The Discourse about the Great Emancipation

The Third Chapter for Recitation
‘Delightful, Ānanda, is Rājagaha, delightful is the Vulture's Peak
Mountain, delightful is the Gotama Banyan Tree, delightful is the
Thieves' Precipice, delightful is the side of the Vebhāra (mountain) in
the Seven Leaves Cave, delightful is the side of the Isigili (mountain)
on Black Rock, delightful is the Cool Wood, at the Snake Tank Slope,
delightful is the (River) Tapodā Monastery, delightful is the Squirrel's
Feeding Place in Bamboo Wood, delightful is Jīvaka's Mango Wood,
delightful is the Deer Park at (the place called) Crushing Womb.
Whoever has developed, Ānanda, made much of, carried on,
established, maintained, augmented, and properly instigated the Four
Paths to Power, could, if he wanted, remain for the lifespan or for
what is left of the lifespan. The Realised One has developed, Ānanda,
made much of, carried on, established, maintained, augmented, and
properly instigated the Four Paths to Power. If he wanted, Ānanda, the
Realised One could remain for the lifespan or for what is left of the
lifespan.’
But despite such a gross hint being made by the Realised One, such a
gross suggestion being made, you were unable to penetrate it, and did
not beg the Realised One, (saying):
‘May the Gracious One remain, reverend Sir, for the lifespan; may the
Fortunate One remain for the lifespan, for the benefit of many people,
for the happiness of many people, out of compassion for the world, for
the welfare, benefit, and happiness of Divinities and men.’
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