廣弘明集 13.106

13.106

The external treatise says: Since the day of Lord Lao’s birth was already unlike that of ordinary men, the time of his concealing his traces was naturally distinct from the world. Thus, heading west to the shifting sands, his journey passed through Hangu Pass; the green ox crossed the border, and purple vapor floated in the sky. None could fathom his beginning or end; none knew his whereabouts. Śākyamuni caught a grave illness in Śrāvastī and announced his demise in the Twin Groves; burning the coffin and incinerating the corpse followed the customs of the barbarians. His breath finished and spirit departed, in no way different from ordinary men. This is the seventh distinction in departing the world.