Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c7.396

v1.c7.396

As the end approached, the Buddha noticed that Ānanda was not by his side; on enquiry he learnt that Ānanda was outside, weeping and filled with despair at the thought that the Master would soon be no more, and that he (Ānanda) would have to work out his perfection unaided. The Buddha sent for him and consoled him by pointing out that whatever is born must, by its very nature, be dissolved. Three times he said, “For a long time, Ānanda, you have been very near to me by acts of love, kind and good, never varying, beyond all measure,” and he exhorted him to be earnest in effort, for he would soon realise emancipation.⁹⁹