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One morning in early autumn just after the retreat came to a close, the Buddha received news that King Suddhodana was on his
deathbed in Kapilavatthu. The king had sent Prince Mahanama, his nephew, as a messenger to summon the Buddha in hopes of seeing his
son one last time. At Mahanama’s special request, the Buddha agreed to travel in the carriage in order to save time. Anuruddha, Nanda,
Ananda, and Rahula accompanied him. They left so quickly that even the Licchavi princes and Ambapali were unable to see them off. After
the carriage departed, two hundred bhikkhus, including all the former princes of the Sakya clan, began to walk towards Kapilavatthu. They
wanted to be with the Buddha at his father’s funeral.
The royal family met the Buddha at the palace gates. Mahapajapati led him at once into the king’s chambers. The king’s face, pale and
wan, brightened when he saw the Buddha. The Buddha sat down by the bed and took the king’s hand in his own. The king, now eightytwo
years old, was thin and frail.
The Buddha said, “Father, please breathe gently and slowly. Smile. Nothing is more important than your breath at this moment. Nanda,
Ananda, Rahula, Anuruddha, and I will breathe together with you.”
The king looked at each one of them. He smiled and began to follow his breath. No one dared cry. After a moment, the king looked at
the Buddha and said, “I have seen clearly the impermanence of life and how if a person wants happiness he should not lose himself in a life
of desires. Happiness is obtained by living a life of simplicity and freedom.”
Queen Gotami told the Buddha, “These past months, the king has lived very simply. He has truly followed your teaching. Your teaching
has transformed the lives of every one of us here.”
Still holding the king’s hand, the Buddha said, “Father, take a deep look at me, at Nanda and Rahula. Look at the green leaves on the
branches outside your window. Life continues. As life continues, so do you. You will continue to live in me and in Nanda and Rahula, and
in all beings. The temporal body arises from the four elements which dissolve only to endlessly recombine again. Father, don’t think that
because the body passes away, life and death can bind us. Rahula’s body is also your body.”
The Buddha motioned to Rahula to come and hold the king’s other hand. A lovely smile arose on the face of the dying king. He
understood the Buddha’s words and he no longer feared death.
The king’s advisors and ministers were all present. He motioned for them to approach and in a feeble voice said, “During my reign, I
have doubtlessly upset and wronged you. Before I die, I ask your forgiveness.”
The advisors and ministers could not hold back their tears. Prince Mahanama knelt by the bed and said, “Your majesty, you have been
the most virtuous and just of kings. No one here has any reason to fault you.”
Mahanama continued, “I humbly wish to suggest that Prince Nanda now leave monastic life and return to Kapilavatthu to ascend the
throne. The people would all be happy to see your own son as king. I pledge to assist and support him with all my being.”
Nanda looked at the Buddha as if to plead for rescue. Queen Gotami also looked the Buddha’s way. Quietly, the Buddha spoke,
“Father, Ministers, please allow me to share my insight in this matter. Nanda does not yet possess the inclination or ability to serve as a
political ruler. He needs more years of spiritual practice to be ready for such a task. Rahula is only fifteen years old and too young to
become king. I believe Prince Mahanama is the best qualified to be king. He is a man of great intelligence and talent, as well as a man of
compassion and understanding. Furthermore, he has served as the king’s chief advisor these past six years. On behalf of the royal family,
on behalf of the people, I ask Prince Mahanama to accept this difficult responsibility.”
Mahanama joined his palms and protested, “I fear my talent falls far short of what is required of a king. Please, your Majesty, Lord
Buddha, and Ministers, choose someone more worthy than myself.”
The other ministers voiced their approval of the Buddha’s suggestion. The king nodded his approval, as well, and called Mahanama to
his side. He took Mahanama’s hand and said, “Everyone places his trust in you. The Buddha himself has faith in you. You are my nephew
and I would be honored and happy to pass the throne onto you. You will continue our line for a hundred generations.”
Mahanama bowed, submitting to the king’s wishes.
The king was overjoyed. “Now I can close my eyes in peace. I am happy to have seen the Buddha before I left this world. My heart is
now without any cares whatsoever. I have no regrets or bitterness. I hope that the Buddha will rest in Kapilavatthu for a time in order to
assist Mahanama in the first days of his reign. Your virtue, Lord Buddha, will assure our country a hundred generations of peace.” The
king’s voice faded to barely a whisper.
The Buddha said, “I will remain here for whatever time is needed to help Mahanama.”
The king smiled weakly, but his eyes radiated peace. He closed his eyes and passed from this life. Queen Gotami and Yasodhara began
to cry. The ministers sobbed in grief. The Buddha folded the king’s hands on his chest and then motioned for everyone to stop crying. He
told them to follow their breathing. After several moments, he suggested they meet in the outer chamber to discuss arrangements for the
funeral.
The funeral took place seven days later. More than a thousand brahmans attended the ceremony. But King Suddhodana’s funeral was