The Discourse about the Great Emancipation
An English translation of one of the longest discourses in the canon, detailing the last year of the Buddha’s life, and his final teachings (Mahāparinibbānasuttaṁ, DN 16)
An English translation of one of the longest discourses in the canon, detailing the last year of the Buddha’s life, and his final teachings (Mahāparinibbānasuttaṁ, DN 16)
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<strong>The</strong> Fourth Chapter for Recitation<br />
waggons passed by very close to Āḷāra Kālāma. <strong>The</strong>n, reverend Sir, a<br />
certain man who was traveling along behind those waggons<br />
approached Āḷāra Kālāma, and after approaching he said this to Āḷāra<br />
Kālāma:<br />
‘Did you not see, reverend Sir, <strong>about</strong> five hundred waggons pass by?’<br />
‘I did not see, friend.’<br />
‘But, reverend Sir, did you not hear <strong>the</strong> sound?’<br />
‘I did not hear <strong>the</strong> sound, friend.’<br />
‘But, reverend Sir, were you sleeping?’<br />
‘I was not sleeping, friend.’<br />
‘But, reverend Sir, were you conscious?’<br />
‘Yes, friend.’<br />
‘So you, reverend Sir, though conscious and awake, when <strong>about</strong> five<br />
hundred waggons passed by very close nei<strong>the</strong>r saw (<strong>the</strong>m) nor heard a<br />
sound! Why, reverend Sir, even your double-robe is covered with dust!’<br />
‘Yes, friend.’<br />
<strong>The</strong>n this occurred to that man: ‘It is wonderful, it is marvellous, that<br />
those who have indeed gone forth live such a peaceful living. Because<br />
though conscious and awake, when <strong>about</strong> five hundred waggons passed<br />
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