1890.] Babu Saratchandra Dag — Tibetan Zodiac. 3 



NO 



pj'^-2?|3^'if ^•:^':§Sv I a'y5'(^t=^%f^'Ygq I (Yaid{irya Karpo.) 



NO O NO 



Translation. 



In the beginning, what existed from eternity, in nothingness, was 

 called the Tortoise. The Buddhas of the past, present and future 

 sprang out of him. The three worlds, and all the animal beings also, 

 originated from that eternal tortoise. Time, without the distinction of 

 past, present, and future, was in him and the whole universe rested be- 

 tween his head and tail. From the vapour of his mouth arose the seven 

 atmospheric strata (which encompass the earth), and gradually the sphere 

 of azure space, and thereafter Sivastika, the emblem of the divine cross, 

 were formed. 



From the saliva of that primeval tortoise sprang forth the oceans ; 

 and from his flesh were formed the lofty mountains, the islands, 

 and the great continents having trees for their hair. 



His head pointed to tbe south, his tail to the north and his four 

 limbs sti'etched towards the four corners of the world. His white back 

 shaped the old father heaven, called Khen, wherein rested the Bevaloha 

 (celestial regions) with the mansions of the gods :-Mahadeva, Brahma, and 

 angels of pure habits, who j)ossessed the fourfold organs of sense. The 

 celestial regions were formed above, and Birab, the sublime mountain, 

 stood below, holding the mansions of the thirty- three Devas and of the gods 

 of the Paranirmdnarataya on its top. On the flanks of liirab, there resid- 

 ed the four guardian spirit-kings of the world, together with the sun 

 and moon, the planets and stars. The sun and moon sprang from the 

 eyes of the great tortoise. From the sound of his throat issued the 

 dragon's peal of tbunder and from his outstretched tongue flashed 

 forth lightning which, produced thunderbolts and hailstorms. From his 

 breath originated the wind, the five internal essences, and the five 

 physical elements. When he shook his body there was earthquake. 



