The Life of the Buddha: The Last Meal.

Thereafter the Buddha proceeded to Pava, and he halted at the Mango Grove of Cunda, an hereditary smith. And when this was reported to Cunda he hastened to the grove; there the Buddha instructed and gladdened him with religious discourse. And he invited the Master and the Brethren to dine at his house on the morrow.

Early in the morning Cunda the smith prepared sweet rice and cake and a dish of meat; and he announced the hour to the Exalted One. And he, taking his bowl, proceeded to the house of Cunda the smith, and partook of the meal prepared, and afterward he instructed and gladdened Cunda the smith with religious discourse.

But when the Exalted One had partaken of the meal prepared by Cunda the smith, there fell upon him a dire sickness, suffering and weakness came upon him, even unto death. But the Exalted One, mindful and self-possessed, bore it without complaint, and when he was a little relieved he said to Ananda: "Come, Ananda, let us go on to Kusinara." "Even so, lord," said the venerable Ananda.

Now the Exalted One turned aside from the path to the foot of a certain tree, and said to Ananda, "Fold, I pray you, Ananda, the robe in four, and spread it out for me. I am weary, Ananda, and must rest awhile." "Even so, lord," said the venerable Ananda. And when he was seated he asked for water, and Ananda brought it, from a neighbouring stream ­ and he found the water of the stream was running clear, notwithstanding that a caravan of five hundred carts had just passed the ford.

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India - Ancient - Religion/philosophy - Indians/Buddhists - English