The Buddha’s Last Moment

The Buddha’s life was drawing to an end. For the last time He rested on the couch placed between two Sala trees in the Upavattana Sala Grove. His disciples were surrounding Him in perfect silence.

The Buddha attained to the First Ecstasy - Jhana.

Emerging from it He attained, in order, to the Second, Third, and Fourth Ecstasies.

Emerging from the Fourth Ecstasy He attained to the "Realm of Infinity of Space - Akasananca yatana."

Emerging from this He attained to the "Realm of Infinity of Consciousness - Vinnanancayatana." Emerging from this He attained to "The Realm of Nothingness - Akincannayatana."

Emerging from this He attained to "The Realm of Neither Perception nor Non-Perception - N’eva Sanna N’Asannayatana’o."

Emerging from this He attained to "The Cessation of Perceptions and Sensations - Sannavedayita-Nirodha."

Instantly the Venerable Ánanda, who was anxiously observing the dying state of the Buddha, remarked that the Buddha had passed away. The Venerable Anuruddha, who was distinguished for his Divine Eye, explained that the Buddha had attained to "The Cessation of Perceptions and Sensations."

Then the Buddha emerged from that State and attained in order to the Fourth, Third, Second and First Arupa Jhanas.

Emerging from these He again attained in order to the Fourth, Third, Second, and First Rupa Jhanas. Emerging from these He attained in order to the Second, Third, and Fourth Rupa Jhanas. Immediately emerging from this Fourth Ecstasy The Buddha finally passed away.

As a man He was born. As an extraordinary man He lived. As a Buddha He passed away.