The Discourse about the Great Emancipation

The Discourse about the Great Emancipation is a a newer translation of Mahāparinibbānasutta from the Pali Canon, the Sutta 16th, being the standard Theravada text on the last part of the life of the Buddha and his death. The discourse consists of both historical details and descriptions of advice for meditation techniques, directly given by the Buddha. It is one of the longest discourses from the Canon and it is here The Buddha makes preparations for the preservation of his teaching.

The Discourse about the Great Emancipation is the first of nine books to be posted here in the coming weeks on the topic of meditation instructions in English from the Pali Canon. Download The Discourse about the Great Emancipation here (200 pages/1.6 MB):

The Great Emancipation

 

What is Mahāparinibbānasutta?

The Mahāparinibbāna Sutta, also known as the Great Discourse on the Buddha’s Final Nirvana, is a significant scripture within the Theravada Buddhist tradition. It recounts the events surrounding the Buddha’s final days, his passing away, and the instructions he gave to his disciples before his death. The Mahāparinibbāna Sutta is part of the Dīgha Nikāya, which is one of the five major collections (Nikāyas) of the Sutta Pitaka, the discourses of the Buddha. This sutta is considered one of the longest and most important texts within the Nikāyas.

Buddha announces his final nirvana

The sutta begins with the Buddha announcing his impending final nirvana, or parinibbāna, and sets out on his last journey to the town of Vesālī. Along the way, he delivers teachings and instructions to his disciples, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, ethical conduct, and the cultivation of wisdom. Upon reaching Vesālī, the Buddha falls severely ill but continues to teach and answer questions from his disciples. He discusses various topics, including the qualities of a good leader, the nature of true happiness, the impermanence of all conditioned things, and the importance of practicing the Dharma diligently.

Dharma should be the ultimate guide

As the Buddha’s health deteriorates further, he expresses the idea that his teachings, the Dharma, should be the ultimate guide for the community of monks after his passing. He encourages his disciples to rely on themselves, take refuge in the teachings, and work towards their own liberation. Eventually, the Buddha enters into the state of parinibbāna, his final passing away. The sutta describes the profound grief and sorrow experienced by his disciples and the great mourning that followed. The text concludes with the Buddha’s instructions regarding the proper treatment of his remains and the importance of personal effort in attaining liberation. The Mahāparinibbāna Sutta holds immense significance for Buddhists as it serves as a source of inspiration, guidance, and reflection on impermanence and the ultimate goal of liberation. It offers valuable teachings on the nature of existence, the path to enlightenment, and the transitory nature of life.