Doctrine. The Teacher, by reason of her conduct, recited the following stanzas found in the Dhammapada:
Sons are no refuge, nor a father, nor relatives;
To one who has been assailed by death, there is no refuge in kinsfolk.
Knowing this power of circumstances, the wise man, restrained by the moral precepts.
Should straightway clear the path that leads to Nibbāna.
At the conclusion of the stanzas, even as she stood there, she became established in the Fruit of Conversion.
32. THE HEAVENLY MESSENGERS
Prepare for death.
Majjhima 83:ii. 74-83.
Thus have I heard: Once upon a time the Exalted One was in residence at Mithilā, in Makhādeva Mango Grove. Now at a certain spot the Exalted One smiled. And to Venerable Ānanda occurred the following thought: "What, pray, is the cause, what is the reason, for the Exalted One's smiling? Not without cause do the Tathāgatas smile." Accordingly Venerable Ānanda adjusted his robe so as to cover one shoulder only, bent his joined hands in reverent salutation before the Exalted One, and said this to the Exalted One: "What, pray. Reverend Sir, is the cause, what is the reason, for the Exalted One's smiling? Not without cause do the Tathāgatas smile."
Part 1. Makhādeva.
In olden times, Ānanda, in this very city of Mithilā, there was a king named Makhādeva. He was a righteous king, a king of righteousness, abiding steadfast in righteousness, a mighty king. He dealt righteously with Brahmans and householders, with country folk and city folk. He kept Fast-day on the fourteenth day, on the fifteenth day, and on the eighth day of the half-month.
Now, Ānanda, after many years, many hundreds of years, many thousands of years had gone by, King Makhādeva addressed his barber: "When, master barber, you see grey hairs growing on my head, pray be good enough to tell me." "Yes, your majesty," said the barber to King Makhādeva, giving him his word.
