Nagasena Bhiksu Sutra 2.52
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T 1670B Nāgasena Bhikṣu Sūtra
Part 2: Dialogues 2.52. The Buddha’s Whereabouts after Parinirvana
The king asked Nāgasena again, “Is there nirvana?”
Nāgasena replied, “Yes, there is nirvana.”
“Can you, Nāgasena, point out where the Buddha is?”
“No, I cannot point out where the Buddha is since the Buddha has already attained parinirvana. It is impossible to show where the Buddha is.”
Then Nāgasena gave a simile, “Suppose a man has lit a fire. When the fire has been extinguished, can anyone point out where the fire has gone?”
“No one can,” said the king.
Nāgasena said, “The Buddha has attained parinirvana and it cannot be pointed out where the Buddha has gone.”
“Excellent, Nāgasena.”