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552
"Bhante! What funeral rites are to be performed for the Tathagata's body"?
"The same as are done to the body of a Cakravartin".
"Bhante! What are these performed for a Cakravartin"?
R
"Ananda! The body of a Cakravartin is to be wrapped with a new piece of cloth. Then it is wrapped with cotton, and with a new piece of cloth again. Then the body is placed in an iron vat full of oil. Then a pyre is built with fragrant trees and the body of the Cakravartin is burnt on it. After the cremation, an altar is erected for the Cakravartin at a place where four roads meet".
The long-lived Ananda went to his room and began to weep supporting himself against a poll. He said,
"Alas! How unfortunate am I! My Master is entering into liberation".
The Buddha enquired,
"Where is Ananda"?
"Bhante! He is weeping in his room".
- "Bring him hither".
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Thereon the long-lived Ananda came there. The Buddha spoke unto him as follows:
"Ananda
Weep not. Lament not. I told you yesterday that the separation even of the dearest one is inevitable.
Ananda! You have served the Tathāgata for a very long time. You are really meritorious. Now, you devote yourself to the attainment of liberation. Get rid of all fetters (asravas)".
