So spake the Mallas, and with tearful words excuse themselves to Buddha, even as an only child pleads piteously before a loving father.  Buddha then, with speech most excellent, exhibited and declared the highest principle of truth, and thus addressed the Mallas:—­

“In truth, ’tis as you say; seeking the way, you must exert yourselves and strive with diligence—­it is not enough to have seen me!  Walk, as I have commanded you; get rid of all the tangled net of sorrow; walk in the way with steadfast aim; ’tis not from seeing me this comes—­even as a sick man depending on the healing power of medicine, gets rid of all his ailments easily without beholding the physician.  He who does not do what I command sees me in vain, this brings no profit; whilst he who lives far off from where I am, and yet walks righteously, is ever near me!  A man may dwell beside me, and yet, being disobedient, be far away from me.  Keep your heart carefully—­give not place to listlessness! earnestly practise every good work.  Man born in this world is pressed by all the sorrows of the long career, ceaselessly troubled—­without a moment’s rest, as any lamp blown by the wind!” The Mallas all, hearing Buddha’s loving instruction, inwardly composed, restrained their tears, and, firmly self-possessed, returned.

Mahaparinirvana

At this time there was a Brahmakarin whose name was Su-po-to-lo; he was well-known for his virtuous qualities, leading a pure life according to the rules of morality, and protecting all living things.  When young he had adopted heretical views, and become a recluse among unbelievers—­this one, wishing to see the lord, spake to Ananda thus:—­

“I hear that the system of Tathagata is of a singular character and very profound, and that he has reached the highest wisdom in the world, the first of all horse-tamers.  I hear moreover that he is now about to die, it will be difficult indeed to meet with him again, and difficult to see those who have seen him with difficulty, even as it is to catch in a mirror the reflection of the moon.  I now desire respectfully to see him the greatest and most virtuous guide of men, because I seek to escape this mass of sorrow and reach the other shore of birth and death.  The sun of Buddha now about to quench its rays, O! let me for a moment gaze upon him.”  The feelings of Ananda now were much affected, thinking that this request was made with a view to controversy, or that he felt an inward joy because the lord was on the eve of death.  He was not willing therefore to permit the interview with Buddha.  Buddha, knowing the man’s earnest desire and that he was a vessel fit for true religion, therefore addressed Ananda thus:  “Permit that heretic to advance; I was born to save mankind, make no hindrance therefore, or excuse!”

Subhadra, hearing this, was overjoyed at heart, and his religious feelings were much enlarged, as with increased reverence he advanced to Buddha’s presence.  Then, as the occasion required, he spoke becoming words and with politeness made his salutation, his features pleasing and with hands conjoined he said:—­