A. In the forty-fifth season after his attaining Buddhahood, on the full-moon day of May, knowing that his end was near, he came at evening to Kusināgāra, a place about one hundred and twenty miles from Benares. In the sāla grove of the Mallas, the Uparvartana of Kusināgāra, between two sāla trees, he had his bedding spread with the head towards the north according to the ancient custom. He lay upon it, and with his mind perfectly clear, gave his final instructions to his disciples and bade them farewell.
98. Q. Did he also make new converts in those last tours?
A. Yes, a very important one, a great Brāhmana pandit named Subhadra. He had also preached to the Mallya princes and their followers.
99. Q. At day-break what happened?
A. He passed into the interior condition of Samādhi and thence into Nirvāna.
100. Q. What were his last words to his disciples?
A. "Bhikkhus," he said, "I now impress it upon you, the parts and powers of man must be dissolved. Work out your salvation with diligence."
101. Q. What convincing proof have we that the Buddha, formerly Prince Siddhārtha, was a historical personage?
A. His existence is apparently as clearly proved as that of any other character of ancient history.
102. Q. Name some of the proofs?