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Dr, K. P. Jayaswal
of Buddha's Nirvāṇa in the 8th year of Ajātasatru's reign is based on the erroneous chronology1 adopted in the Ceylonese Chronicle, Mahavamsa.2 Thus, the whole mention of the above conclusion that Mahāvīra was younger than Buddha, shatters down.
The second allusion giving rise to ambiguity with respect to Mahavira's seniority to Buddha, is described by Shri Rampuria as follows: When Buddha was lying on the death-bed, the following event took place1: "Now at that time, a mendicant named Subhadda, who was not a believer, was dwelling at Kusinara. And the mendicant Subhadda heard the news: "This is very day, they say, in the third watch of the night, will take place the final passing away of the Samana Gotama."
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Then thought the mendicant Subhadda....... Now a certain feeling of uncertainity has sprung up in my mind and this faith have I in the Samaṇa Gotama, that he, me thinks, is able so to present the truth that I may get rid of this feeling of uncertainity.'
"Then the mendicant Subhadda went to the Śāla Grove of the Mallas, to the Upavattana of Kusinara, to the place where the venerable Ananda was.'
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"And when he had come there he said to the venerable Ananda :......
1. For the detailed discussion of this, see, 'The Chronology' in chapter VII of this Book.
2. Ajätaśatru Mathame Yasse Buddhe Parinivvaute.
Mahāvaṁśa.
3. Op. cit. p. 17.
4. Maha-Parinivvāņa Sutta, Digha Nikaya Tr. by T.W. Rhys Davids S.B.E. Vol XI, p.p. 103 To 106.
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