The final chapter of the Udāna addresses the Buddha's passing away and the profound crisis of faith that followed. It opens with a series of solemn declarations on Nibbāna, reflecting the depth of the Buddha's teachings on ultimate liberation. The chapter concludes with the remarkable passing of the bhikkhu Dabba, illustrating the enduring strength of the Dhamma even in the face of loss. This collection offers deep reflections on the end of the Buddha's life and the spiritual legacy he left behind.
Pāṭaligāmiyavagga - The Chapter with the Pāṭali Villagers
The Buddha expresses an inspired verse on the base where there is no coming, going, staying, no passing away, and no rebirth.
PTS 80The Buddha expresses an inspired verse on the uninclined nature of Nibbāna, which is hard to perceive.
PTS 80The Buddha expresses an inspired utterance on the unborn, unbecome, unmade, unconditioned.
PTS 80The Buddha expresses an inspired utterance on the end of suffering for the disengaged. He traces the path from lack of agitation to a peace that is beyond all identification.
PTS 81–84After eating his final meal from Cunda the smith and enduring severe illness, the Buddha instructs Ānanda to console the donor regarding the supreme merit of the offering.
PTS 81–84In Pāṭaligāma, the Buddha contrasts the dangers of unprincipled conduct with the benefits of a virtuous life. Observing Magadhan ministers building a fortification, he prophesies the rise and future vulnerabilities of Pāṭaliputta.
PTS 85–89When robbers assault venerable Nāgasamāla after he takes a wrong path, the Buddha expresses a verse about the wise person who does not mix with ignorance and abandons what is harmful.
PTS 90The Blessed One teaches Visākhā on the nature of attachment and suffering.
PTS 91After venerable Dabba Mallaputta attains final Nibbāna through the fire element, the Buddha expresses an inspired verse on the complete cessation of the aggregates and consciousness.
PTS 92Recounting the miraculous passing of venerable Dabba Mallaputta, the Buddha shares an inspired verse comparing the untraceable destination of a fully liberated being to the vanishing glow of a fire struck by an iron hammer.
PTS 93