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Anand - "Bhante ! In what state do you see the gods"? The Buddha - "Ananda ! Some are lamenting with their hairs disshevelled; some others are shouting holding each others hand; some are falling on the ground like trees hewn. They are all in grief saying, 'So soon the Sugata is entering into liberation; so soon the enlightened is going out of the world'".
Ananda - "Bhante ! When you are alive, the monks, on completion of their monsoon sojourn, come from many directions to pay their homage and obeisance to you. We too benefit from their pious association. But, Bhante, in future, (after you enter into your liberation), what pious association shall we get, and to whom do we come to pay our homage and obeisance"?
The Buddha - "Ananda ! In future, four places will continue to provide the necessary inspiration to turn men away from the mundane life. They are:
1. the place where the Tathāgata has been born
(Lumbini),
2. the place where he has been enlightened (Bodhgayā),
3. the place where he started the Wheel of Religion
(Sarnāth), and
:
4. the place where he enters into his liberation
(Kusināra)".
- 'Bhante ! What should be our attitude to women
folks"
"Not to look at them". - "Bhagavān! In case one has already seen"? - "Have no chat".
- "But, Bhante, where conversation is necessary"?
- "Then be fully alert, with your mind awakened":
