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The last year of the Buddha's life
is quite well documented in the Pali Canon however not many of the
significant events are particularly 'pictorial' (so, no thumbnail
links). It is 483 BCE and he is now 80 years old.
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King Ajatasattu |
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In Rajagaha,
the capital of Magadha. King Ajatasattu
(who had killed his father on Devadatta's advice) planned
to attack the neigbouring Vajjians and asked the Buddha about
his chances. He replied that as long as the Vajjians: met
frequently; met and parted in harmony; maintained their laws;
respect their elders; respect their women; honour their religion
and offer support for Truth seekers then they can be expected
to prosper, not decline. King Ajatasattu decided that the
Vajjians could not be beaten in war.
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Having travelled from Rajagaha
to Nalanda the Buddha gave many uplifting discourses.
The venerable Sariputta praised the Buddha saying: 'Never has
there been, nor will there ever be, any other monk more wise,
compassionate and enlightened.' The Buddha questioned Sariputta
on his knowledge of Buddha's past - he agreed he knew nothing.
The Buddha did not approve and discouraged
such praise or acclaim.
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Sariputta's praise
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Ambapali's meal |
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Ambapali
was a renowned courtesan of Vesali. When she heard that the
Buddha was nearing she had coaches prepared and went to meet
him. 'I invite you, venerable Sir, and all your monks to stay
in my mango grove and to
accept a meal from me tomorrow.' He agreed. The young Licchavi
noblemen later also invited him for a meal - he declined, as
he had already accepted Ambapali's offer. They were annoyed
at being beaten and offered her a large sum but she would not
miss the opportunity: '... for Vesali with all of its lands.'
She later donated the mango grove to the Buddha.
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Leaving Ambapali's grove they
travelled to Beluvagamaka on the outskirts of Vesali where the
Buddha was stricken with severe sickness.
He thought: 'It is not right that I attain final nibbana without
taking proper leave of the Sangha.' He told them: 'This dhamma
has no secret and public versions - all I have taught is here
to be seen by all. I will die but the Sangha needs no leader,
seek no external refuge, with the dhamma be islands unto yourselves.'
It was shortly after this that the Buddha had news of Sariputta
and Mogallana's death.
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Buddha's illness
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Death announced |
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There was a great earthquake
and Ananda asked the Buddha about it. 'There are 8 reasons .
. . the last two are when a Buddha relinquishes the will to
live and when he attains final nibbana. This day at the Capala
Shrine I mindfully and fully aware relinquish the will to live.'
Later he told the monks: 'Transiency is the nature of all formations,
they change, dissolve. Strive on with diligence!' Soon after
they left and the Buddha stood at the river's edge looking back
at Vesali and said to Ananda: 'This will be the last time I
ever gaze thus. Let us go.'
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They travelled on to Pava where
they were received by Cunda the goldsmith who invited them for
a meal the next day. A special dish was prepared (some say pork,
or mushrooms) and the Buddha instructed that it only be offered
to him and the rest buried. Shortly after he took violently
ill. They left for Kusinara; he announced he would die that
night but made it clear that Cunda had made great merit by offering
the last meal. Ananda weeps as he has not yet attained enlightenment.
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Cunda's meal
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Ordain Subhadda
see also [§] |
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Subhadda, a truth seeker, had
heard the Buddha was near and wanted to see him. Ananda stopped
him saying: 'The Buddha is tired and ill, now is not the time.'
However the Buddha could see Subhadda's potential, called him
forward and gave a dhamma talk which opened Subhadda's mind.
He asked for ordination, Ananda shaved his head and this was
the last ordination conducted by the Buddha. The Buddha asked
the monks if there remained any doubts about the teaching or
vinaya. They were silent.
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Many of the town and village
folk of Kusinara had gathered around the Buddha as he lay on
a couch between two sal trees. He said to Ananda: 'You wonder
who will lead the Sangha. Whatever dhamma and vinaya has been
taught by me, that will be your teacher when I am gone.' Again
he asked if any of the monks had any doubts. They were silent.
'Subject to change are all compounded things. Strive on with
diligence!.' These were the last words of the Buddha.
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Parinibbana
see also [§] & [§]
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Relics divided |
The folk of Kusinara collected scents, flowers
and musical instruments and spent six days paying honour,
respect, reverence and veneration to
the Buddha's body which had been prepared for cremation. The
fire would not light because the gathered devas could see
that venerable Maha Kassapa was soon to arrive. When he did
he, and his assembly of monks, circumambulated the pyre three
times - it ignited automatically when they had finished. Eight
neighbouring kings disputed ownership of the bones. They were
divided by Drona who claimed the vessel they had been in.
Eight stupas were built over the bones, one over the vessel
and one over the ashes. And so it was.
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MAPS - The Buddha lived and taught
in the area known as the Ganges Plain, a vast area in Northern India. |
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INTRODUCTION | YOUTH
| ENLIGHTENMENT | TEACHING
| FINALE | OTHER
VERSIONS |
