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LEAVING VAISHALI
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consent. Seeing that the Blessed One had consented, Chunda departed thence.
Next day Chunda made ready in his dwellingplace sweet rice and cakes and some preparation of Sukara-Madhava. And he announced the hour to the Blessed One, saying: “The hour, Lord, has come, and the meal is ready.”
And the Blessed One robed himself and taking his bowl went with the brethren to the dwelling-place of Chunda and partook of the food prepared by him.
Again after the meal the Blessed One gave a discourse on religion to Chunda, then rose from his seat and departed thence.
The food offered by Chunda did not agree with the Blessed One. There fell upon him a dire sickness, the disease of dysentery, and sharp and shooting pain came upon him even unto death.
But the Blessed One, mindful and self-possessed, bore it without complaint.
Returning to the mango grove and after nature was relieved, the Blessed One told Ananda: “ Come let us go to Kushinara” and the party moved from Pava.
§ 3. Arrival at Kushinara
The Blessed Lord walked for part of the way. He soon felt the need for some rest.
On the way the Blessed One went aside from the path to the foot of a certain tree and said to Ananda: “Fold, I pray you, Ananda, the robe; and spread it out for me. I am weary, Ananda, and must rest a while ! ”
“ Even so, Lord!” said the venerable Ananda, in assent, to the Blessed One, and spread out the robe folded fourfold.
And the Blessed One seated himself on the seat prepared for him.
And when he was seated, the Blessed One addressed the venerable Ananda, and said: “Fetch me,
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