Buddha: His Life, his Doctrine, his Order c8.s2.22

c8.s2.22

But Ânanda went into the house and wept, saying: "I am not yet free from impurities, I have not yet reached the goal, and my master, who takes pity on me, will soon enter into Nirvâna." Then Buddha sent one of the disciples to him, saying: "Go, O disciple, and say to Ânanda in my name; the Master wishes to speak with thee, friend Ânanda." Thereupon Ânanda went in to the Master, bowed himself before him, and sat down beside him. But Buddha said to him: "Not so, Ânanda, weep not, sorrow not. Have I not ere this said to thee, Ânanda, that from all that man loves and from all that man enjoys, from that must man part, must give it up, and tear himself from it. How can it be, Ânanda, that that which is born, grows, is made, which is subject to decay, should not pass away? That cannot be. But thou, Ânanda, hast long honoured the Perfect One, in love and kindness, with cheerfulness, loyally and unwearyingly, in thought, word and deed. Thou hast done well, Ânanda; only strive on, soon wilt thou be free from impurities."