The Great Passing Away

1. Thus have I heard. The Blessed One was once dwelling in Râgagaha, on the hill called the Vulture’s Peak. Now at that time Agâtasattu, the son of the queen-consort of Videha origin, the king of Magadha, was desirous of attacking the Vaggians; and he said to himself, ‘I will root out these Vaggians, mighty and powerful though they be, I will destroy these Vaggians, I will bring these Vaggians to utter ruin!’

2. So he spake to the Brâhman Vassakâra, the prime-minister of Magadha, and said:

‘Come now, O Brâhman, do you go to the Blessed One, and bow down in adoration at his feet on my behalf, and enquire in my name whether he is free from illness and suffering, and in the enjoyment of case and comfort, and vigorous health. Then tell him that Agâtasattu, son of the Vedehi, the king of Magadha, in his eagerness to attack the Vaggians, has resolved, “I will root out these Vaggians, mighty and powerful though they be, I will destroy these Vaggians, I will bring these Vaggians to utter ruin!” And bear carefully in mind whatever the Blessed One may predict, and repeat it to me. For the Buddhas speak nothing untrue!’