Chapter XXVI

Going four yojanas east, we arrive at the confluence of the five rivers. When Ananda was going from the country of Magadha towards Vaisali, desiring to enter Nirvana, the Devas acquainted King Ajatasatru of it. The king immediately set out after him at the head of his troops, and arrived at the banks of the river. The Lichchhavis of Vaisali, hearing that Ananda was coming, likewise set out to meet him and arrived at the side of the river. Ananda then reflected that if he were to advance, King Ajatasatru would be much grieved, and if he should go back, then the Lichchhavis would be indignant. Being perplexed, he forthwith entered the Samadhi called the “brilliancy of flame,” consuming his body, and entered Nirvana in the midst of the river. His body was divided into two parts; one part was found on either side of the river; so the two kings, taking the relics of half his body, returned and erected towers over them.