Receiving that which has been said aright, this is not subversive of true doctrine, this is what I have said, as the Dharma and Vinaya say.  Accepting that which I, the law, and the Vinaya declare, this is to be believed.  But words which neither I, the law, nor the Vinaya declare, these are not to be believed.  Not gathering the true and hidden meaning, but closely holding to the letter, this is the way of foolish teachers, but contrary to my doctrine and a false way of teaching.  Not separating the true from false, accepting in the dark without discrimination, is like a shop where gold and its alloys are sold together, justly condemned by all the world.  The foolish masters, practising the ways of superficial wisdom, grasp not the meaning of the truth; but to receive the law as it explains itself, this is to accept the highest mode of exposition.  Ye ought, therefore, thus to investigate true principles, to consider well the true law and the Vinaya, even as the goldsmith does who melts and strikes and then selects the true.  Not to know the Sutras and the Sastras, this is to be devoid of wisdom; not saying properly that which is proper, is like doing that which is not fit to see.  Let all be done in right and proper order, according as the meaning of the sentence guides, for he who grasps a sword unskilfully, does but inflict a wound upon his hand.  Not skilfully to handle words and sentences, the meaning then is hard to know; as in the night-time travelling and seeking for a house, if all be dark within, how difficult to find.  Losing the meaning, then the law is disregarded, disregarding the law the mind becomes confused; therefore every wise and prudent master neglects not to discover the true and faithful meaning.”

Having spoken these words respecting the precepts of religion, he advanced to the town of Pava, where all the Mallas prepared for him religious offerings of every kind.  At this time a certain householder’s son whose name was Kunda, invited Buddha to his house, and there he gave him, as an offering, his very last repast.  Having partaken of it and declared the law, he onward went to the town of Kusi, crossing the river Tsae-kieuh and the Hiranyavati.  Then in that Sala grove, a place of quiet and seclusion, he took his seat:  entering the golden river he bathed his body, in appearance like a golden mountain.  Then he spake his bidding thus to Ananda:  “Between those twin Sala trees, sweeping and watering, make a clean space, and then arrange my sitting-mat.  At midnight coming, I shall die.”

Ananda hearing the bidding of his master, his breath was choked with heart-sadness; but going and weeping he obeyed the instruction, and spreading out the mat he came forthwith back to his master and acquainted him.  Tathagata having lain down with his head towards the north and on his right side, slept thus.  Resting upon his hand as on a pillow with his feet crossed, even as a lion-king; all grief is passed, his last-born body from this one sleep shall never