While at Rajageiha Buddha called together his followers and addressed them at some length on the means requisite for Buddhist salvation. This sermon was summed up in the celebrated verse:
"To cease from all sin,
To get virtue,
To cleanse one's own heart—
This is the religion of the Buddhas."
(Rhys David's Buddha, p. 62.)
[294:14] See Matt. viii. 19, 20; xvi. 25-28.
[295:1] Müller: Science of Religion, p. 27.
[295:2] Hardy: Eastern Monachism, p. 230.
"Gautama Buddha is said to have announced to his disciples that the time of his departure had come: 'Arise, let us go hence, my time is come.' Turned toward the East and with folded arms he prayed to the highest spirit who inhabits the region of purest light, to Maha-Brahma, to the king in heaven, to Devaraja, who from his throne looked down on Gautama, and appeared to him in a self-chosen personality." (Bunsen: The Angel-Messiah. Compare with Matt. xxvi. 36-47.)
[295:3] "Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee." (Matt. xii. 38.)
[295:4] See Matt. xxiv; Mark, viii. 31; Luke, ix. 18.
[295:5] Mark, xxviii. 18-20.