LAST DAYS OF THE BUDDHA  

Contents  

Introduction 

In Magadha  3 
The Journey to Vesali  19 
Relinquishing the Will to Live  31 
The Last Meal  45 
At Kusinara  59 
The Passing Away  75  

The Mahaparinibbana Sutta is the Pali Canon•s account of the final events in the life of the Buddha. Beginning on Vulture•s Peak Mountain near the Magadhan capital of Rajagaha, the narrative follows the Buddha on his last stirring journey through the Ganges plain to the small jungle township where he was to attain his final passing away. During his long ministry the Buddha had taught all that was necessary to reach the goal. In this last phase of his life his primary concern was to impress on his disciples the need to put those same teachings into practice. By his inspiring sermons and serene composure in meeting his end, the Buddha offers the highest possible testimony to his teaching.