Knowing the Buddha's death was approaching, Ananda said to him:"Venerable One, we still have four questions to be clarified. First, whom should we rely on to teach us after you pass away? Second, whom should we rely on to live in peace after you pass away? Third, what should we do about violent and evil people? Fourth, what should we do with your teachings so people will believe them?"

"First,"the Buddha replied, "you should rely on the precepts as your teacher. Second, you should rely on the four-fold stage of mindfulness to live in peace. Third, as for those violent and evil people, you should ignore them. Finally, when you record the teachings, start each one with the phrase"Thus I have heard" to indicate that you heard the teaching from the Buddha."

"Now is your final chance to ask me any queations you may still have," the Buddha said. But none of the monks had any doubts whatsoever about his teachings."I won't be able to speak to you again." he continued."Those I wanted to deliver in the world have been delivered. Those I have not delivered will be delivered when the conditions are right. Now there is no need for my body to continue in this worldly existence. You should follow what I have taught. That is where my body will be forever!"

Then he passed away. The brilliant lamp was extinguished, but the Buddha's wisdom and teaching continues to exist to help numerous people attain enlightenment and redemption from the suffering of the world, both physically and spiritually．For Buddhist he was, and still is, revered as the Fundamental Teacher.