Note: In this excerpt from the Cunda Sutra, Buddha is gently reproaching Ananda for his grief over the passing of the great elder, Shariputra…

Have I not taught you already, Ananda, that it is the nature of all things near and dear to us that we must suffer separation from them and be severed from them? Of that which is born, come into being, put together, and so is subject to dissolution, how should it be said that it should not depart? That, indeed, is not possible. It is, Ananda, as though from a mighty hardwood tree, a large branch should break off, so has Shariputra now passed away from this great and sound community of [monks]. Indeed, Ananda, of that which is born, come into being, put together, and so is subject to dissolution, how should it be said that it should not depart? That, indeed, is not possible.

Therefore, Ananda, be an island unto yourself, a refuge unto yourself, seeking no external refugee; with the Dharma as your island, the Dharma s your refuge, seeking no other refuge.

Buddha
from the Cunda Sutra