THE PROXIMATE OR LAST EPOCH.[1]
Now whilst he was still seated there, after he had sung the Hymn of Triumph, the Blessed One thought, "It is in order to attain to this throne of triumph that I have undergone successive births for so long a time,[2] that I severed my crowned head from my neck and gave it away, that I tore out my darkened eyes and my heart's flesh and gave them away, that I gave away to serve others such sons as Jāli the Prince, and such daughters as Kaṇhā Jinā the Princess, and such wives as Maddī the Queen. This seat is a throne of triumph to me, and a throne of glory; while seated on it my aims have been fulfilled: I will not leave it yet." And he sat there absorbed in many thoughts[3] for those seven days referred to in the text, beginning, "And then the Blessed One sat motionless for seven days, realizing the bliss of Nirvāna."
Now certain of the angels began to doubt, thinking, "There must be something more Siddhattha has to do this day, for he still lingers seated there." The Master, knowing their thoughts, and to appease their doubts, rose into the air, and performed the miracle of making another appearance like unto himself.[4]
And the Master having thus by this miracle dispelled the angels' doubts, stood a little to the North-east of the
- ↑ See above, p. 2. A similar explanation is here repeated in a gloss.
- ↑ Literally for four asaŋkheyyas and a hundred thousand kalpas.
- ↑ Anekakoṭi-sata-sahassā samāpattiyo samāpajjanto.
- ↑ Yamaka-pāṭihāriyaŋ; literally 'twin-miracle.' Comp. pp. 88, 193, of the text, and Mah. p. 107. I am not sure of the meaning of the expression. Bigandet, p. 93, has 'performed a thousand wonders.' Hardy, p. 181, omits the clause; and Beal omits the whole episode. A gloss here adds that the Buddha performed a similar miracle on three other occasions.
