# XLIII: The Passing of the Perfect One explained — The Pilgrim Kamanita

> Chapter companion for The Pilgrim Kamanita by Karl Gjellerup.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pilgrim_kamanita_se/chapters/xliii-the-passing-of-the-perfect-one
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pilgrim_kamanita_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pilgrim_kamanita_se/chapters