146 14. THE BUDDHA’S PARINIBBÁNA (DEATH)
from it, he attained to “the realm of neither-perception-nor-non-percep-
tion” (nevasaññánásaññáyatana). Emerging from it, he attained to “the
cessation of perceptions and sensations” (saññávedayitanirodha).
Venerable Ánanda, who had then not developed the divine eye,
addressed Venerable Anuruddha and said: “O Venerable Anuruddha, the
Exalted One has passed away.”
“Nay, brother Ánanda, the Exalted One has not passed away but has
attained to “the cessation of perceptions and sensations.”
Then the Buddha, emerging from “the cessation of perceptions and
sensations”, attained to “the realm of neither-perception-nor-non-per-
ception.” Emerging from it, he attained to “the realm of nothingness.”
emerging from it, he attained to “the realm of the infinity of conscious-
ness.” Emerging from it, he attained to “the realm of the infinity of
space.” Emerging from it, he attained to the fourth ecstasy. Emerging
from it, he attained to the third ecstasy. Emerging from it, he attained to
the second ecstasy. Emerging from it, he attained to the first ecstasy.
Emerging from it, he attained to the second ecstasy. Emerging from it,
he attained to the third ecstasy. Emerging from it, he attained to the
fourth ecstasy. Emerging from it, and immediately after, the Buddha
finally passed away.^232
- The death of the Buddha occurred in 543 BCE on a Vesak full-moon day.