The Last Days Of Buddha

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“Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.” -Buddha

At this point in the world, you’d pretty much have to have your head under the ground to not know who Buddha was. Known as the “awakened one” Buddha made it his mission to end suffering- forever. Suffering, he said, included physical, mental, and emotional.

Leaving his princely life of wealth and protection, Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) found enlightenment through following the middle path- balancing renunciation between health and right living. Every detail about Buddha’s life was auspicious, and followed by supernatural events: his birth, his life choices, disciples, and even…his death.

And when that time came, it was just as important and profound as the day he found enlightenment.

SEE ALSO: Auras: What They Mean And How To See Them

His Death

As Buddha came to the end of his life, he was well aware of the events that were to follow. Having traveled and preached to many areas around India for 50-60 years, he was approaching 80 and losing his health- quickly. Realizing his end was near, he went and met with all of the heads of the monasteries he founded to give them his blessing. Turning back to continue his journey and talk to a king about keeping peace, he and his small band came upon the river Hiranyavati, where he was offered a meal from a blacksmith.

Unfortunately, it would be the last meal he ever ate. Soon after eating, he became violently ill and bedridden. Buddha laid on his right side, with his hand under his head and the other resting on his body. This is the same as the picture above! Soon after this, he inducted his last disciple, Subhadda, and began his passing to the next world.

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His last words were:

“Do not say we have no master now. The doctrine I have preached will be your master when I have disappeared. Listen, I beg you: all creations are impermenent; work diligently for your liberation.”

After that, he went into the highest stages of meditation, leaving his body and merging into oneness.

How did He Die?

There is much speculation over how exactly he died, but it’s assumed that the meal probably didn’t have anything to do with it. Most likely, by that time he other diseases. It’s speculated he had Mesenteric infarction, which is essentially old age.

The Legacy

After his death, Buddha’s remains were cremated, and throngs of people came to pay their respect. It almost seemed he was more popular in his death than he ever seemed in life. But nonetheless, Buddha believed in the teachings over himself, and that the truths he taught his followers would be far more important than his life. And he was right.

Buddhism has become one of the world’s most popular religions, and has changed the lives of millions. Nearly 2,600 years later, his thoughts are still influencing people, grabbing the attention of scientists and spiritual seekers alike.

One thing is for sure: Buddha changed the world.