An Exhortation

On another occasion the Buddha summoned all His disciples and addressed them thus:-"Behold, O disciples, now I speak to you. Transient are all component things. Strive on with diligence. In no long time the Final Release of the Accomplished One will take place. After the lapse of three months from now, the Accomplished One will attain Parinibbána."

"Ripe is my age; short is my life. Leaving you I shall go. I have made myself my refuge. Be diligent, O disciples, mindful and virtuous. With thoughts collected, guard your minds. He who lives strenuously in this Dispensation will escape the cycle of rebirth and put an end to suffering."

The Venerable Dhammarama’s High Regard For The Buddha

The ordinary disciples were deeply grieved to hear that the Buddha would pass away in three short months. They came in large numbers to pay their last respects to Him. One Bhikkhu named Dhammarama refrained from joining them. This matter was reported to the Buddha, and He was summoned to His presence. When questioned as to his absence the loyal and dutiful Bhikkhu remarked:-"Lord, I knew that Your Reverence would pass away three months hence, and I thought the best way of honoring the. Teacher was by attaining Arahantship even before the decease of Your Reverence."

"Excellent, excellent! He who loves me should emulate this Bhikkhu. He honors me best who practices my teaching best," said the Buddha in extolling the praiseworthy conduct of that exemplary Bhikkhu.