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The Ganga was so swollen from recent rains that the crows could stand on the high upper banks and dip their beaks in the water for a
drink. Five rafts carried the Buddha and his bhikkhus across the river. Venerable Ananda stood by the Buddha’s side. They looked out
over the water towards Vesali on the opposite shore.
Ananda remembered the time twenty-five years earlier when the Buddha had been greeted by vast throngs of people on that shore. At
that time, Vesali was almost destroyed by a plague. Young and old alike died in droves. There was nothing even the best physicians in
Vesali could do. Altars were set up, but even ceaseless prayers did nothing to alter the situation. Finally the people’s thoughts turned
towards the Buddha. Governor Tomara traveled to Rajagaha and beseeched the Buddha to come to Vesali in hopes that his virtuous
presence would turn the tragic tide. The Buddha agreed to go. King Bimbisara and his queen, palace officials, and the citizens of Rajagaha
saw the Buddha off.
When the Buddha reached Vesali by boat, he found the shore crowded with altars, flags, and flowers to welcome him.
When the Buddha reached Vesali by boat, he found the shore crowded with altars, flags, and flowers to welcome him as though he were
a savior. The people’s cheers shook the air. Venerable Vimala Kondanna, the former Jivaka, and several senior disciples accompanied the
Buddha. No sooner did the Buddha’s foot touch the shore than thunder shook the sky, and it began to rain. It was the first rain after a long
drought, and it brought cool relief and new hope. The Buddha and his bhikkhus were led to a park in the center of Kotigama. There the
Buddha spoke about the Three Treasures. A few days later, the Buddha and his bhikkhus were invited to Vesali. They dwelled at Kutagara
Monastery in Mahavana during their stay. Thanks to the Buddha’s merit and Vimala Kondanna’s skills, the spread of the plague was
slowed until, at last, it disappeared. The Buddha remained in Vesali for six months.
Ananda’s thoughts returned to the present as they reached the shore. The Buddha walked to Kotigama, where he was met by a large
number of monks. He spoke about the Four Establishments of Mindfulness, and about Precepts, Concentration, and Understanding. After