Final Days of the Buddha
The Buddha's final days mark a significant chapter in the history of Buddhism, underscoring his teachings on impermanence and self-reliance. At 80 years old, having fulfilled his mission of training knowledgeable and disciplined followers, the Buddha embarked on his last journey from Rajagaha, traveling north with a group of monks and continuing his teachings along the way.
During a stay in Vesālī, the Buddha fell seriously ill but chose to recover, demonstrating his determination to prepare his disciples for the future. Despite his poor health, he overcame the illness, alleviating Ananda’s fears about the Sangha's future. The Buddha emphasized self-reliance and the Dhamma as the true refuge, advising that the teachings (Dhamma and Vinaya) were sufficient for guidance and that the Sangha should govern itself democratically, without a designated successor.
The Buddha announced to Ananda and the assembled monks that he would pass away in three months, encouraging them to continue spreading his teachings. He then departed from Vesālī, remarking that it would be his final visit to the city. During his journey, the Buddha accepted a meal from Cunda the goldsmith in Paver. After the meal, he became ill but reassured Ananda that Cunda's offering was meritorious.
Upon arriving in Kusinara, the Buddha rested between two sal trees, preparing for his passing. Ananda, overcome with grief, was comforted by the Buddha, who reminded him of the impermanence of all things. The Buddha then accepted Subhadda, his last direct disciple, into the order. In his final moments, he addressed the monks, emphasizing that his teachings would be their guide. His last words were, “Transient are all conditioned things. Try to accomplish your aim with diligence.”
A week after his passing, the Buddha’s body was cremated by the Mallas in Kusinara. A dispute arose over the Buddha’s relics, which was resolved by the Brahman Dona, who divided the relics into eight portions. Stupas were built over these relics, serving as commemorative sites for the Buddha.
The death of the Buddha highlighted the core teachings of Buddhism: the transient nature of all things and the importance of diligence and self-reliance. His passing marked the end of his physical presence but reinforced the enduring relevance of his teachings, which continue to guide followers on the path to enlightenment.
Link for Class: https://youtu.be/gehqFZ2DCT4
Link for PPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZJjbOPipsxsIzkDhCYHa3nIT2C_1F-Q7/view?usp=sharing
The differences within budhism, having budha as the centre and following his path to understand his teachings and live them becomes more beautiful. Enlightenment is bjdha..and budha lived that life but dalailama or artha cannot be compared to budha and his ways of life.
ReplyDeleteCunda offered the last meal to Buddha before his death. It was known that Buddha would fall ill after this meal. However, this deed was meritorious. The meal occupies a significant place here.
ReplyDeleteHaving learnt himself that he would die itself is complete enlightenment in my view. A person who completely knows himself a great achievement. Everyone would like to seek this type of knowledge of oneself, but seldomly people attain it. In my view knowing oneself is knowing the world.
ReplyDeleteBiddha being an enlightened person and lived through the sufferings in the world, he gives solutions to remedy the suffering so he discovered the different stages of suffering and method of remedy so that ordinary person may live up to it.
ReplyDeleteBuddha having received enlightenment was satisfied with his goal and focus and was all set and prepared to die he welcome his death like a guest and was well aware and prepared for it was a new insight for me
ReplyDeleteBuddha in person is an great inspiration to me. All his teachings were based on his experiences. He met both the extremes of life and guided people to follow the middle path. I do feel it is more relevant in today's world , where we are constantly bombarded with sacks of information. We must spend time in healing our own self.
ReplyDeleteBuddha emphasised on diligence and self-reliance which I find very difficult for me to follow. Because I give more importance to others' opinions than mine and being patience is challenging in this 21st century.
ReplyDeleteIn the final days of the Buddha teach us about the impermanence of life and the importance of living with mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom in every moment.
ReplyDeleteThe Buddha's last days highlighted the transitory nature of life and the need to rely on oneself in Buddhism. He fell ill in Vesali and chose not to pick a successor. Instead, he stressed that the Dhamma would guide his followers. His death in Kusinara and the spreading of his remains showed how his lessons would continue to shape people's lives.
ReplyDeleteThe Buddha's last words are very important even now: we should not look for momentary pleasures but for those that last forever. St. Ignatius said that momentary happiness is often tied to long-term worldly desires, but lasting happiness fulfills our spiritual desires. The words of the Buddha and St. Ignatius go hand in hand. Therefore, we should seek lasting happiness, not momentary pleasures.
ReplyDeleteA disciplined life based on self-reliance and Dhamma is in great demand in the life of Buddha and his disciples. though there were many confusions regarding the successor of Buddha, yet Buddha believed i self-reliance and Dhamma, therefore, he did not appoint anybody as his successor. Also his death signifies that body might die but not the soul and the words that were spoken.
ReplyDeleteThe Buddha, having clearly understood the impermanence of the body, had no fear of death, except for a little concern for his disciples. Witnessing old age, sickness, and death formed a turning point in his life. Now, as he experiences the same with enlightened knowledge, it gives him satisfaction and prepares himself to die.
ReplyDeleteThe ability to accept death peacefully is a victory in life. The Buddha knew the impermanence of life, and he accepted it, and he died in peace. My dream of my life is to die like the Buddha.
ReplyDeleteThe Buddha's final days exemplified his teachings on impermanence, self-reliance, and the importance of his teachings as a guide, leaving a lasting legacy for his followers.
ReplyDeleteThe path of diligence is responding to the needs of oneself without being troublesome. Buddha knows about his death so her prepares oneself and his disciples.
ReplyDeleteDeath is inevitable. It is that all will face one day. No matter what all will. I wonder what Buddha's feelings would have been during his last breath.
ReplyDeleteBUddha overcame suffering. He knew that he would die in three months. He led the Sangha democratically. His teachings exist today. Bhuddha is alive.
ReplyDeleteTruth is eternal and the truth that touches the hearts, lives forever even if one passes away.
ReplyDeleteIn the about article, we learn about Buddha's final days which emphasize the principles of impermanence and self-reliance, reminding followers that attachment leads to suffering. His insistence on the Dhamma and Vinaya as guiding principles underscores the importance of personal responsibility in spiritual practice. The Buddha's last teachings and acceptance of Subhadda as his final disciple highlight the continuity of his message. Additionally, the cremation and division of his relics symbolize the lasting impact of his teachings, encouraging practitioners to remain diligent in their pursuit of enlightenment amidst life's transience.
ReplyDeleteBhuddha achieves the enlightenment through the experience of suffering and pain come along his way. After achieving the enlightenment he not only keeps it with him but he shares it with people. I find it very unique and I learn a lot from him such as community life, compassion and kind.
ReplyDeleteUp until the very end of his life, the Buddha continued his teaching. His degree of commitment is very admirable and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteone of the last word and inspiring word of Buddha touches me lot is “Transient are all conditioned things. Try to accomplish your aim with diligence." It gives me the courage to face all the difficulties to reach my life aim destination to fulfill in the last.
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