On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v2.c18.s2.29

v2.c18.s2.29

According to Fa-hsien and some of the Buddhist scriptures the Buddha left Vesālī by the west gate on his way to Kuśinagara for the last time, and as he passed by the city-wall he turned and took a last view of the city. As his course lay north-westwards from the city this statement is not at variance with our pilgrim's account. The Sarvata Vinaya also represents the Buddha as taking his last look at Vesālī from a spot not far to the north-west of the city. But the "Sutra of the Great Decease" makes the Buddha take his last view of Vesālī after going through the city on his morning circuit for the purpose of begging his food.¹