Chapter 16 76-80
When the rainy season was about to end, Kosala and Magadha started a war and news came suddenly.The army led by King Ajatasut Vitijazi himself has crossed the Ganges River and entered Kasi, the magic-casting area of Kosala.He and his generals commanded a very strong lineup, including elephants, horses, chariots, armaments and soldiers.Because the incident happened suddenly, King Pasenadi set off for Kashi before he could inform the Buddha.So he asked Prince Jeta to explain to the Buddha on his behalf.
The Buddha already knew that when Pasenadi King learned that King Ajatasha had killed his own father in order to seize the throne, he had asked Ajatashata to recover a territory near the kingdom of Baronais that he had given to King Bimbasara in the past to show Dissatisfaction with him.Over the years, this region has brought more than one hundred thousand taels of gold taxation to Magadha.In order not to lose the benefits that this region could bring, King Ajatasatta declared war on Kosala.
Venerable Shariputra told all the monks and nuns to stay in Savatthi for the time being, because it is too dangerous to go out during the fierce battle.He also asked the Buddha to stay in Savatthi until the end of the war.
Two months later, the people of Savatthi City received a report of the bad news of the army's defeat in Kashi.King Bosni and his generals were forced to retreat to the capital.The situation at this time was very tense, and King Ajatasatta's troops attacked the city day and night.Fortunately, the defense of the city was solid, and Savatthi was not captured.Later, thanks to the cunning and strategizing of General Pandura, King Prasenadi was able to fight back and thus turn the tide.In this battle, Kosaro was finally reborn.Ajatatru and his generals were all captured alive.More than a thousand soldiers were captured.More than 1,000 soldiers died in battle or fled.Kosaro confiscated their elephants, horses, chariots and armaments.
The campaign lasted six months.The people of Sravasti City rejoiced for the victory and celebrated big events.After disbanding the army, King Pasenadi went to visit the Buddha at the Gion Abode.He told the Buddha that this battle had suffered heavy casualties, but Kosala fought in self-defense under the aggression of King Ajatasatta.He also believed that Ajatatru's actions this time were influenced by lies.
"World Honored One, Magadha's ruler is my nephew. I cannot kill him, and I don't want to imprison Magadha. Please teach me the most sensible way to deal with it."
The Buddha said: "Your Majesty, you are surrounded by virtuous and loyal people, and the victory was predictable. King Ajatasatari was surrounded by treacherous ministers. It is no wonder that he went astray. 'Tathagata' suggests that you treat him as the king of Magadha. and take the time to remind him about his attitude towards his nephew. You must let him know the importance of making loyal ministers and good friends and friendship. After that, you can send him back to Morocco with the correct etiquette Go. The future long-term friendly relationship between your two countries will depend on whether you handle it properly this time."
The Buddha summoned a young bhikkhu named Jiebat to introduce him to King Vasni.This bhikkhu was originally one of the daughters of King Bimbasara and the half-brother of King Ajatasatara.Jibat was a bright and bright young man. Since he was sixteen years old, he has been studying the Dharma with Maha Moggallana as a lay disciple.After Magadha transferred to power, he asked Venerable Moggallana to give him ordained as a bhikkhu.Afterwards, he was sent by His Holiness to Savatthi City to continue his studies at Gion Abode.Although Venerable Moggallana knew very well that Jibbat had no interest in the throne.But to avoid arousing jealousy, he still thought it would be safer to keep Jibbat away from King Ajatasatta.
King Pasenadi asked the young bhikkhu about the situation in Rajagaha.Jibat then reported to him everything he had seen and heard before he left Magadha.He also told the king that someone from Magadha had come to assassinate him.But in the end, the man was persuaded by Jiebaite and changed his original intention.The man later became a monk and lived in a monastic center outside the city.After hearing this, King Bosni took his leave and returned to the palace.
A short time later, King Ajatasatta was released and sent back to Magadha.King Pasenadi wanted to resolve hatred with love, so he voluntarily gave his daughter Princess Bhajiro to King Ajatasat.In this way, King Ajatasatta is his nephew and daughter-in-law.King Pasenadi promised to give the area near Polonais to King Ajatasatta as a gift for his daughter's wedding.This time, King Pasenadi really tried his best to follow the Buddha's advice.
Because the war was over, both monks and nuns went out again to spread the Dharma.King Pasenadi ordered the construction of an abode in the suburbs outside the city, named "Royal Abode".
The Buddha lived in the Gion Abode for two consecutive years, and he also preached the Dharma in this area for the rest of the time.He only knew some news about it from Magadha monks.These monks said that after the Buddha left, the Venerable Devadatta was no longer used by King Ajatasatta.At that time, among the more than one hundred monks who followed him, eighty had already returned to the bamboo forest.Devadatta was increasingly isolated.He has become more ill recently and thus cannot leave Mount Gaya.Since that battle, King Ajatasatta has not visited Devadatta once.But he has never been to the bamboo forest.He only kept in touch with the leaders of other sects.However, the activities of the Sangha to spread the Dharma there were not hindered.Both monks and laymen in Magadha were eager for the Buddha to return.The Buddha was not there, and the Vulture Mountain and the Bamboo Forest became very deserted.Xu Bojia also waited for the Buddha to go back.
That winter, Queen Maggali of Kosala died.Pasenadi King was very sad and came to ask the Buddha for instructions.The queen has always been the king's confidant, so the king loves her very much.The queen is also a pious disciple of the Buddha, and she has obtained the essentials of the Dharma.Before the king knew the Buddha, the queen had shared her understanding of the Tao with her husband.The king still remembered that once, he had a dream that seemed ominous, and he was very troubled.Because he firmly believed in Brahman at that time, he asked the priest to sacrifice animals to the gods for him in order to avoid evil.The queen tried her best to persuade Yin at that time.She has always participated in politics from the sidelines, and helped the king a lot in solving the country's problems.Because she was one of the most devout lay disciples of the Buddha and liked to study the teachings, she built a study hall in a park full of beautiful persimmon trees.She often invites the Buddha and his disciples to come here to conduct seminars and preach.She also made the synagogue public and lent it to the principal figures of the different orders.
Immediately, he lost his wife of more than forty years. In order to meet the Buddha, the king hoped to get some instructions.After he sat quietly next to the Buddha, he gradually felt a lot calmer in his heart.He used to practice meditation in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha.The Buddha reminded him of the teaching he talked about last time, to create happiness for those around him.The Buddha encouraged him to reform the country's legal system and economy.He said that corporal punishment, torture and death in prison are not the most effective ways to extinguish crimes.Crime and violence are the result of hunger and poverty.The most effective way to make people feel secure is to create a healthy economic environment.Rationing food and raw materials for poor farmers so that they can be self-sufficient is one of the much needed policies.The government should lend to small businesses, save workers for retirement, and exempt poor families from taxes.The oppression of labor must stop.Everyone should have the freedom to choose a career.The state should provide adequate training opportunities for artisans to enable them to be proficient in their trades.The Buddha said that a correct economic policy should be based on voluntary participation.
Because Venerable Ananda sat next to the Buddha, he could clearly record all the conversations, and later recorded them into the Buddha's political and economic insights.
One day at dusk, Ananda saw the Buddha sitting outside the Dharma Lecture Hall.He is sitting with his back to the sun.Ananda felt a little strange, because the Buddha always liked to watch the sunset.When he asked the Buddha why he sat with his back to the sun, the Buddha said it was because he wanted the sun to warm his back.Ananda then massaged the Buddha's upper back first, and then all the way to his feet.While massaging, he said, "World Honored One, I have served you for fifteen years. I remember that your skin used to have a healthy glow. But now, there are many wrinkles on your skin, and there are many wrinkles on your feet. Your muscles are also loose and soft. Oh, I can count how many bones you have!"
Buddha laughed. "Ananda, if you live a long time, you will also grow old. Fortunately, my eyes and ears are still good. Ananda, do you miss Vulture Mountain and the trees in the Bamboo Forest? Do you want to climb Vulture Mountain again? Do you want to watch the sunset?"
"World Honored One, if you want to go back to Vulture Mountain, please let me accompany you."
That summer, the Buddha returned to Magadha.He walked unhurriedly, divided the long journey into several sections, and visited various monastic centers on the way.Everywhere he went, he taught the bhikkhu, and gave the Dharma to the believers at home.He passed through the Sakyamuni, Weiluo, Pitika and Vaji tribes along the way before crossing the Ganges to Magadha.Before entering Rajagaha, he stopped at Nalanda to visit the Sangha there.
Both the bamboo forest and Vulture Mountain are still beautiful.People from the city and the village came to see the Buddha in droves.After more than a month, the Buddha had the opportunity to go to his mango orchard at the invitation of Xu Bojia.Xu Bojia built a large Dharma lecture hall here, which can accommodate more than 1,000 monks.
As they sat together outside the house, Supoka related what happened after the Buddha left.The Buddha was also very comforted to know that Queen Vijaya had calmed down.She has now switched to a vegan diet and is learning more about meditation.On the contrary, King Ajatasatta was suffering from extreme mental torment.He felt very guilty about his father's death and felt restless.He was so nervous that he almost collapsed.He is often haunted by nightmares, so he does not sleep soundly.Physicians and priests of the Noble sect were called to relieve him of this mental illness.These sects include Sanjayavira, Ajita Chisachinbhara.Mukali Kusari, Fulana Kasyapa, Kaluojiuta Kajanyan and Niqian Tuo Ruo Tizi and so on.Although these priests tried their best in order to receive the special protection of the king in the future, unfortunately they could not find an effective method.
One day, King Ajatasatta had dinner with his wife, son Udayi Bada, and mother Queen Vitiyan.Prince Udayi Bada is three years old.But because the king doted on him so much that he was spoiled.When eating, the prince asked his puppy to be with him at the same table.Although this is not usually allowed, the king made an exception and approved this time.Feeling that he seemed a little too calm for his son, the king explained to his mother: "I know it is not elegant to have a dog eating at the same table. But the child insists on this kiss, and I can't do anything to him."
The Queen Mother Vitiyan replied: "You let your son do this because you love your son. It is not surprising. Do you remember that your father was worried about you because of your care, so he couldn't sleep. He carried you to his pillow and put your little finger into his mouth. Then, he sucked your finger to relieve your pain. He has been doing this for four days and four days night, until the sores are ripe. At this time, he sucks the pus. During the process, he still dare not take your fingers out of his mouth, lest your pain will not be completely gone. Therefore, the evil He swallowed all the pus of the sore. From this incident, you should know how much your father loves you. Now you let your son eat with the dog, it is just because you love your son. .I know very well."
The king suddenly put his head in his hands again, walked out of the room, and never came back to eat his unfinished dinner.After that night, his mental condition worsened.He finally asked Xu Bojia to come and treat him.King Ajatatasatta complained to Suvaka of his guilt and inner torment, and told Suvaka that all the brahmins and priests could not help him.Xu Bojia just sat, but didn't say a word.The king asked, "Xu Bojia, why don't you speak?"
Then Xu Bojia replied: "I can only tell you that Guru Gautama is the only one who can help you. Go and ask him for instructions."
The king didn't respond for a while.Later, he said to himself, "But I am sure Guru Gotama must have hated me."
Xu Bojia disagreed with his idea. "Don't think so. Gautama Guru did not hate others. He was your father's Guru and good friend. You go to him as you go to your own father. If you go to him, you must You will find peace of mind. You should be able to repair the damage you have caused. My medicine is nowhere near that of the Buddha. He is not an orthodox trained physician, but he is not a physician's physician. Many people Call him the 'Great Physician'."
The king agreed to consider Xu Bojia's suggestion.
The Buddha stayed at Vulture Hill for several months.He visited various monastery centers in the area, and agreed to live in the mango orchard for a month.It was during this time that Suvaka arranged for King Ajatasatta to meet the Buddha.On a moonlit night, the Majesty rode on a great horn, accompanied by a train of attendants, concubines, and Queen Vitiyan.When we arrived at the orchard, there was silence all around.The king suddenly felt panic and fear.Xubo Jiajia once told him that the Buddha lived here with a thousand monks.If so, how could it be so quiet?Could it be deliberately teasing him?Or was Xu Bojia a trap for him to ambush?He asked Xu Bojia directly whether this was revenge for him.Xu Bojia laughed.He pointed to the faint light shining through the round windows of the Fa Lecture Hall.
Xu Bojia said: "The Buddha and his monks are all inside at this moment."
The king got off the elephant and entered the lecture hall.His entourage and family members all followed him in.Xu Bojia pointed to the person sitting on the platform with his back leaning on the pillar, and said, "The Buddha is there."
The king was moved by the silence of this group of attention.A thousand monks surrounded the Buddha peacefully.I couldn't even hear the flapping of my robes.King Ajatasatta had only a few hundred relationships with the Buddha, because he never attended the Buddha's puja with his father.
Buddha asked them to sit down.The king bowed and said: "World Honored One, I remember hearing you talk in the palace when I was young. Now I ask you a question. What is the fruit of practice that can make thousands of people become monks in order to obtain enlightenment? "
Buddha asked him if he had done the same with other teachers.The king said that he had also asked many different teachers.Including Devadatta.But he never got a satisfactory answer.
The Buddha said: "Your Majesty, tonight the 'Tathagata' will tell you the fruits of the Dharma teachings, some fruits that can be enjoyed now, and fruits that can be harvested in the future. You don't need to seek high-level answers. You just need to see clearly. Mango in hand."
"Your Majesty, take an analogy. A servant has to obey his master's will from day to night, to satisfy his request. One day, he asked himself: 'I and the master are both human beings. Why should I be enslaved by him' ?The servant decided not to be a servant anymore, but to become a monk. He lived a life of chastity, diligence and concentration. He ate one meal a day, practiced walking meditation and sitting meditation, and his words and deeds in life showed peace and dignity He became a virtuous and respected monk. Although you know he was a servant in the past, when you see him now, do you say to him: 'Come here, boy, I want you Serve me till night, and do my bidding.'”
The king said: "World Honored One, of course not. I will definitely not speak to him in this manner. I will respectfully salute him, give him food, and ensure that he is protected by the law as a monk should." .”
The Buddha said: "Your Majesty, this is the first fruit of a bhikkhu's practice. He has been freed from racial, social and class prejudices. He has regained his dignity as a human being."
The king said, "Excellent, World Honored One! Please continue to speak more."
The Buddha also said: "Your Majesty, the dignity of a person is only the first fruit. A monk holds two hundred and fifty precepts so that he can always live in peace. Those who do not keep the precepts are more likely to go astray. They may go astray. Committing crimes such as deception, drunkenness, adultery, evil theft, or even murder. These kinds of behaviors will bring them terrible physical and mental punishment, and they will be severely punished when they are arrested. , not fornication, not lying and not drinking, and more than two hundred other precepts. In this way, he can practice a more comfortable life in his heart more easily than ordinary people. This is another fruit that can be enjoyed immediately.”
The king said, "Very well, World Honored One! Please continue."
The Buddha said: "Your Majesty, a bhikkhu has only three robes and one bowl. He is never afraid of being robbed by thieves, and he never needs to guard against night robbers. He can sleep under a tree at will without worry. Freedom from fear , is a kind of greatest happiness. This is another kind of fruit of experience brought about by practice.”
His Majesty was so touched that his whole body trembled, and he said, "Very good, World Honored One! Please continue."
The Buddha continued: "Your Majesty, the life of a bhikkhu is very simple. Although he eats only one meal a day, the food in his alms bowl comes from thousands of different families. He does not seek profit. He uses only his true What is needed, there is nothing else to ask for. Living in this unfettered freedom is the fruit that can be enjoyed in this moment."
The king said again: "Amazing, World Honored One! Please continue."
The Buddha said: "Your Majesty, if you know how to practice breath awareness and visualization, you can experience the happiness of those who practice the Way. That is the joy of meditation. A monk observes the six faculties to subdue the five of the mind. Obstacles such as greed, hatred, obsession, laziness, doubt. He concentrates on the breath to create a joy that nourishes the body and mind. This helps him to progress on the path to enlightenment. Pleasures generated by the senses must never Compared with the bliss obtained from meditation, the bliss of meditation can penetrate the body and mind, eliminate all anxiety, sadness and sorrow, and enable the practitioner to experience the wonders of life. Your Majesty, this is one of the most important fruits of practice that can be enjoyed at the moment. "
The king said, "It's amazing, World Honored One! Please continue."
The Buddha continued: "Your Majesty, because a bhikkhu is always mindful and sticks to the precepts, he can develop right concentration and see all dharmas. Because of his insight into all dharmas, he can see the impermanence and non-self nature of all dharmas, so he will no longer be in the world. He is then able to cut through all entanglements of afflictions, greed, hatred, desire, laziness, doubt, body-view, side-view, false view, wrong view, and wrong view that is mistaken for right view. After all these entanglements are removed, the bhikkhu attains liberation and freedom. Liberation is true happiness, Your Majesty, and is one of the greatest fruits of practice. Some of the monks sitting here tonight have attained this fruit. .Your Majesty, this is the fruit that can be proved immediately."
His Majesty praised: "It's wonderful, World Honored One! I hope you can say more."
The Buddha said again: "Your Majesty, because of the true nature of all dharmas, a bhikkhu knows that all dharmas are neither born nor destroyed, neither dirty nor clean, neither increase nor decrease, neither one nor many, neither coming nor going. Because there is With this understanding, a bhikkhu will no longer differentiate. He sees all dharmas with an equal mind, without hindrance. He rides the waves of life and death to rescue all beings from the sea of suffering. He introduces the way to all beings so that they can A taste of the joy of liberation. Your Majesty, it is the greatest pleasure to help others to be liberated from the labyrinth of greed, hatred, and ignorance. This kind of happiness is the ultimate fruit of practice that can extend from the present to the future. Your Majesty, in his In all contacts, a monk will never forget the important task of teaching everyone the virtue and the path of liberation. The monks will not participate in politics, they will only contribute to the peace, morality and happiness of the society. The fruits of practice are not only for The bhikkhu's benefit. They are also the inheritance of the people of the country."
The king stood up and closed his palms sincerely and respectfully.He said: "Supreme Teacher! World Honored One! You have lit me up with simple words. You have shown me the true value of the Dharma. World Honored One, you have helped me find the right direction when I was lost. Turn darkness into light. I beg you, Lord, to accept me as your disciple, just as you accepted my parents."
The king prostrated himself before the Buddha.
Buddha nodded in agreement.He asked Venerable Shariputra to teach the king and queen to read the Three Refuges.After they read, the king said: "It is very late now, please allow us to leave first, because I will have early tomorrow morning."
Buddha nodded again.
The meeting between the Buddha and King Ajatasatta was beneficial to all those present.The king's mental torture greatly improved.That night, he dreamed that his father was smiling at him, which made him feel that all the wounds he had done in the past had been healed.The king's mind has completely changed, which has brought infinite joy to his people.
Since then, the king often visited the Buddha privately.He no longer rode an elephant, let alone accompanied by guards.He knew that his father was the same as in the past, climbing the carved stone steps that circled the hillside and went up the mountain.During these talks, King Ajatasatta confessed his inner world to the Buddha, and even confessed his past crimes in front of the Buddha.The Buddha regarded him as his own son and reminded the king to be close to virtuous people.
When the retreat was coming to an end, Xu Bojia asked the Buddha to let him become a monk.The Buddha accepted his request and gave him the name of Vimovikrchenna.The Buddha allowed him to continue living in the mango orchard.There are nearly 200 monks believed there.This is also the place where the Buddha was cared for after he was wounded during the Yijiu on the Vulture Mountain.The mango trees here grow very densely, making the living environment of the Vihara very pleasant.Bhikkhu Vimovi Kochena continued to grow herbs here for the monks of the Sangha to enjoy.
After the rainy season, the Buddha and Ananda traveled all over Magadha, stopping in the most remote places to give Dharma to the monks and laymen in the local monastic center.On the way, the Buddha would point to the picturesque mountains and waters and ask Venerable Ananda to appreciate them carefully.The Buddha knew that Ananda had only devoted himself to serving him for many years, and he had probably forgotten to enjoy the surrounding countryside.
Ananda served the Buddha for nearly twenty years.In retrospect, he also remembered that the Buddha pointed to the pleasant scenery many times and said to him: "Ananda, look how beautiful the Vulture Mountain is!" intoxicating!".Ananda recalled the time when the Buddha pointed to the golden paddy field surrounded by green grass, and then proposed to sew the robes according to this pattern.Ananda realized how the Buddha knew how to appreciate beautiful things without being distracted by the distinction between beauty and ugliness.
The following rainy season, the Buddha returned to the Gion Abode.At that time, King Pasenadi was traveling, so he had no contact with the Buddha.When he came back, half of the settlement was over.As soon as the king arrived, he immediately came to meet the Buddha and told him that he no longer wanted to be trapped in the palace all day long.Knowing that he was old, he had entrusted many affairs of state to trusted ministers.Now he just wants to travel with his close friends so that he can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the country and neighboring countries.When he went to other countries to celebrate, he did not expect a grand reception ceremony.He just went there as an ordinary traveler.He also took advantage of these travel opportunities to practice walking meditation.Putting all worries behind him, he will walk leisurely in the countryside.He told the Buddha that these journeys had refreshed his mind so much.
"Buddha, I am seventy-eight years old, the same age as you. I know that you also like to walk in places with beautiful mountains and rivers. But my travel is not like yours, which can serve others at the same time. Every time you arrive Wherever you go, you must stop to teach and guide people. Wherever you go, you will be blessed with blessings."
The king confided to the Buddha a great regret he had buried in his heart for a long time.In a coup riot seven years ago, he mistakenly took General Pandura, the then military commander, as the mastermind and sentenced him to death.A few years later, he found out that the general was wronged.After that, the king felt very guilty.He tried his best to restore the general's reputation and gave his orphan ample compensation.He also appointed his nephew, General Garoyana, as the new military commander.
During the remaining days of Anju, Da Wangli came every other day to attend the Fa conference and discuss the principles of the Fa.Sometimes, he just sat quietly beside the Buddha.After the retreat was over, the Buddha was on his way again.Your Majesty has also traveled abroad with friends.
In the second year, the Buddha stayed in the residence building for two weeks after his peaceful residence.Then, he followed the river, went south to Kosala, Poronais and Vaishali, and then returned to the north.
One day, when he was in an area called Modalamba in Sakyamuni, King Pasenadi suddenly visited the Buddha.It turned out that the great king was also nearby, traveling with Prince Vedudaba and General Garoyana.Because the king heard that the Buddha was in Modalamba, it only took half a day's journey to get there, so he asked General Garoyana to drive the carriage.They came in a group, and set off on the road with another troika.After parking the carriage outside the garden where the Buddha lived, the king and the general arrived for a while.A monk led the king to the Buddha's hut under the shade of a tree.
The door of the house is closed.His Majesty walked slowly to the sixth front, and straightened his clothes.He gave the sword and Wang Guanyi to the general, and asked him to take these items back to the carriage first, and then wait for him outside.Then, the king knocked on the door and entered.Although the Buddha was a little surprised by the King's appearance, he was very happy.The Venerable Sariputra and Ananda were also in the dormitory at that time.
The Buddha asked the king to sit down beside him.Sariputta and Ananda stood behind the Buddha.Surprisingly, the king suddenly stood up again, then knelt at the Buddha's feet and kissed his feet.The great king said several times in a row: "World Honored One, I am King Pasenadi of Kosala Kingdom. I respectfully pay homage to you."
The Buddha helped the king to sit on the chair and said, "Your Majesty, we have been old friends for many years. Why do you have to be so polite?"
The king replied: "World Honored One, I am already old. There are a few things I want to tell you, otherwise I may not have another chance."
The Buddha said to him with concern: "Please speak out."
"World Honored One, I have full confidence in you, the Great Enlightened One. I also have the same confidence in the Dharma and the Sangha. I have known many Brahmins and practitioners of other religions. I have watched them practice for ten or two years. Ten, thirty, even forty years, and finally they gave up their practice and fell back into a life of sensual pleasures. But among your monks, I have never seen the same .”
"My lord, I have seen kings against kings, generals against generals, brahmins against brahmins, wives scolding their husbands, children scolding their parents, brothers fighting against each other, and friends at odds. But I have seen monks living in harmony and respecting each other. , live happily ever after. It's something I've never seen anywhere else."
"World Honored One, wherever I go, I see those ascetics with melancholy and vicissitudes of life. But your bhikkhu looks relaxed and happy, peaceful and at ease. World Honored One, what I have witnessed makes me respect you and your teachings. Very confident."
"My lord, I am a king from the warrior class. I have the power to imprison or kill anyone. But I am often harassed when I consult with my ministers. And your Sangha, even if there are thousands of monks gathered together, can't do it. No sound interrupted your speech. World Honored One, this is really rare. You don't need to use power and force to force people to respect you. World Honored One, this is one of the reasons why I have full confidence in you."
"World Honored One, I have seen those famous scholars who tried to stump you with tricky questions. But when they listened to your sermon, they were all stunned by you and forgot all the questions they were supposed to ask. They I can only admire you. World Honored One, this has strengthened my confidence in you."
"World Honored One, there are two excellent grooms in my palace, named Ishdeva and Phulana. Although they are both paid by me, their respect for me is far less than that for you. Once, I traveled with them, and there was a storm on the way. We slept in a small room under a canopy of palm leaves that night. They talked about your teachings all night. When they finally fell asleep, their The head is facing Vulture Mountain, but the feet are facing me! You don't give them money, but they think you are much more important than me. This makes me more confident in you and what you teach .”
"World Honored One, you were also a martial artist in the past. We are both seventy-eight years old this year. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you for our deep friendship. With your permission, I would like to resign now. gone."
"Please, Your Majesty," said the Buddha, "Remember to take good care of yourself."
He walked to the door with the king.When the Buddha turned around again, he saw Shariputra and Ananda standing silently with their palms folded.He said: "Shariputra and Ananda, just now King Pasenadi has expressed his admiration for the Three Jewels from the bottom of his heart. Please let others share what he said so that their faith will also be strengthened."
A month later, the Buddha returned to Vulture Mountain. Not long after his arrival, he received two pieces of bad news.King Pasenadi passed away under some tumultuous circumstances.Venerable Moggallana was killed outside the bamboo forest by some fierce ascetics.
King Pasenadi did not die peacefully in the palace.He died in some rough circumstances in Rajagha.After his meeting with the Buddha that day at Modaramba, the Maharaja returned to his carriage.But the strange thing is that there were four carriages parked there, but only one was left at that time.He was told by his entourage that General Garoyana had ordered them all to go back to Savatthi.Because he held the king's sword and crown, he threatened Prince Vedudaba to go back to Shecheng and become king on the grounds that the king was old and weak and was no longer fit to be in power.The prince first returned and strongly opposed it.But when the general threatened to take the throne for himself, the prince had no choice but to obey him.
King Pasenadi immediately went to Rajagha City to ask for help from his nephew and son-in-law King Ajatasat.Along the way, the king had no appetite to eat, and only drank a little water.They arrived at Rajgir very late.In order to avoid disturbing the palace at night, the king and his entourage stayed overnight in the inn.Unexpectedly, the king suddenly felt unwell that night, and died suddenly in the arms of his servants.His attendants could not help weeping bitterly when they saw the tragic fate of the king.After King Ajatasatut learned of the bad news, he immediately arranged a solemn funeral for the king.After the funeral, King Ajatasatta wanted to send troops to attack Vedudaba, but was dissuaded by Bhikkhu Vimo Vikchenna, the former Physician of Subhaka.He said that since Vedudaba was the legitimate heir to the throne and King Persenadi had passed away, the battle could be avoided.King Ajatatasat also felt that what he said was reasonable, so he gave up the idea of sending troops to crusade, and sent envoys to Savatthi City to express his recognition of the establishment of the new dynasty.
Venerable Moggallana is one of the most outstanding disciples of the Buddha.Many of his disciples passed away, including Kochenru, one of the Buddha's original five disciples.Brother Kasyapa and Master Mahavajapatini both passed away.Shortly after the death of Bhikkhuni Yasodhara, Bhikkhu Rahula died at the age of fifty-one.
Venerable Moggallana has always been known for his fearless and outspoken character.He often speaks frankly and never compromises.For this reason, he made many enemies outside the Sangha.On the day of his death, he and his two disciples went out early in the morning.It turned out that the killer had already ambushed outside the jingshe.As soon as they walked out, the killers attacked the three of them with wooden sticks.Due to the large number of killers, they could not resist.Two of Moggallana's disciples were severely injured and fell by the side of the road.They cried out for help, but it was too late.The respected Moggallana has lost his soul, and the killers have also disappeared without a trace.
When the Buddha returned to the Vulture Mountain, the body of the Venerable Moggallana had been cremated.They put the ashes of His Holiness in a small urn and placed them outside the door of the Buddha's house.When the Buddha asked about the Venerable Shariputra, the monks said that since the death of the Venerable Maggallana, he had kept himself locked up in a hut.Shariputra and Moggallana have always been like brothers and are inseparable.After the Buddha came back, he did not rest for a while, so he went to Shariputra's house to visit him.
As they walked to Sariputta's hut, Ananda pondered over the Buddha's own feelings.How could Buddha not be heartbroken at the sudden loss of two of his best friends?Now the Buddha went to comfort Shariputra, but who would comfort the Buddha?The Buddha seemed to know the question in Ananda's heart, stopped, looked at him and said: "Ananda, everyone praises you for your hard work and knowledge, and your memory is amazing. But don't think that this is enough. Although take care of, 'Tathagata "It is very important to be with the Sangha, but you have more important things to do. For the rest of the time, you have to practice diligently so that you can break through life and death. You have to regard life and death as illusions, as far as you can see after rubbing your eyes. Like the stars in my eyes."
Venerable Ananda lowered his head and continued walking silently.
The next day, the Buddha proposed to build a stupa to house the ashes of the Venerable Maggallana.
One afternoon, while the Buddha was walking meditation on the hillside, two monks arrived carrying Devadatta on a stretcher.Over the past few years, Venerable Devadatta's health has been declining.Now, on his deathbed, he really wanted to see the Buddha again.Only six of his disciples remained.Even his former most ardent supporters left him many years ago.His closest colleague, Venerable Kugalika, had already died of a strange skin disease.在伽耶山渡过的晚年虽然是冷清孤寂，但提婆达多倒倒有很多时间去检讨他过去的所作所为。
当佛陀知道提婆达多前来求见，便立刻回到自己的房子去接待他。提婆达多尊者弱得坐不起来。就是说话也是有气无力。他望着佛陀，很吃力的把双掌合上，才慢吞吞的说：“我皈依佛陀。”
佛陀将手轻轻放在提婆达多的额上。那天晚上，提婆达多尊者便去世。
正是炎夏，蔚蓝的天空里，找不到一点云。佛陀行将上路的时候，阿阇世王的使者却来求见。这位使者名叫婆删伽罗，是大王的外务大臣。大王派他前来，是想知道佛陀他有意出兵讨伐恒河以北的跋耆族国。出击之前，大王希望知道佛陀他对这个大计的看法。
阿难陀尊者当时站在佛陀背后，替他扇凉。佛陀转过身来问阿难陀：“阿难陀尊者，你有没有听闻跋耆族的人民是否仍有时常聚会，讨论政事？”
阿难陀答道：“世尊，我听闻跋耆族的人民，是常有举行聚会来研讨政局的。”
“那么，跋耆族是应该会继续兴盛的。阿难陀，告诉我，你知道他们在聚会中，仍是那么充满团结和合作的精神吗？”
“世尊，我听闻他们都非常合作和团结。”
“那么，跋耆族是会继续兴盛的。阿难陀，跋耆族的人民仍是那么奉公守法吗？”
“世尊，我听闻他们都严守国家的法纪。”
“那跋耆族肯定会继续强盛。阿难陀，跋耆族的人民是否敬重贤能的领导者？”
“世尊，我听闻他们都十分尊敬和听从贤能之士。”
“这样，他们的国家是必会强盛的。阿难陀，你有听到跋耆族有奸淫虐掠等强暴罪行吗？”
“世尊，在他们的国内，全没有这些暴行罪恶。”
“那跋耆族必然继续繁盛。阿难陀，你有啊闻跋耆族的国民好好保存先人祖寺吗？”
“世尊，我也听说他们是有这样做的。”
“那跋耆族应该持续繁荣。你知道他们是否仍对已得道的精神导师尊敬、供养以及向他们学道吗？”
“世尊，他们有继续尊敬和供养得道的精神导师，更有向他们请教学习。”
“阿难陀，这样，跋耆族便肯定会持续强盛了。阿难陀，'如来'不久之前曾向跋耆族的大臣宣说能使一个国家兴盛的七种习行。这叫'七不退行'。它们就是：会聚商讨、团结合作、奉守法纪、尊贤敬能、不暴不淫、保存宗寺和尊师重道。既然跋耆族的国民有继续行持这七样行为，这个国家必定会继续繁盛富强。因此，'如来'认为摩揭陀是很难降服跋耆族的。”
婆删伽罗大臣说道：“世尊，就是跋耆族的人民只守持其中的一样行为，他们都会兴盛。因此，我也相信阿阇世王很难只靠武力取胜。如果他要成功，必需在跋耆族的领导阶层，散播使他们内闹的种子。多谢世尊的提示。我现在要回去报告大王了。”
婆删伽罗离开之后，佛陀对阿难陀说：“婆删伽罗很有计谋。'如来'恐怕总有一天，阿阇世王会兵攻打跋耆族。”
那天下午，佛陀嘱阿难陀召集正在王舍城的所有比丘与比丘尼到灵鹫山聚会。当他们在七日后齐集时，总数达二千人。从山上望去，二千僧袍一起在微风中飘扬的景色，实在非常壮观。
佛陀缓缓的从房子步下，行到僧尼聚集之处。他踏上法讲台，遥望僧众，微笑着说：“诸比丘和比丘尼，'如来'将会教你们防止僧团衰落的七种方法。细听吧！
“第一，要时常分成小组来研读正法。第二，不论一起或分开时，都要时常保持团结互助的精神。第三，尊重和守持僧团所订立的戒律。第四，要尊敬和听从团中有德行的长者之教诲。第五，要过清净简朴的生活而不为贪欲所动摇。第六，珍惜平和安静的生活。第七，要常住于专念之中。以能达到平和、喜悦与解脱，因而可以在修行的大道上，互相扶持。”
“诸比丘和比丘尼，如果你们都依照这七种方法修行，正法便会发扬光大，而僧团也便不会衰落。一切外来的因素都很难使僧团破裂。唯一可以导至分裂的，就只有僧团内部的不和。比丘和比丘尼，当狮王在山林中死去时，百兽都不敢侵食其肉。唯独是它自体内的蛆虫，才会把它全尸毁灭。为了保护正法，你们一定要依此七法而行。绝不要像尸体内的蛆虫一般，把狮子从内吞食。”
佛陀又提醒僧尼们不要浪费时间于无聊的闲话、过份的睡眠、追逐名闻利养、贪求欲望、兴败德劣品的人在一起、以及自满于对教理的浅见。他再提醒他们在修行道上必需要注意的七正觉因，忖念、研法、精进、喜得法要、轻安自在、禅定和喜舍放下。他也再一次重覆无常、无自性、不执着、解脱和要降服贪欲的教仪。
这二千名僧尼在灵鹫山逗留了十日。他们睚在树底、山洞、茅房或山涧附近。佛陀每天都给他们开示。到十日，佛陀便告诉他们，可以回去自己的修道中心了。
僧尼都离开之后，佛陀对阿难陀说：“我们明天到竹林去。”
往竹林后，佛陀和阿难陀离开王舍城，前往很久以前频婆娑罗王提供给修道者的阿弥巴纳僧公园。在前往那烂陀的路上，比丘们一向以来都喜欢在这里停下来竭息。舍利弗尊者就曾与罗睺罗在这里住过。佛陀给住在阿弥巴纳帝伽的比丘们说教戒、定、慧。
接着，佛陀与一百名比丘同行，一起前往那烂陀。一路上，阿难陀、舍利弗和阿那律三位尊者都紧随佛陀而行。抵达那烂陀之后，佛陀便在波婆梨伽的芒果园里休息。
第二天早上，舍利弗尊者在佛陀身边默默的坐了很久，然后说道：“世尊，我肯定在过去、现在和未来，都没有一位精神导师可以超越你的智慧和证境。”
佛陀说：“舍利弗，你这样说，真有如狮吼的勇猛。你可曾与有过去、现在和未来的精神导师相遇过吗？”
“世尊，我虽然没有与三个时代的大师相识过，但有一件事我可以肯定知道。我已亲近你超过四十十五年了。我曾听你说法，观察你生活的方式。我知道你是常住觉察之中。你是你自己六根的主人。你从没有显示贪欲、瞋罣、昏沉、不宁和怀疑正法等五种障碍。当然在过去、现在和将来，都会有一些证得一点智慧的大导师，但我相信没有任何人可以超越你的智慧。”
在那烂陀，佛陀再给比丘们详细讲说戒、定、慧。跟着，他回到波吒厘村，并受到当地的僧俗二众热烈欢迎。除了接受他们供养饮食之外，佛陀又给他们说法开示。
翌晨，舍利弗尊者接到母亲病重的消息。他母亲已过百岁。舍利弗便与沙弥周那起程，前往纳罗。
当佛陀和比丘们经过波吒厘村的城门时，摩揭陀的两位官员，善梨塔和婆删伽罗在那里迎迓。他们是阿阇世王派来这里，希望将波吒厘村改变成为一个大城市的。他们告诉佛陀说：“我们打算将你刚才经过的城门命名为'乔达摩渡头'。”
连日来的雨水使恒河的水位高涨，以至站在高岸上的鸦鸟，都可以就此垂下嘴巴而得饮河水。佛陀和比丘们分坐五艘林筏渡河。阿难陀尊者一直站在佛陀身旁。他们望过去，可见到毗舍离隔水在对岸。
阿难陀回想起二十五年前佛陀在这岸上受到汹涌人潮的欢迎。那时，毗舍离正为瘟疫所侵。年老幼弱的死者，不计其数。毗舍离最高明的医师，也不知所措。人们筑起祭坛虔心诵经，但也无补于事。最后，他们剩下唯一的希望，就是佛陀。当时的德摩罗总督亲往王舍城礼请佛陀到毗舍离一行，以期望佛陀的大德能把厄运扭转。佛陀答应前去。当时在王舍城送行的，有频婆娑罗王、王后、宫中的官员的民众。
佛陀坐船抵达毗舍离时发觉岸上张罗着旗帜、鲜花和祭坛。那里的居民，简直当他是救世主，欢呼的声音，不绝的于耳。维摩维憍陈纳尊者，昔日的戌博迦，与几位大弟子也有同行。佛陀一踏足岸上，突然雷声震天，大雨倾盆。这是大旱天以来的第一场雨，正好为大家带来一片清新的气象和希望。佛陀和他的比丘被领引到俱胝村市中心的一个公园里。佛陀在那里讲说三宝。之后，佛陀和比丘被邀请前往毗舍离。他们下榻于大林精舍。有赖佛陀的大德以及维摩维憍陈纳的医术，瘟疫开始受到控制，直至最后全消。佛陀这次在毗舍离住了六个月。
阿难陀想到这里，他们已将近到岸。佛陀上岸上后，便行往俱胝村。他在这里受到一大群比丘的热烈欢迎。他给比丘们讲说四念处和戒、定、慧。过了几天，他又再起程前往那提伽。在这里，佛陀和比丘住在一间名叫那梨聚落的砖造房屋。
在那提伽，佛陀想起在这一带地方去世的好一些弟子。他想起他的妹妹孙达梨难陀比丘尼、婆罗诃和那提伽比丘、在家弟子伽苦陀、跋陀和须跋特罗，以及多年前给他乳汁的善生。就在这一带，已经有五十位比丘证得'入流'、'一返'和'不还'的果位。难陀比丘尼证'一返'之果。婆罗诃和那提伽两位比丘，则证得阿罗汉果位。
对佛、法、僧有信心的弟子，佛陀教他们只需要向自心观照，便可知道自己是否已入解脱之流。他们是不需要问别人的。他在那提伽又给比丘们说教戒、定、慧。跟着，他又步往阿摩巴利在毗舍离的芒果园。在这里，佛陀讲说对色身、感受、心性和心生之物的观照。
知道佛陀来了芒果园，阿摩巴利立即前来竭见佛陀。她给佛陀和比丘设宴供养，并在佛食之后请求佛陀让她受戒为尼。佛陀欣然答应之后，她便她为比丘尼。
佛陀在毗舍离再多次说教戒、定、慧。之后，他便前往贝鲁婆村。因为雨季已经开始，于是佛陀便决定在这里留下来。这是佛陀证道后第四十五次的安居。他嘱所有的僧尼都在毗舍离附近的修道中心或亲朋的家里安居。
安居的中段，佛陀突然病重。虽然他非常辛苦，但却没有一声怨言。他只躺卧着，专念的留意着呼吸。起初，他的弟子都担心他这次一次不起。但后来，他的体力却慢慢恢复过来，令弟子们欢欣不已。多日后，他更可以自行到房子外坐在椅上。
阿难陀尊者坐在佛陀身旁，轻声细语道：“我与你一起多年，都从未见过你病得如此严重，我实在慌得整个人都像麻木了。我做日常的作务时，变得糊里糊涂，头脑很不清醒。大家都以为你捱不住了。但我告诉自己，佛陀世尊还未有给我们最后的启示，他没可能这样就进入涅槃的。我就是这样想着，才不致过度悲伤。”
佛陀说：“阿难陀，你和僧团对我还有什么要求呢？我已经把全部正法都详细深入的给你们说教。你以为我还会有所保留吗？阿难陀，真正要皈依的，是教理。每个人都应该以教理作为自己的皈依。依照教理去生活吧。这样，每个人便都会成为自己的明灯。阿难陀，佛、法、僧其实都存在在于每个人。觉悟的潜能就是佛，教理就是法，在修行上互相扶持的团体就是僧。没有任何人可以把你心内的佛、法、僧抢走。就是天崩地裂，我们每个人的自性的三宝都不会被破损的。它们才是我们真正的皈依。当一个比丘投入专念，去观照他自己的色身、感受、心和心生之物时，他就是自己的海岛。他已拥有最真正可皈依的处所。没有其他人，包括伟大的导师，会比你自己的正念和三宝可以给你更安稳的皈依。”
雨季安居将近完结时，佛陀也康复了很多。
一天早上，舍利弗尊者的侍从，周那沙弥，到来找阿难陀，给他报告舍利弗尊者在纳罗入灭的死讯。他又把舍利弗的衣钵和骨灰交给阿难陀。跟着，周那便掩面痛苦起来。阿难陀尊者也低声啜泣。周那说，舍利弗回到纳罗之后，便一直照顾他的母亲，直至她去世。给她火葬后，舍利弗便如集他的乡亲，给他们说教正法。他又给他们授三皈依及指导他们怎样修行。接着，他自己便跏趺莲坐入灭了。这之前，他已吩咐周那把他的衣钵和骨灰带回来给佛陀。他又嘱周请准留在佛陀身边侍候。舍利弗尊者更告诉周那，他是刻意先佛陀而入灭的。
阿难陀尊者拭干眼泪，与周那往见佛陀。佛陀默默凝视着属于他最出色的弟子的衣钵和骨灰。He didn't speak.跟着，他望上来，伸手轻抚周那的头。
阿难陀尊者说：“佛字世尊，当我听到舍利弗师兄的死讯时，我全身都僵了。我的眼睛和脑袋一片模糊。我实在悲痛不已。”
佛陀望着阿难陀，说：“阿难陀，你师兄去世时，有带走你的戒、定、慧和解脱吗？”
阿难陀低声答道：“世尊，这不是我伤心的原因。舍利弗师兄在世时，全然活在教理之中。他教导和鼓励我们。现在舍利弗和目犍连两位师兄都已不在，大家都感到很空虚似的。这怎叫我们不倜伥？”
佛陀说：“阿难陀，我曾多次告诉你，有生必有死，有聚合定必有分离。一切法都是无常的。我们不应该被它们所系。你一定要超越有生死和起灭的世界。阿难陀，舍利弗就像是供应一棵大树滋养的一枝强茎。那枝茎仍然存在于大树之中。大树就是这团修行觉悟之道的比丘。只要你张开眼睛看清楚，你便会见到舍利弗在你自己之内，'如来'之内、众比丘之内、他所教过的人之内、周那沙弥之内、以及他弘法时经过的每一条道路里。打开眼睛吧，阿难陀，到处都是舍利弗。不要以为舍利弗已经离开了我们。他现在就在这里，而且将会永远存在。”
“阿难陀，舍利弗是个菩萨，一个以爱和慧去引导众生到觉悟之彼岸的觉者。在众比丘中，舍利弗被誉为智慧第一。他将会被后世视为有大智慧的菩萨。阿难陀，比丘中有很多如舍利弗般发了大愿的菩萨。富楼那比丘、耶输陀罗比丘尼、善提婆居士等，都是不辞劳苦、誓救众生的大慈悲菩萨。虽然耶输陀罗比丘尼和善提婆居士都已经去世，但富楼那尊者仍继续精勤勇猛地替众生服务。'如来'想起目犍连尊者，知道他也是勇猛的菩萨，没有多少人可以与他相比。以简朴生活见称的摩诃迦叶尊者，也是代表清剑生活的菩萨。阿那律尊者则是代表着精进勤奋的菩萨。”
“阿难陀，如果世世代代的人都研习解脱之道，这个世界就会继续有菩萨出现了。阿难陀，对佛、法、僧的信念，就是对未来僧团的信念。将来，一定会有像舍利弗、目犍连、富楼那、阿那律、耶输陀罗和给孤独长者的菩萨出现的。阿难陀，你不用为舍利弗师兄之死而悲哀。”
那天中午，在恒河沿岸的乌伽支那村庄里，佛陀平静的公布了舍利弗尊者的死讯。佛陀劝勉各比丘致力于效法舍利弗，发大愿心去救渡众生。他说：“比丘们，你们要皈依自己，以自己为你们的海岛。别再倚赖其他人或物。这样，你们才不会被悲哀苦恼的巨浪淹溺。你们要皈依正法，以正法为你们的海岛。”
一天早上，佛陀与阿难陀到毗舍离乞食。他们拿着食物，到附近的森林里进食。之后，佛陀说道：“阿难陀，我们应该回到瞻波那寺庙休息一个下午。”
沿途上，佛陀几次停下来欣赏一些远景色山色。他说：“阿难陀，毗舍离真是美极了。郁提纳庙宇很幽雅。乔达摩伽、萨吒巴伽和多子等庙宇，都非常美丽。我们将会在那里休息的瞻波那寺庙，也是个很怡人的地方。”
整理好休息的地方给佛陀，阿难陀便到外面修习行禅。他步行着的时候，地面突然在脚下震动。他的身心也感到一阵震荡。他立即回到庙里，却见佛陀仍安详的坐着。阿难陀便告诉佛陀他刚才感觉到的地震。
佛陀说：“阿难陀，'如来'已经作好决定。三个月后，我便将入灭。”
阿难陀尊者觉得手脚都麻木了。他视线一片模糊，脑里一片混沌。他跪在佛陀脚下哀求道：“世尊，求求你不要这么快入灭。请你可怜你的弟子。”
佛陀没有回答。阿难陀重覆哀求了三次，佛陀才说：“阿难陀，如果你对'如来'有信心的话，你便应该知道我的决定是适时的。我说我会在三个月后才走。阿难陀，去召集这一带的比丘，前来大树林的大林精舍法讲堂。”
七日后，一仟五佰个比丘和比丘尼齐集在林精舍法讲堂。佛陀坐在台上。他俯望众人，说道：“比丘和比丘尼！所有'如来'传授给你们的，你们都要细心思七研读、观察实修、以及亲身体证，以能继续世代的传承。生活于大道和修行大道，肯定会继续给众生带来平和、喜悦与幸福的。”
“诸比丘和比丘尼，'如来'所教的精髓，都含藏于四念处、四正勤、四精神力、五蕴、七正觉因和八正道。把这些教理研读、修行、体证和传承。”
“诸比丘和比丘尼，一切法无常。世法生而后死、起而后灭。你们要用功修行，以得解脱。三个月后，'如来'就要入灭了。”
一千五百名僧尼默然听着佛陀的说话，直接吸取他的言教。他们明白这将会是他们最后一次听佛陀的说法。知道佛陀要入灭，他们都觉得有点紧张和不安。
翌晨，佛陀又在毗舍离乞食，在森林里进食。之后，他便和几个比丘一起离开毗舍离。佛陀转过头来，以象后的眼神望着毗舍离城，对阿难陀说：“阿难陀，毗舍离很美。这将会是'如来'最后一次望它了。”佛陀转过身来。向前望去，佛陀又说：“让我们前往婆达村。”
那天下午，佛陀在婆达村给三百名比丘讲说戒、定、慧和解脱。在那里休息了几天后，佛陀又前往摩帝村、阿巴村和南瞻。他在这些地方时，都给比丘们示教。之后，他们抵达丰财纳伽罗，在那里的阿难陀寺庙竭息。很多比丘都特来听受佛陀的教诲。佛陀告诉比丘们必需自己体证教理。
“每当有人讲说教理的时候，无论他们如何自称来源真确，你们都不要就此相信那是'如来'的根本教义。你们要拿他所说的与经典的戒律比较。如果他所说的不符合经律，你便不要听从。如果是符合的，你们才可接受行持。”
佛陀继续前往波婆城，下榻于一个父亲是铁匠的在家弟子周那的芒果园。周那礼请佛陀与他同行的三百比丘到他的家里受供。周那的妻子和朋友负责招呼其他的比丘，而周那则亲自侍奉佛陀。他特别为佛陀烹煮了一味菜色，叫善伽罗摩纳婆，是用一种檀树菇泡制的。
佛陀吃过后，便告诉周那说：“我的周那啊，请你把剩下来的磨菇埋在地下，不要给别人吃。”
吃过饭，佛陀给大说法后，才与比丘们在芒果园休息。这晚，佛陀的腹部绞痛，整夜不能入睡。第二天早上，他再与比丘上路，前往拘尸那。沿路上，佛陀的腹痛加剧，至被迫停在树底下休息。阿难陀尊者把多出来的僧衣摺她，放在树下让佛陀躺在上面。佛陀着阿难陀去取些清水给他解渴。
阿难陀说道：“世尊，这里的溪水刚有牛群经过。不是等到去迦拘他才喝水吧。那里的水会比较清甜。到时，我会拿水给你饮用和清洁。”
但佛陀说：“阿难陀，我太口渴了。请你替我现在就拿点水来。”
阿难陀唯有听从吩咐。他也没想到，当他把水盛到瓶里时，本来满是泥泞的水，顿时变得清彻。佛陀喝过水后，便躺下来休息。阿那律和阿难陀坐近佛陀身旁。其他比丘则围绕佛陀而坐。
就在这时，一个从拘尸那来的男子刚走过。当他看见佛陀和比丘，他便上前作揖鞠躬。他自我介绍，名叫补库萨，是末罗族人。他曾是阿罗蓝大师的弟子。年青时的悉达多也曾追随这位大师学道，因此补库萨已经听过不少有关佛陀的事迹。他再鞠躬后，便给佛陀奉上两件新的衲衣。佛陀接收了一件，便嘱他给阿难陀尊者供赠另一件。之后，补库萨便请求被接纳为徒。佛陀给他说过一些教理后，便给他授三皈依。补库萨满怀高兴地谢过佛陀，便请辞离开了。
因为佛陀穿着的衲衣已经染污，于是阿难陀便替他换上新衣。佛陀再次站起来，又与比丘们一起上路，步往拘尸那去。他们抵达迦拘他河岸的时候，佛陀便在那里沐浴一番，又再喝了一些水。之后，他们来到附近的一个芒果林。他着周那伽比丘把多出来的衲衣摺好，放在地上给他躺下。
佛陀呼来阿难陀尊者，对他说道：“阿难陀，我们在周那家里的一餐，就是'如来'的最后一餐了。一些人可能会指责周那给我吃如些糟糕的一餐，因此，我想你让他知道，我一生中最珍惜的两顿饭，就是我证道前的一餐，和入灭前的最后一餐。他应该为给我供食了其中一餐而感到高兴。”
稍作休息之后，佛陀站起来，说道：“阿难陀，让我们越过尸赖奴伐底河，进入末罗族人的娑罗树林吧。那个在拘尸那入口处的森林，是非常幽美的。”
佛陀和比丘位到达娑罗树林时，已是傍晚时份。佛陀着阿难陀在两棵娑罗树之间稍作清理，让他在那儿躺下。佛陀侧卧着，头顶向北。所有比丘都围在他身边坐着。他们都知道佛陀当夜便要进入涅槃。
佛陀向上望去四周的娑罗树，对阿难陀说：“阿难陀，看！现在还未到春天，但娑罗树上已开满了红花。你可见到飘下来的花瓣，都落在'如来'和比丘的僧衣上吗？这树林真美。你又看到西面天边那火红的落日吗？你可听到娑罗枝叶在微风中的飕飕声响吗？'如来'觉得这些东西全都那么可爱动人。比丘们，如果你们想使我高兴，如果你们想表达对'如来'的敬爱和感恩，方法就只有一个。那就是要将教理活用，实践于生活之中。”
这是一个很暖的晚上。乌帕巴纳尊者本来站着替佛陀扇凉，但佛陀却叫他不需要。或话，佛陀是不想他站在那里遮挡着这日落的美景吧。
佛陀突然问阿那律尊者：“为何不见阿难陀，他到那儿去了？”
其中一个比丘说：“我刚才看见队难陀师兄在树后饮泣。他还自言自语地说：'我还未证得任何精神的道果，而师父便要长辞了。一向以来，没有任何人比我师父更关心我的了。'”
佛陀着这比丘唤来阿难陀。佛陀安慰阿难陀说：“阿难陀，你不要伤心。'如来'时常都提醒你有关一切法的无常性。有生，便有死；有起，便有灭；有聚，便有散。怎可能会有生而无死？有起无而无灭？有聚而无散？阿难陀，你多年来都全心全意地照顾我，竭尽