#2. The Second Chapter

After the Buddha became finally extinguished, Brahmā Sahampati led a series of distinguished beings who uttered verses in commemorationAt one time the Buddha was staying between a pair of sal trees in the sal forest of the Mallas at Upavattana near Kusinārā at the time of his final extinguishment. Then the Buddha said to the mendicants: “Come now, mendicants, I say to you all: ‘Conditions fall apart. Persist with diligence.’” These were the Realized One’s last words. [Read More]

The Buddha tells a story of the past Buddha Sikhī and his disciple Abhibhū. They visit a brahmā realm where they perform many astounding feats and give teachings.So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī. There he addressed the mendicants, “Mendicants!” “Venerable sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this: “Once upon a time, mendicants, there was a king named Aruṇavā. He had a capital named Aruṇavatī. [Read More]

Brahmā Sahampati appears to the Buddha and speaks in praise of the renunciates staying fearless in the deep forest, and celebrates the many who have found freedom.At one time the Buddha was staying in the land of the Magadhans at Andhakavinda. Now at that time the Buddha was meditating in the open during the dark of night, while a gentle rain drizzled down. Then, late at night, the beautiful Brahmā Sahampati, lighting up the entirety of Andhakavinda, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and recited these verses in the Buddha’s presence: “One should frequent secluded lodgings, and practice to be released from fetters. [Read More]

Brahmā Sahampati, referring to Devadatta, points out that honors destroy a scoundrel.So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain, not long after Devadatta had left. Then, late at night, the beautiful Brahmā Sahampati, lighting up the entire Vulture’s Peak, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and recited this verse in the Buddha’s presence: “The banana tree is destroyed by its own fruit, as are the bamboo and the reed. [Read More]

Brahmā Sanaṅkumāra appears to the Buddha and asserts that the aristocrat or khattiya is the best caste, but the Buddha is the best of people.So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the bank of the Sappinī river. Then, late at night, the beautiful Brahmā Sanaṅkumāra, lighting up the entire Sappinī riverbank, went up to the Buddha, bowed, stood to one side, and recited this verse in the Buddha’s presence: “The aristocrat is best of those people who take clan as the standard. [Read More]