The Parinirvana (or Parinibbana in Pali) refers to the physical death of the Buddha at the age of 80 and his final entry into Nirvana, marking the end of his cycle of rebirth (Samsara). It is a central event in Buddhist history, emphasizing the core teaching of impermanence, and is usually celebrated around mid-February.
This human condition of dying along with birthing and awakening are three changes through which Siddhartha progressed. This teaching while a view of impermanence is also a passing of the real “Robe and Bowl of Buddha.” inculcating the teachings inward as one walks the Bodhipath, the same path as Shakyamuni Buddha.
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/dn/dn.16.1-6.vaji.html
Shakyamuni is said to have chosen to give up twenty years of life as a merit for humankind. All of the Parinirvanna Sutra is a reassurance that others can do what Buddha did as evidenced by the number of people who had become awakened over the last forty-five years. Haven’d liken the body as an old cart held together by leather we can envision the cracked and drying straps becoming loose and no longer holding the uprightness for physical continuation. Having shown and talked about impermanence in his sutras he was now demonstrating the teachings with his physical dying.
Accepting his condition he prepared his disciples counseling and demonstrating how one must become a light unto themselves after he has left his physical body. He offered seven conditions of the welfare of the Sangha.
Based on the sutra, here are the seven conditions the Buddha established for the monastic community (Sangha) to prevent its decline:
- Frequent Gatherings: Hold regular and frequent assemblies.
- Harmonious Unity: Assemble, conduct business, and disperse in peace and harmony.
- Respect for Established Rules: Do not change what has been established or enact new rules that contradict the existing Dhamma and Vinaya.
- Honor Elders: Respect and listen to the senior monks who have been ordained for a long time.
- Resist Craving: Do not fall under the influence of worldly desires that lead to further rebirth.
- Value Seclusion: Find delight in forest dwellings and quiet retreats for meditation.
- Maintain Mindfulness: Ensure that well-behaved companions feel welcome and that those already present can live in peace.
This final offering by the Buddha nudged the Dharma Wheel’s continuation until this day and undergirds our sense of refuge and harmony. We will revisit this in late February as homage to the Dharma, Sangha and Buddha.
Please review the readings and come prepared with comments and questions on January 20, 2026.
Sangaku