The Discourse about the Great Emancipation

The Third Chapter for Recitation
May the Gracious One attain Final Emancipation now, reverend Sir,
may the Fortunate One attain Final Emancipation, now is the time,
reverend Sir, for the Gracious One's Final Emancipation.’
When that was said, Ānanda, I said this to the Wicked Māra: ‘You
should have little concern, Wicked One, in no long time the Realised
One will be Finally Emancipated, after three months have passed from
now, the Realised One will attain Final Emancipation.’ Now today,
Ānanda, at the Cāpāla Shrine the Realised One mindfully, with full
awareness, gave up the life-process.”
When this was said venerable Ānanda said this to the Gracious One:
“Let the Gracious One remain, reverend Sir, for the lifespan, let the
Fortunate One remain for the lifespan, for the benefit of many people,
for the happiness of many people, having compassion on the world, for
the welfare, benefit, and happiness of Divinities and men.”
“Enough, Ānanda, do not beg the Realised One, now is the wrong time,
Ānanda, for begging the Realised One.”
For a second time venerable Ānanda said this to the Gracious One:
“Let the Gracious One remain, reverend Sir, for the lifespan, let the
Fortunate One remain for the lifespan, for the benefit of many people,
for the happiness of many people, having compassion on the world, for
the welfare, benefit, and happiness of Divinities and men.”
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