One time, the Buddha was staying near the city of Vesali, at the Bavala Shrine. After going on alms round and finishing his meal, he rested there with Venerable Ananda.
The Buddha spoke about the beauty of Vesali and its sacred places. He then explained an important teaching: anyone who fully develops the Four Bases of Spiritual Power (Iddhipāda) can live for a full life span or even longer. The Buddha said that he himself had fully developed these qualities and could remain longer if he wished.
However, Venerable Ananda did not understand this message and did not ask the Buddha to stay. At that moment, Māra, the tempter, influenced events.
When Ananda stepped away, Māra appeared and asked the Buddha to enter Parinirvana, saying that the Buddha’s work was complete. The monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen were now well trained, wise, and able to preserve and teach the Dhamma. The Buddha agreed and declared that he would pass into Parinirvana in three months.
With full mindfulness and clarity, the Buddha then set aside his life force at the Bavala Shrine. Immediately, the earth shook violently, thunder roared, and the world trembled.
Later, Venerable Ananda asked why such a great earthquake occurred. The Buddha explained that there are eight causes for great earthquakes. These include natural forces, powerful spiritual beings, the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, first teaching, setting aside his life span, and final Parinirvana.
This event marked the moment when the Buddha peacefully accepted the natural end of his physical life, leaving behind the Dhamma and Vinaya as the true guide for all future generations.
