1838] Pdli Buddhistical Annals. 1001 



efiitiyo. Buddho there expatiates on the perfections of that chftiyo, 

 as well as the Wesdli, the Udeni, the Gdtamd, the Sattambako, the 

 Bahupatto and the Sdrandado chetiydni ; and explains that it is 

 in the power of any Buddho, by his four (idhi) miraculous attrU 

 butes, to prolong his existence even for a kappo, if, while sojourning 

 at any of these places he is duly entreated thereto. Ma'ro (Death) 

 imperceptibly exerts his influence, and prevents A'nando from com- 

 prehending this exposition made by Bhagawa, though repeated twice. 

 A'nando then retires to the foot of a tree, disconcerted, and seats 

 himself there. 



Before A'nando had proceeded to any great distance, the impious 

 .Maro approaches Bhagawa ', and having approached him and station- 

 ed himself on one side of him, thus addressed him : Lord Bhagawa 7 , 

 vouchsafe to' realise thy Pavinibbandn now. Sugato, this is the 

 appointed time for thy Parinibbdndn. It has been declared so by 

 thee, Lord Bhagawa', on a former occasion*, &c. 



Bhagawa' replies that his death is at hand; and that his Parinib- 

 bdndn will take place inf three months. He then announces his 

 resignation of all connection with this transitory state of existence, to 

 prepare for his death, by chaunting this hymn. " Having voluntarily 

 overcome his desire for this life, the Muni has vouchsafed to relin- 

 quish all that is transitory, connected either with his human or divine 

 essence, casting his existence from him, like unto a victorious combatant 

 who divests himself of his armour." 



On his uttering this announcement, the earth quakes, miracles are 

 manifested, and the music of the heavens ring ; whereby A'nando, 

 who was still at the foot of the tree, being roused, hastens to Bhaga* 

 wa\ He inquires from him the cause and the import of an earth- 

 quake ; Buddho and explains that " The great earth rests on water, the 

 water is sustained by the wind, and the wind is supported by the air 

 (or atmosphere) ; and when a storm prevails a natural earthquake is 

 produced — this is the first cause ; and the effect a great quaking of the 

 whole earth. The second series of causes proceeds from the miraculous 

 powers possessed by inspired persons ; the third cause is the death of a 

 Buddho elect in the Tdwatinsa heavens, to be regenerated in the 



* The former declaration was made by Budcho at the close of the probational 

 meditation of seven weeks when he attained Buddhohood at the Bo tree ; on which 

 occasion also Death urged him to close his career there. He then said he would not 

 resign his mission till his disciples had been fully qualified for their duties ; and 

 his dhammo had been perfectly established. 



f About the middle of January, B. C. 543, two months after the termination 

 of Wasso. 



6 k 2 



