The Final Teaching of the Buddha

In his final moments, the Buddha demonstrated entering and exiting the four levels of meditative concentration. This act served as his ultimate teaching, reminding disciples to practice diligently to achieve mastery over every state of mind.

That afternoon, beneath the sal trees in Kusinara, a remote village the Buddha had never visited before, the atmosphere became profoundly still. The last rays of daylight filtered through the leaves, casting pale golden patches on the ground. Monks sat gathered around the Buddha. Some watched him in silence, others bowed their heads, and some wept softly, knowing these were the final moments of their Teacher.

Three months had passed since the Buddha announced he would enter nirvana. During that time, he traveled with the Sangha, preaching dharma talks before moving on again. It seemed he wished to use every remaining moment to sow seeds of enlightenment. Now, though illness had weakened his body composed of the four elements, he still tried to speak his final words to the assembly.

“Monks, does anyone have any questions?” The Buddha’s voice was weak but clear, filled with compassion.

Venerable Anuruddha looked across the assembly, observing the thoughts of each monk, and replied, “World-Honored One, the Sangha here is pure. No one has any further doubts.”

The Buddha nodded gently. He asked for a cloth to be laid out and lay down on his right side, head facing north, face toward the west. Everyone watched in silence. He closed his eyes, his body motionless. His breath grew increasingly subtle until it seemed to stop entirely. People wondered what state he was in.

At that moment, Venerable Anuruddha, using his divine eye, observed the Buddha’s meditative concentration and announced to the assembly, “The World-Honored One has just entered the first jhana.”

After a brief pause, he spoke again, “The World-Honored One has exited the first jhana and entered the second jhana.”

He continued confirming each level: “The Buddha exited the second jhana and entered the third. He exited the third and entered the fourth.” Then he reversed the order: “He exited the fourth and entered the third. Exited the third and entered the second. Exited the second and entered the first. Exited the first and entered the second.” Finally, stopping at the third jhana, the Buddha entered nirvana.

In that instant, the earth trembled in six ways. The sky brightened, celestial music rang out, and the sal trees bloomed out of season as offerings. A sweet fragrance spread throughout the forest. Villagers heard the great noise and rushed to see, astonished by the sacred scene.

Why did the Buddha enter and exit each level of meditation like this? This was his final teaching, the ultimate doctrine he wished to convey. Disciples must practice to move freely between the four levels of meditative concentration, from the first jhana to the fourth. It is not merely sitting still while the mind wanders. One must master all states of mind, entering and leaving without obstruction. This is the pinnacle of meditative concentration and the foundation for liberation.

The Meaning of the Story

The lesson intended by Most Venerable Thich Chan Quang is this: The Buddha’s final teaching on the four jhanas reminds us that meditative concentration is not a fixed state. It is the ability to enter and exit freely in all circumstances. Practitioners must strive diligently. Even achieving one level of jhana is enough to illuminate our ideals and inspire others. This is the noble path every disciple should follow.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Most Venerable Thich Chan Quang