1: The Birth of the Bodhisatta – 226
as the flame of the oil lamp flickers and dies out through a strong gust of wind,
so the worries of the dying Devas are laid to rest. A saying has come into
existence thus: “He who has not been to Nandana Grove, where all the best
sensual pleasures of the world converge, cannot understand worldly happiness.”
Such is the attraction of the Nandana Grove to all worldlings.
In the commentary to the Section about Verañjā (
Verañjā-kaṇḍa
, Vin Pār 1, PTS
3.1) in the Vinaya, the following description is given: “The Nandana Grove of
the Tāvatiṁsa Devas covers an area of 60 leagues in extent.
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It is
[216]
splendidly decorated with celestial trees of 1,000 different species.”
The sub-commentary on the Ornaments of the Victor (
Jinālaṅkāra
) in its
comment on the Threefold Buddha-field (
Tividha-buddha-khetta
) also says:
“Nandana Grove lies to the east of Sudassana city of Tāvatiṁsa and is
surrounded by walls, fire screens and arched gateways made of jewels. The area
measures 1,000 leagues. It is a recreational resort for all Devas. Two beautiful
lakes, Mahānanda and Cūḷananda, are located between Nandana Grove and
Sudassana city. The environment of the lakes is clean. The surface water of the
lakes is dark blue green, matching the sky free of mist and clouds.”
The Time for the Bodhisatta Demise
When Bodhisatta Setaketu entered Nandana Grove, the accompanying retinue
of male and female deities addressed him: “On your demise from this abode of
Devas, may you procede to a good abode, the destination of beings accomplished
in meritorious deeds!”
The Devas who were accompanying Bodhisatta Setaketu also urged him to
recollect again and again his deeds of merit done in the past and moved around
in Nandana Grove, surrounding the Bodhisatta. While the Bodhisatta was
roaming about in Nandana Grove in the company of the Devas, who were
urging him to reflect upon his previous meritorious life, the time of his demise
arrived.
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According to some teachers, its extent is 500 leagues.