did not as! what the #inor rules were, the 8angha decided not to a1olish an* o$ the rules o$ the Vina*a. $0B ,hanna had 1een the Buddha's charioteer while the latter was still a (rince living in the (alace. Because o$ his (rior connection with the Buddha, he was o1durate and re$used to su1#it to disci(line. This i#(osition o$ the )higher (enalt*) $brahmadanda& changed hi# into an o1edient #on!. $4B *anda dani bhikkhave amanta#ami vo: Va#adhamma sankhara appamadena sampadetha. Darnestness $appamada& is e2(lained as )(resence o$ #ind$ulness.) ,o#*.: )'Iou should acco#(lish all *our duties without allowing #ind$ulness to la(seE' Thus did the Blessed One, while on the 1ed o$ his arini11ana, su##ariJe in that one word on earnestness the advice he had given through $ort*C$ive *ears.) $5B "niruddha, the elder 1rother o$ 5nanda, would have !nown this through the su(erCnor#al (ower o$ reading the #inds o$ others, which he (ossessed. *6B Brah#a 8aha#(ati was a high divinit* o$ the Brah#aCworld. It was he who originall* re&uested the newl* enlightened Buddha to teach the =ha##a to the world. 8ee %< +>.

64 *1B 8a!!a is the !ing o$ the gods in the Tavati#sa heaven, and thus a lower $igure in the cos#ological hierarch* than Brah#a 8aha#(ati. *2B " celestial $lower which a((ears on earth onl* on s(ecial occasions, (articularl* in connection with the chie$ events in the li$e o$ the Buddha. Its a((earance in the hands o$ the "jiva!a ascetic signaled to the Venera1le %aha Hassa(a that the Buddha's arini11/na had alread* ta!en (lace. :8ee 1elow, 8ection +>.; *3B 'e was one o$ the $ore#ost disci(les o$ the Buddha and 1eca#e the (resident o$ the First 3reat ,ouncil held shortl* a$ter the Buddha's arini11/na. 8ee 'el#uth 'ec!er, )aha .assapa: Father o the Sangha :B 8 6heel <o. 049;. *#B This 8u1hadda is a di$$erent (erson $ro# the wanderer 8u1hadda who 1eca#e the Buddha's last (ersonal disci(le. *$B ,o#* ascri1es these verses to the )Dlders o$ Ta#1a(anni Island :8ri -an!a;.)

You might also like