Mahâ-Parinibbâna-Suttanta: The Book of the Great Decease

20. 'The place, Ânanda, at which the believing man can say, "Here the Tathâgata passed finally away in that utter passing away which leaves nothing whatever to remain behind!" is a spot to be visited with feelings of reverence and awe. [1. The words in brackets have been inserted from par. III, 63 above. See par. VI, 39 below.] p. 91 21. 'And there will come, Ânanda, to such spots, believers, brethren and sisters of the order. or devout men and devout women, and will say, "Here was the Tathâgata born!" or, "Here did the Tathâgata attain to the supreme and perfect insight!" or, "Here was the kingdom of righteousness set on foot by the Tathâgata!" or, "Here the Tathâgata passed away in that utter passing away which leaves nothing whatever to remain behind!" 22. 'And they, Ânanda, who shall die while they, with believing heart, are journeying on such pilgrimage, shall be reborn after death, when the body shall dissolve, in the happy realms of heaven.' ------------------------ 23. 'How are we to conduct ourselves, Lord, with regard to womankind?' 'Don't see them, Ânanda.' 'But if we should see them, what are we to do?' 'Abstain from speech, Ânanda.' 'But if they should speak to us, Lord, what are we to do?' 'Keep wide awake, Ânanda.' ------------------------ 24. 'What are we to do, Lord, with the remains of the Tathâgata?' 'Hinder not yourselves, Ânanda, by honouring the remains of the Tathâgata. Be zealous, I beseech you, Ânanda, in your own behalf! Devote yourselves to your own good! Be earnest, be zealous, be intent on your own good! There are wise men, Ânanda, among the nobles, among the Brâhmans, among the heads of houses, who are firm believers in the Tathâgata; and they will do due honour to the remains of the Tathâgata.'