________________
546
"There are eight causes for the earth-quake. One of these is that the Tathāgata gives up his hold on the thread of life. Just now, at the Capāla caitya, I have finished my elan vital. This is the reason for this earth-quake. This is the reason why the heavenly drums are beaten".
On hearing all this, Ananda realised the situation. He said,
"Bhante! Please live on for a kalpa for the good of many for the happiness of many".
The Buddha said,
"Now make no such prayer to the Tathāgata. There is no more time for such prayers".
Still Ananda repeated his prayer thrice. The Buddha
said,
"Why do you create an awkward situation for the Tathāgata? Drop this topic. Ananda! If I do not live for a kalpa, you are the person to blame for this. On many occasions did I mention to you the capability of the Tathāgata in this matter, but you held your tongue every time".
The Buddha rose and repaired to the summit-like shelter in Mahāvana. There he gave the following order to Ananda:
"Assemble at the upasthāna hall all the monks who may be living near Vaisali".
When the monks had assembled, the Buddha addressed them as follows:
"Harken, of Bhikşus ! Any produced thing (samskāra) is liable to destruction. Be free from delusion and fulfil thy duty (adeya). In the very near future, after three months from this day, the Tathagata is going to enter into liberation".
