“Above all things be not careless, for carelessness is the chief foe of virtue; if a man avoid this fault he may be born where Sakra-raga dwells.  He who gives way to carelessness of mind must have his lot where the Asuras dwell.  Thus have I done my task, my fitting task, in setting forth the way of quietude, the proof of love.  On your parts be diligent! with virtuous purpose practise well these rules, in quiet solitude of desert hermitage nourish and cherish a still and peaceful heart.  Exert yourselves to the utmost, give no place to remissness, for as in worldly matters when the considerate physician prescribes fit medicine for the disease he has detected, should the sick man neglect to use it, this cannot be the physician’s fault, so I have told you the truth, and set before you this the one and level road.  Hearing my words and not with care obeying them, this is not the fault of him who speaks; if there be anything not clearly understood in the principles of the ‘four truths,’ you now may ask me, freely; let not your inward thoughts be longer hid.”  The lord in mercy thus instructing them, the whole assembly remained silent.

Then Anuruddha, observing that the great congregation continued silent and expressed no doubt, with closed hands thus spake to Buddha:—­

“The moon may be warm, the sun’s rays be cool, the air be still, the earth’s nature mobile; these four things, though yet unheard of in the world, may happen; but this assembly never can have doubt about the principles of sorrow, accumulation, destruction, and the incontrovertible truths, as declared by the lord.  But because the lord is going to die, we all have sorrow; and we cannot raise our thoughts to the high theme of the lord’s preaching.  Perhaps some fresh disciple, whose feelings are yet not entirely freed from other influences might doubt; but we, who now have heard this tender, sorrowful discourse, have altogether freed ourselves from doubt.  Passed the sea of birth and death, without desire, with nought to seek, we only know how much we love, and, grieving, ask why Buddha dies so quickly?”

Buddha regarding Anuruddha, perceiving how his words were full of bitterness, again with loving heart, appeasing him, replied:—­

“In the beginning things were fixed, in the end again they separate; different combinations cause other substances, for there is no uniform and constant principle in nature.  But when all mutual purposes be answered, what then shall chaos and creation do! the gods and men alike that should be saved, shall all have been completely saved!  Ye then! my followers, who know so well the perfect law, remember! the end must come; give not way again to sorrow!

“Use diligently the appointed means; aim to reach the home where separation cannot come; I have lit the lamp of wisdom, its rays alone can drive away the gloom that shrouds the world.  The world is not forever fixed!  Ye should rejoice therefore! as when a friend, afflicted grievously, his sickness healed, escapes from pain.  For I have put away this painful vessel, I have stemmed the flowing sea of birth and death, free forever now, from pain! for this you should exult with joy!  Now guard yourselves aright, let there be no remissness! that which exists will all return to nothingness! and now I die.  From this time forth my words are done, this is my very last instruction.”