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)
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
<strong>The</strong> Fourth Chapter for Recitation<br />
“Just so, Ānanda, on two occasions, Ānanda, <strong>the</strong> Realised One's skincolour<br />
becomes exceedingly pure and clean.<br />
On which two occasions?<br />
That night, Ānanda, <strong>the</strong> Realised One perfectly awakens to <strong>the</strong><br />
unsurpassed and Perfect Awakening, and that night <strong>the</strong> Realised One is<br />
Finally Emancipated in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Emancipation</strong>-element which has no basis<br />
for attachment remaining. On <strong>the</strong>se two occasions <strong>the</strong> Realised One's<br />
skin-colour is exceedingly pure and clean. Today, Ānanda, during <strong>the</strong><br />
last watch of <strong>the</strong> night, near to Kusinārā, in <strong>the</strong> Mallas' Sal Wood at<br />
Upavattana, between a pair of Sal trees will be <strong>the</strong> Realised One's<br />
Final <strong>Emancipation</strong>.<br />
“Come Ānanda let us approach River Kakutthā.”<br />
“Very well, reverend Sir,” venerable Ānanda replied to <strong>the</strong> Gracious<br />
One.<br />
“A pair of polished gold-coloured (robes) was offered by Pukkusa,<br />
Once clo<strong>the</strong>d with it <strong>the</strong> Teacher's golden (skin) colour shone<br />
forth.” 135<br />
135 Comm: Siṅgīvaṇṇan-ti gāthā Saṅgītikāle ṭhapitā; gold-coloured, this verse<br />
was placed (here) at <strong>the</strong> time of <strong>the</strong> (First) Council.<br />
135
Change language