Old Path White Clouds-Walking1 in the Footsteps of the Buddha

Chapter Thirty-Six: Lotus Vow


Yasodhara invites the Buddha and Kaludayi to a meal at the palace. The

Buddha meets with children in a poor village and tells them the past-life story of
Megha and the young woman who gave him lotus flowers to offer to the
Enlightened Master Dipankara.

Siuan Tsi Po Yuan King (T. 200); Fo Pen Hing Tsi King (T. 190);
Purnamukhavadanasakata; Jataka (Kh. 10); Cheng King (T. 154).

Chapter Thirty-Seven: A New Faith


Nanda and Rahula join the sangha. King Suddhodana criticizes the Buddha for

allowing Rahula to become a monk. The Buddha gives a discourse on politics
and the way of virtue.

Vin. Mv. Kh. 1; Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428).
The king’s words to the Buddha, “Master, I suffered unbelievably when you
abandoned home to become a monk... the pain is like a knife cutting into my
skin, flesh, bone, and marrow...” have been taken almost verbatim from Vin. Mv.
Kh. 1.

Chapter Thirty-Eight: O, Happiness!


Six princes of the Sakya clan leave home and ask to be ordained along with a

barber. The Buddha spends the retreat season at Bamboo Forest. Venerable
Baddhiya tastes the joys of the Dharma. Mahakassapa is ordained.

Vin. Cv. Kh. 7; Ud. 11, 10; Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428).
Baddhiya’s experiencing the joys of the Dharma are mentioned in Vin. Cv.
Kh. 7.

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Waiting for Daybreak


The merchant Sudatta goes to meet the Buddha before daylight. Sudatta

invites Sariputta to go with him to Savatthi in order to prepare for the Buddha’s
arrival to teach the Dharma in the kingdom of Kosala.

Vin. Cv. Kh. 6; S. X, 8; Tsa 592 and 593.
Sudatta’s first encounter with the Buddha is described in Vin. Cv. Kh. 6.

Chapter Forty: Cover the Land in Gold


Sudatta purchases Prince Jeta’s grove in order to build a monastery for the

bhikkhus. Venerable Sariputta returns to accompany the Buddha. The Buddha
teaches the Dharma to the Licchavi princes.

Vin. Cv. Kh. 6; S. X, 8; Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428).

Chapter Forty-One: Has Anyone Seen My Mother?


The Buddha spends the retreat season at Jetavana. Other religious sects

disagree with the Buddha concerning the subject of love.
Piyajatika Sutta (M. 87), Tchong 216 (T. 26).

Chapter Forty-Two: Love Is Understanding


King Pasenadi visits the Buddha and receives teaching about Love and

Understanding.
Piyajatika Sutta (M. 87); Ud. VI, 4; Metta Sutta (Sn. I, 8), Tchong 216 (T. 26).
The passage in which the Buddha speaks to the king about a young prince, a

small snake, a spark of fire, and a young monk is found in S. III, 1.

Chapter Forty-Three: Everyone’s Tears Are Salty


The Buddha invites the nightsoil carrier, Sunita, to join the sangha of

bhikkhus. King Pasenadi comes to ask the Buddha why he has accepted an
untouchable into the sangha.

Fo Pen Hing Tsi King (T. 190); Fang Kouang Ta Tchouang Yen King (T. 187);
Lalitavistara.

Chapter Forty-Four: The Elements Will Recombine


Nanda misses his betrothed. The Buddha returns to Vesali for the retreat

season. King Suddhodana, on his deathbed, asks the Buddha to return. The
Buddha speaks to his father about birth and death and assists him in choosing a
successor. After the funeral, Queen Pajapati asks to be ordained. The Buddha
refuses her request.

Ud. III, 2; Vin. Cv. Kh. 10; A. VII, 51; Fang Kouang Ta Tchouang Yen King
(T. 187); Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428).

The Buddha’s refusal to allow Gotami to be ordained is mentioned in Vin. Cv.
Kh. 10 and in T. 1428. Additional references can be found in A. VII, 51 and A.
VIII, 53.

Chapter Forty-Five: Opening the Door


Mahapajapati and women comrades demonstrate their intention and ability to

lead the homeless life. Eight Rules are created as a prerequisite for women to be
ordained.

Ud. III, 2; Vin. Cv. Kh. 10; A. VIII, 51-53; Tchong 116 (T. 26); Tchong 130
(T. 26); Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428); Wou Fen Liu (T. 1421).

Detailed accounts of Mahapajapati and her women comrades’ efforts to be
accepted into the sangha are recorded in Vin. Cv. Kh. 10; T. 1428 and T. 1421.

Chapter Forty-Six: A Handful of Simsapa Leaves


The Buddha deals with Bhikkhu Malukyaputta and esoteric questions. After

dispute and division in the sangha at Kosambi, the Buddha goes to the forest
alone. He creates the six principles for community harmony.

Vin. Mv. Kh. 10; Upakkilesa Sutta (M. 128); Culamalukya Sutta (M. 63);
Tchong 205 (T. 26); Tchong 221 (T. 26); S. 56, 31; Tsa 404; Fo Chouo Tsien Yu
King (T. 94); Kulagosinga Sutta (M. 31); Kosambiya Sutta (M. 48); Tchong 72
(T. 26).

The episode with Bhikkhu Malukyaputta can be found in M. 63 and Tchong
221 (T. 26). Division in the sangha is recorded in Vin. Mv. Kh. 10 and M. 128.
The harmonious community life of Anuruddha, Kimbila and Nandiya is
recounted in M. 128, Tchong 72 (T. 26), and Vin. Mv. Kh. 10.

Chapter Forty-Seven: Follow the Dharma


The Buddha spends the retreat season in Rakkhuta Forest and befriends an

elephant matriarch. The Buddha returns to Savatthi. His senior disciples ask him
how to receive the bhikkhus from Kosambi.

Vin. Mv. Kh. 10; Ud. IV, 5; Upakkilesa Sutta (M. 128).
The Buddha’s befriending of the elephant is recorded in Vin. Mv. Kh. 10.
Look also at Ud. IV, 5. The repentance and reconciliation among the bhikkhus
from Kosambi is recorded in Vin. Mv. Kh. 10.

Chapter Forty-Eight: Covering Mud with Straw


The Buddha’s senior disciples establish the Seven Practices of Reconciliation.
Vin. Mv. Kh. 10; Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428).
The Seven Practices of Reconciliation are the final items in the precepts of the

bhikkhus, in both the Southern and Northern traditions.

Chapter Forty-Nine: Earth’s Lessons


Rahula recounts for Svasti how the precepts were developed. The Buddha

encounters a farmer who accuses the bhikkhus of eating without working. The
Buddha teaches Rahula concerning Right Speech, Right Mindfulness, and the
Four Limitless Meditations.

Ambalatthikarahulovada Sutta (M. 61); Maharahulovada Sutta (M. 62); Vin.
Sv. Para. I; A. VIII, 11; Kasibharadvaya Sutta (Sn. I, 4); Cularahulovada Sutta
(M. 147); Tchong 14 (T. 26); Tsa 897 (T. 99); Tchong 200 (T. 26).

The farmer’s accusations that the Buddha does not plow or sow seeds is taken
from Sn. 1, 4 and S. VII, 11. The Buddha’s instruction to Rahula can be found in
M. 62, M. 147, Tseng 17, 1 (T. 125), and Tchong 200 (T. 26).

Chapter Fifty: A Handful of Bran


There is a famine in Vejanra. The Buddha speaks to Sariputta concerning how

to know when the precepts are complete. Svasti feels homesick. The Buddha
teaches Meghiya concerning the Four Establishments of Mindfulness.

Vin. Sv. Para. 1; Ud. IV, 1; A. IX, 3; Tsa 897 (T. 99); Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428).
The Buddha’s instruction to Meghiya can be found in Ud. IV, 1 and A. IX, 3.
According to the Southern Tradition, the complete precepts number 227 for
bhikkhus and 311 for bhikkhunis. According to the Northern Tradition which
relies most on Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428) of the Dharmagupta tradition, there are
250 precepts for bhikkhus and 358 for bhikkhunis.

Chapter Fifty-One: The Treasure of Insight


Rahula receives full ordination. The Buddha gives Rahula teaching

concerning contemplation of the eighteen realms of existence. The Buddha
delivers the Sutra on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone. The Buddha
teaches about Compassion to a group of children. The Buddha lifts a lotus before
the community as a means of opening them to the direct experience of life’s
wonders.

S. XXI, 10; Metta Sutta (Sn. I, 8); Ud. V, 4; Bhaddekaratta Sutta (M. 131);
Ananda Bhaddekaratta Sutta (M. 132); Mahakaccana Bhaddekaratta Sutta (M.
133); Tseng 49, 10 (T. 125); Tchong 165, 166, 167 (T. 26); and Fo Chouo Tsouen
Chang King (T. 77).

The meeting between the Buddha and a group of children harming crabs can
be found in the Metta Sutta, Sn. I, 8. The Sutra on Knowing the Better Way to
Live Alone is from M. 131. Also look at M. 132, M. 133, Tchong 165, 166, 167
(T. 26), and T. 77.

Chapter Fifty-Two: Fields of Merit


The Buddha mediates and brings to resolution the conflict between Sakya and

Koliya, and then spends the retreat season in Kapilavatthu. The Buddha returns
to Vulture Peak. He suggests a new way of sewing bhikkhus’ robes to Ananda.
Lay disciple Lady Visakha pays a visit. The senior disciples suggest that Ananda
serve as the Buddha’s full-time attendant, and they ask the Buddha to return to
Savatthi every year for the retreat season.

Vin. Mv. Kh. 8; Ud. VIII, 8; Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428).
The Buddha’s idea to sew robes as fields of merit is mentioned in Vin. Mv.
Kh. 8. Lay disciple Lady Visakha is mentioned in Vin. Mv. Kh. 8, Ud. VIII, 8
and T. 1428.

Chapter Fifty-Three: Dwelling in the Present Moment


The Buddha delivers the Satipatthana Sutta. He converts Angulimala.
Satipatthana Sutta (M. 10); Mahasatipatthana Sutta (D. 22); Angulimala Sutta

(M. 86); Nian Tan King (Tchong 81); Nian Chu King (Tchong 98) (T. 26); Tseng
12, 1 (T. 125); Yang Kiue Mo Lo King (T. 120).

The Satipatthana Sutta is transmitted in three documents: M. 10, Tchong 98,
and Tseng 12, 1 (T. 125). It is the fundamental sutra on meditation. M. 10 is from
the Theravada tradition, Tchong 98 is from the Sarvastivada tradition, and Tseng
12, 1 is of the Mahasanghika tradition. The story of Angulimala is told in M. 86.
In the Chinese canon, in addition to T. 120, there are several other sutras which
mention Angulimala.

Chapter Fifty-Four: Dwell in Mindfulness


The intellectual Upali abandons the Nigantha sect in order to follow the

teaching of the Buddha. Jetavana Monastery is disturbed by false accusations.
Upali Sutta (M. 56); Lalitavistara; Tchong 133 (T. 26); Fo Chouo Fou Yao

King (T. 186).

Chapter Fifty-Five: Appearance of the Morning Star


The Buddha cares for a bhikkhu who has dysentery. Bhikkhuni Dhammadinna

delivers a discourse on Emptiness to lay disciples Visakha and Sudatta and is
praised by the Buddha. The stories of Bhikkhunis Patacara and Uppalavanna are
recounted.

Vin. Mv. Kh. 8; AV. 123-124; Culavedalla Sutta (M. 44); Tchong 210 (T. 26);
Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428).

Patacara’s poem can be found in the Therigatha. The lay disciple named
Visakha who listened to Bhikkhuni Dhammadinna’s discourse was a male
disciple and not Lady Visakha. Uppalavanna’s story is recounted in T. 1428. See
also Thig.

Book Three

Chapter Fifty-Six: Full Awareness of Breathing


The Buddha delivers the Sutra on the Full Awareness of Breathing.

Angulimala is beaten by an angry mob.
Anapanasati Sutta (M. 118); Angulimala Sutta (M. 86); Tsa 1077 (T. 125);

Tseng 17, 1 and 38, 6 (T. 125); Fo Chouo Ta Nyan Pan Cheou Yi King (T. 602),
Tsa 1077 (T. 125).

The general outline of the Sutra on the Full Awareness of Breathing in this
chapter is taken from M. 118. The version in T. 602 of the Chinese canon is not
so clear or precise. The attack on Angulimala is recounted in M. 86.

Chapter Fifty-Seven: The Raft Is Not the Shore


The Buddha delivers the Simile of the Snake Sutra. Venerable Bhanda gives a

Dharma talk at the bhikkhunis’ monastery. The Buddha ordains the young
untouchable woman Prakriti.

S. LIV, 9; Alagaddupama Sutta (M. 22); Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428); Tchong 200
(T. 26).

The examples of catching a snake and using a raft to cross the river, as well as
the Buddha’s teaching that one must study and practice intelligently, unbound by
narrow views and ignorance, like the man who carries the raft around on his
head, can all be found in M. 22. The story about Bhanda is taken from T. 1428.

Chapter Fifty-Eight: A Handful of Precious Earth


Children offer a handful of earth to the Buddha. The Buddha tells them the

past-life story of Vesvantara. The physician Jivaka asks the Buddha about
vegetarianism.

Jivaka Sutta (M. 55); Avadanasakata; Purnamukhavadanasataka.
Jivaka’s questions about vegetarianism are from M. 55.

Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Net of Theories


Bhikkhuni Subha is almost violated by a strange man. The Buddha delivers

the Brahmajala Sutta. Venerable Moggallana explains in brief the philosophies
of the various contemporary religious sects to Venerable Svasti.

Samannaphala Sutta (D. 2); Brahmajala Sutta (D. 1); Tch’ang 21 (T. 1); Thig.
To find the story of bhikkhuni Subha, read Thig. The names and ages of the
leaders of the various religious sects of the time are recorded in D. 2, and here
and there in many other sutras. Their philosophies are mentioned in D. 1.

Chapter Sixty: Lady Visakha’s Grief


The Buddha discusses with Sonadanda the fundamental characteristics

necessary to make a brahman. Lady Visakha expresses a wish for many children
and grandchildren. Venerable Ananda promises to plant a bodhi tree at Jetavana.

Vasettha Sutta (M. 98); Ud. VIII, 8; Tch’ang 22 (T. 1); Sonadanda Sutta (D.
4).

The encounter with Sonadanda is recounted in D. 4, as well as mentioned in
M. 98. The story of Lady Visakha’s drenched hair is from Ud. VIII, 8.

Chapter Sixty-One: The Lion’s Roar


The Buddha gives the teaching on dependent co-arising. The young woman

Cinca falsely accuses the Buddha. The Buddha delivers the Sutra on the Lion’s
Roar.

Ud. IV, 8; S. XII, 2; Culasihanada Sutta (M. 11); A. IV, 33; Mahanidana Sutta
(D. 15); Yuan K’i King (T. 124); Lalitavistara; Tchong 97 (T. 26); Tsa 684 (T.
125); Jou Lai Che Tseu Heou King (T. 835); Fo Chouo Fou Yao King (T. 186).

Dependent co-arising is taught in many sutras. The substance of the Sutra on
the Lion’s Roar in this chapter has been taken from M. 11.

Chapter Sixty-Two: Sariputta’s Roar


Venerable Sariputta is falsely accused out of jealousy. The Buddha delivers

the Kalama Sutra.
Kalama Sutta (A. III, 65); Sariputtasihanada Sutta (A. IX, 11).
The incident of jealousy leading to Sariputta being falsely accused can be

found in A. IX, 11. The Kalama Sutra is like the charter of Buddhist teaching
concerning freedom of thought. It is also called Kesamutta Sutta. The story of
Kokalika is found in S. 6, 1, 10.

Chapter Sixty-Three: All the Way to the Sea


The Buddha waits for a farmer to eat before beginning his Dharma talk. The

Buddha speaks about a piece of driftwood floating towards the sea. Svasti is
asked to guide and look after a young buffalo tender who joins the sangha.

S. XXXV, 200.
The Buddha’s words about the piece of driftwood are taken from S. XXXV,
200.

Chapter Sixty-Four: The Round of Birth and Death


The Buddha delivers the Sutra on the Eight Realizations of the Great Beings.

Venerable Vakkali dies. The Buddha teaches about beginninglessness and
endlessness.

A. VIII, 30; S. XII, 15; S. XXII, 87; S. VX, 1; Tchong 74 (T. 26); Tsa 1265 (T.
125) ; Tseng 26, 10 (T. 125); Tseng 42, 6 (T. 125); Fo Chouo A Na Liu Pa Nien
King (T. 46); Fo Chouo Pa Ta Jen Kiao King (T. 779).

The Eight Realizations of the Great Beings in this chapter are taken from T.
779. They are also mentioned in several other sutras, both Southern and
Northern. The story about Venerable Vakkali’s death is recounted in S. XXII, 87,
in Tsa 47 (T. 125), and Tseng 19 (T. 99). The Buddha’s thoughts concerning
beginninglessness and endlessness at the end of this chapter are from S. XV, 1.
The parable of the arrows and the Buddha’s teaching on feelings are found in S.
XXXVI, 1, 6. His teaching concerning the contemplation on feelings at the
moment of dying is taken from S. XXXVI, 1, 7.

Chapter Sixty-Five: Neither Full nor Empty


The Buddha teaches concerning emptiness, birthlessness, and deathlessness.
S. XXXV, 85; Culasunnata Sutta (M. 121); Mahasunnata Sutta (M. 122); Tsa

232 (T. 99); Fo Chouo Wou Yun Kiai K’ong King (T. 102); Tao Hing Pan Jo
King (T. 224); Pan Jo Po Lo Mi To Sin King (T. 251); Ta Fang Kouang Fo Houa
Yen King (T. 278).

The section in which Ananda asks about the nature of the world and the
Buddha’s response are taken from S. XXXV, 84. The section in which Ananda
asks what the Buddha means when he says that all the dharmas are empty, is
taken from S. XXXV, 85. The example given by the Buddha of the Dharma hall,
the sangha of bhikkhus, the market, water buffaloes, and the village, is taken
from M. 121, whose contents are basically the same as Tsa 232 (T. 99). The
following explanations are all based on the principle of interdependence and
emptiness of self. All the ideas in this chapter concerning birthlessness,
deathlessness, interpenetration, and interbeing spoken of in the Prajñaparamita
Sutra and the Avatamsaka Sutra are the natural and inevitable expansion of the
Buddha’s original teaching on dependent co-arising, selflessness, and emptiness.

Chapter Sixty-Six: Four Mountains


The Buddha delivers the Ullambana Sutra on filial piety. The Buddha

encourages King Pasenadi to devote more time to spiritual practice in his old
age. The Buddha tells a story about blind men and an elephant.

Ud. VI, 4; S. III, 25; Fo Chouo Yu Lan Pen King (T. 685); Fo Chouo Hiao
Tseu King (T. 687); Fo Chouo Fou Mou Ngen Nan Pao King (T. 684).

The Yu Lan Sutra does not exist in the Pali canon. To find the story of the four
mountains, see S. III, 3, 5. The Vietnamese Emperor Tran Thai Tong was
inspired by this sutra to write his piece “Four Mountains, Preface and Gathas,”
in the work Khoa Hu Luc (Treatise on Emptiness). The story about the blind
men and the elephant is from Ud. VI, 4.

Chapter Sixty-Seven: Ocean Poet


Venerable Punna asks the Buddha’s permission to spread the Dharma in a

region that is known for its violence and lack of civilization. The Buddha talks
about the eight characteristics of the sea.

Punnovada Sutta (M. 145); S. XXXV, 63-64; Tsa 311 (T. 99); A. VIII, 19; Fa
Hai King (T. 34); Fo Chouo Hai Pa To King (T. 35).

The eight characteristics of the sea are recounted in A. VIII, 19. Also look at
T. 35.

Chapter Sixty-Eight: Three Wondrous Gates


The Buddha speaks about the problem of division in the sangha. He delivers

the Sutra on the Dharma Seal. The two venerables Yamelu and Tekula ask
permission to translate the sutras into classical meter but are refused by the
Buddha.

Vin. Cv. Kh. 5; Samagama Sutta (M. 104); Pasadika Sutta (D. 29); Tsa 80 (T.
99); Fo Chouo Tcheng Fa Yin King (T. 103); Fo Chouo Fa Yin King (T. 104).

The Buddha’s words concerning the problem of division are taken from M.
104. The contents of the Sutra on the Dharma Seal used in this chapter are taken
from T. 104. The two venerables asking permission to translate the sutras is
mentioned in Vin. Cv. Kh. 5.

Chapter Sixty-Nine: Where Will the Buddha Go?


Some ascetics ask the Buddha philosophical questions but are met by silence.

Thanks to Venerable Anuruddha, the Buddha receives a new name, the
Tathagata.

S. XLIV, 2; Aggivaccha Sutta (M. 72); Alagaddupama Sutta (M. 22); A. X,
95; S. XIV, 10; Tsa 106 (T. 99); Iti IV, 13.

The incident of the Buddha refusing to answer the ascetic Uttiya’s questions is
taken from A. X, 95. The incident concerning the ascetic Vacchagotta is taken
from S. XIV, 10. The incident with Anuruddha is mentioned in S. XLIV, 2.
Concerning the title of Tathagata, look at M. 22 and M. 72; Iti. IV, 13, and A. IV,
23.

Chapter Seventy: The Quail and the Falcon


Rahula tells Svasti about Bhikkhu Vangisa, a poet. The Buddha compares the

six sense organs to an ocean filled with sea monsters and whirlpools. The
Buddha tells the story of the falcon and the quail, suggesting that bhikkhus be
protected by mindfulness. Svasti recalls the story of Bhikkhu Isidatta and
Layperson Citta. The Buddha suggests a tender way to deal with weak members
of the sangha that will preserve the remaining good seeds in them. There is a
conversation between the Buddha and Kesi, a horse trainer. The warrior
Rohitassa asks the Buddha how to get out of the world of birth and death.

Tsa 1208-1221 (T. 99); S. VIII 1, 1-12; S. XLVII, 1, 6; Tsa 24, 15 (T. 99); S.
SLI, 2-3; Tsa 570 (T. 99); Tchong 194 (T. 26); M. 65.

The story of Vangisa is told in Tsa 1208-1221 (T. 99) and Tchong 192 (T. 26).
The story of Isidatta is found in S. XLI, 2- 3, and Tsa 570 (T. 99). The
conversation between the Buddha and the horse trainer is found in A. IV, 12,
110. The story of Rohitassa is seen in Tseng 43, 1 (T. 125), A. VI, 45, Tsa 1307,
and S. II, 3, 6.

Chapter Seventy-One: The Art of Stringing a Sitar


The Buddha encourages Venerable Sona to take good care of his health.

Jivaka informs the Buddha about Venerable Devadatta’s and the Prince
Ajatasattu’s ambitions. Devadatta asks the Buddha to transfer the leadership of
the sangha to Devadatta.

Ud. V, 6; Vin. Mv. Kh. 5; A. VI, 55; Vin. Cv. Kh. 7; Tchong 123 (T. 26), Tsa
254 (T. 99); Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428).

The Buddha’s questions to Sona about stringing a sitar are mentioned in Vin.
Mv. Kh. 5. Also see A. VI, 55. Devadatta’s request to be given the leadership of
the sangha is recounted in T. 1428 and Vin. Cv. Kh. 7

Chapter Seventy-Two: Quiet Resistance


Devadatta proposes five new rules and organizes an independent sangha. King

Bimbisara abdicates his throne in favor of his son, Prince Ajatasattu. The
Buddha and his sangha do not attend the new king’s coronation.

Vin. Cv. Kh. 7; Vin. Sv. Sangh. 10; Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428).
Devadatta’s proposal for five new rules and his setting up an independent
sangha are recorded in Vin. Cv. Kh. 7. See also Vin. Sv. Sangh. 10. Prince
Ajatasattu’s attempted assassination of King Bimbisara is recorded in Vin. Cv.
Kh. 7 and T. 1428.

Chapter Seventy-Three: Hidden Rice


The first attempt on the Buddha’s life is unsuccessful. Venerables Sariputta

and Moggallana leave for Gayasisa. The Buddha meets with Queen Videhi.
Vin. Cv. Kh. 7; Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428).
The attempt on the Buddha’s life and the departure of Venerables Sariputta

and Moggallana for Gayasisa can be found in Vin. Cv. Kh. 7 and T. 1428.

Chapter Seventy-Four: Cry of the Elephant Queen


Venerables Sariputta and Moggallana lead four hundred bhikkhus back to the

Buddha’s sangha. The Buddha receives an injury in a second attempt on his life.
The Buddha pacifies the elephant Nagagiri and thus survives the third attempt on
his life.

Vin. Cv. Kh. 7; Sseu Fen Liu (T. 1428).
The return of bhikkhus under the guidance of the two elder disciples is
recorded in Vin. Cv. Kh. 7. The hurling of a boulder and the releasing of a
violent elephant in attempts to kill the Buddha are recorded in Vin. Cv. Kh. 7 and
T. 1428.

Chapter Seventy-Five: Tears of Happiness


The Buddha departs from Magadha and returns to Savatthi for the retreat

season. The Buddha delivers the Singala Sutta. Lay disciple Sudatta falls gravely
ill. The Buddha creates the Eight Observances for the Laity. Venerables Sariputta
and Ananda visit Sudatta and offer him teaching.

Magandiya Sutta (M. 75); Culadhammasammadana Sutta (M. 45); Singala
Sutta (D. 31); Anathapindikovada Sutta (M. 143); Tchong 135 (T. 26); Tsa 1031
and 1032 (T. 99); Tseng 51, 8 (T. 125); Fo Chouo Che Kia Yue Viet Lieou Fang
Li King (T. 16); Fo Chouo Pa Koan Tchai King (T. 89).

For the section on sense pleasures and the leper roasting himself on a fire in
the forest, look at M. 75. The four kinds of happiness are described in M. 45.
The episode of Sudatta’s tears when he listens to the two venerables teach the
Dharma is taken from M. 143. See also Tchong 28 (T. 26).

Chapter Seventy-Six: The Fruits of Practice


War erupts between Kosala and Magadha. Queen Mallika passes away. The

Buddha speaks to King Pasenadi about politics and virtue. The Buddha returns
to Vulture Peak. Jivaka arranges for King Ajatasattu to meet the Buddha. The
Buddha delivers the Sutra on the Fruits of a Bhikkhu’s Practice.

S. XLVIII, 41; Kutadanta Sutta (D. 5); Samannaphala Sutta (D. 2); Tch’ang 27
(T. 1).

King Ajatasattu’s invasion of Kosala is recorded in S. III, 14-15. The
Buddha’s suggestions concerning how the law should deal with conflict and
crime is taken from D. 5, although in this sutra the Buddha was not speaking to
either King Pasenadi or King Bimbisara but rather to a brahmana named
Kutadanta. Jivaka’s invitation to King Ajatasattu to go meet the Buddha is
spoken of in D. 2 and Tch’ang 27 (T. 1).

Chapter Seventy-Seven: Stars in Your Eyes


The Buddha returns to Savatthi for the retreat season. King Pasenadi praises

the Buddha and the Sangha. Upon his return to Vulture Peak, the Buddha learns
of the deaths of King Pasenadi and Venerable Moggallana.

Dhammacatiya Sutta (M. 89), Tchong 213 (T. 26).
King Pasenadi’s visit to the Buddha and his praises are recorded in both M. 89
and Tchong 213 (T. 26).

Chapter Seventy-Eight: Two Thousand Saffron Robes


Venerable Devadatta repents. King Ajatasattu explores the idea of invading

Vajji. The Buddha delivers his talk on the seven practices to assure the strength
and continuation of the sangha. Venerable Sariputta praises the Buddha. The
Buddha spends the retreat season in Beluvagamaka village and falls seriously ill.

Mahaparinibbana Sutta (D. 16); Tch’ang 2 (T. 1); Fo Pan Ni Yuan King (T. 5);
Mahavastu.

King Ajatasattu’s sending an envoy to the Buddha to ask his counsel
concerning his plans to invade Vajji is mentioned in D. 16 and Tch’ang 2 (T. 1).
The section about the people of Vesali asking the Buddha to come from
Rajagaha to help them during the plague is recorded in Mahavastu.

Chapter Seventy-Nine: Sandalwood Tree Mushrooms


The Buddha speaks about the nature of the Three Gems. The Buddha receives

news that Venerable Sariputta has died in Nala. The Buddha leaves Vesali and
crosses the Ganga to head north. He is offered his last meal by Cunda. The
Buddha enters the forest of sal trees in Kusinara.

S. XLVII, 1, 9; Tsa 638 (T. 99); Mahaparinibbana Sutta (D. 16); Tch’ang 2 (T.
1); Fo Pan Ni Yuan King (T. 5).

All the details in this chapter have been taken from D. 16 and T. 5.

Chapter Eighty: Be Diligent!


The Buddha praises Venerable Ananda. Ascetic Subhadda is the last person

ordained by the Buddha. The Buddha passes into Nirvana.
Mahaparinibbana Sutta (D. 16); Tch’ang 2 (T. 1); Fo Pan Ni Yuan King (T. 5).
The details in this chapter were all taken from D. 6 and T. 5.

Chapter Eighty-One: Old Path White Clouds


The people of Kusinara offer the Buddha incense, flowers, and music.

Venerable Mahakassapa leads five hundred bhikkhus to the Buddha’s funeral.
Several delegations from different kingdoms receive relics of the Buddha to
place in stupas. Mahakassapa organizes a council to compile all the precepts and
sutras in Rajagaha. Venerable Svasti returns to Uruvela and gazes at the shore of
the Neranjara River and the white clouds in the sky.

Mahaparinibbana Sutta (D. 16); Tch’ang 2 (T. 1); Fo Pan Ni Yuan King (T. 5).
Details concerning the Buddha’s funeral and the dividing of his relics are
taken from D. 16 and T. 5.

Sanskrit Equivalents of Pali Names and Places



Shantum Seth, a student of Thich Nhat Hanh, organizes pilgrimages, “In the
Footsteps of the Buddha,” each winter in India and Nepal. The group visits the
sites associated with the Buddha’s life, going at a pace slower than tourists
usually do, which allows the pilgrim to be mindful, have discussions, and listen
to stories of the Buddha’s life and teachings, many from Old Path White Clouds.
It is also an opportunity to explore and understand the subtleties of Indian life
that have changed little since the time of the Buddha. For further information
and a free brochure, please contact:

Shantum Seth
309-B Sector 15 A

Noida 201301
India

Email: [email protected]




Parallax Press publishes books and tapes on Buddhism and related subjects for
contemporary readers. We carry all books by Thich Nhat Hanh. For a copy of
our free catalog, please write to:

Parallax Press

P. O. Box 7355
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