อนุทิน 117203

 Buddha Vacana (November 20, 2555)

And the Lord said: “Ananda, prepare a couch between these two sal trees, for I am tired and wish to lie down.” So Ananda did as the Lord asked, and then the Lord lay down on his right side, resting one foot on the other in the posture of the lion, mindful and clearly conscious.  Then suddenly, the two sal trees burst into full bloom out of season and the flowers rained down out of respect for the Tathagata.  Celestial blossoms and heavenly sandalwood powder rained down, and heavenly music and voices could be heard, all out of respect for the Tathagata.

Then the Lord addressed Ananda and said: “Behold these sal blossoms and heavenly flowers, sandalwood powder, music and voices.  Yet, it is not like this that the Tathagata is respected, venerated, esteemed, worshipped and honoured with the highest respect.  But the monk and the nun, the layman and the laywoman, who abide by the Dhamma, walk the way of Dhamma and who practice the Dhamma, it is they who respect, venerate, esteem, worship and honour the Tathagata with the highest respect.  Therefore, abide by the Dhamma, walk the way of the Dhamma and practice the Dhamma.  This is how you should train yourself.”

-- D.II,137

Note: sal tree ต้นสาละ

The Buddha clearly said here that showering Him with flowers, incense, decorations, and so on is not how to show respect to Him, but following the Dhamma is really the highest respect.