"Our great Master used to say to the brethren: 'O bhikkhus! after
my final entrance into Nirvāna you must reverence and obey the
law. Regard the law as your master. The law is like unto a light
that shines in the darkness, pointing out the way; it is also
like unto a precious jewel to gain which you must shun no
trouble, and be ready to bring any sacrifice, even, should it be
needed, your own fives. Obey the Dharma which I have revealed to
you; follow it carefully and regard it in no way different from
myself.' 3
"Such were the words of the Blessed One. 4
"The law, accordingly, which the Buddha has left us as a precious
inheritance has now become the visible body of the Tathāgata. Let
us, therefore, revere it and keep it sacred. For what is the use
of erecting dāgobas for relics, if we neglect the spirit of the
Master's teachings?" 5