The Pilgrim Kamanita · Chapter
XLIII: The Passing of the Perfect One explained
Vasitthi, still weak from illness, journeys with Medini to find the Buddha, learning along the way of the deaths of Sariputta and Moggallana and the Buddha's own impending Nirvana.
What happens
Vasitthi, still weak from illness, journeys with Medini to find the Buddha, learning along the way of the deaths of Sariputta and Moggallana and the Buddha's own impending Nirvana. She hears from a pious woman in Vesali how Ananda failed to grasp the Buddha's hint to prolong his life, and how Mara compelled the Buddha to set a date for his passing. Despite her frailty, Vasitthi presses on, finally reaching the Buddha in Kusinara, where he delivers his final teachings, reassures Ananda, and urges the disciples to be their own light and hold fast to the doctrine. His last words are 'Fleeting is all form. Labour and rest not.'
Themes in this chapter
The Nature of Nirvana
The chapter culminates in the Buddha's visible Nirvana, described as luminous and peaceful, and his final teaching on the fleeting nature of all form.
Suffering and Detachment
Vasitthi's physical suffering and the disciples' grief over the Master's impending death illustrate the theme of detachment from the dear and the transient.
Compassion and Mercy
The Buddha's compassionate final words, his reassurance to Ananda, and his pitying look toward Vasitthi exemplify his boundless mercy.
Characters to notice
- Vasitthi
The narrator, a sick nun who travels to see the Buddha before his death, hears of Sariputta's passing, and receives the Master's final blessing.
- Medini
Travels with Vasitthi, caring for her during the pilgrimage to find the Buddha.
- Ananda
Blamed by the pious woman for failing to ask the Buddha to live longer; later comforted by the Buddha and given final instructions.
- The Lord Buddha
The Perfect One, nearing his final Nirvana, delivers his last discourse, reassures his disciples, and speaks his final words.
- Mara
The Evil One who persuades the Buddha to renounce his claim to longer life, leading to the setting of the three-month deadline for Nirvana.
- Sariputta
Mentioned as having already entered Nirvana; his death deeply moves Vasitthi and raises fears about the Buddha's own mortality.
Key passages
“Fleeting is all form. Labour and rest not.”
Everything that has form is impermanent. Strive diligently and do not become complacent.
The Buddha's final words, encapsulating the core of his teaching on impermanence and the need for earnest effort.
“Be your own light, your own support.”
Rely on yourselves and the doctrine, not on any external authority.
The Buddha's instruction to the disciples after his passing, emphasizing self-reliance and the primacy of the teachings.
“The doctrine, my disciples, which I have taught you, that will be your Master, when I am gone.”
After I am gone, let the teachings I have given you be your guide and teacher.
The Buddha designates the Dharma as the successor to his personal authority.