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THE GREAT KING OF GLORY!
MAHA-SUDASSANA-SUTTA.
CHAPTER I. 1. Thus have I heard. The Blessed One was once staying at Kusinârâ in the Upavattana, the Sâla grove of the Mallas, between the twin Sala trees, at the time of his death.
2. Now the venerable Ananda went up to the place where the Blessed One was, and bowed down before him, and took his seat respectfully on one side. And when he was so seated, the venerable Ananda said to the Blessed One:
2.Let not the Blessed One die in this little wattel and daub town, in this town in the midst of the jungle, in this branch township. For, Lord, there are other great cities, such as Kampa, Râgagaha, Sâvatthi, Sâketa, Kosambi, and Benares. Let the Blessed One die in one of them. There there are many wealthy nobles and Brâhmans and heads of houses, believers in the Tathagata, who will pay due honour to the remains of the Tathagata.
3. "Say not so, Ananda! Say not so, Ânanda,
1 Sudassana means 'beautiful to see, having a glorious appearance,' and is the name of many kings and heroes in Indian legend.
* From here down to the end of the next section is found also, nearly word for word, in the Mahâparinibbâna Sutta, above, pp. 99, 100. Compare also Maha-Sudassana Gataka, No. 95.
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