1838.] Pdli BuddJdstkal Annals. 691 



Their destiny being fulfilled at the termination of these respective periods (being 

 the term that has elapsed from the epoch of their respectively forming their vow to 

 realize sanctification, to their accomplishment of the same). To the intelligence of 

 the supreme Buddhd alone there is no limitation." 



Concerning the creation of the world. Extracts from the same Atihakathd. 



" ' Bhikkhus! there are to each mahd-kappo, four asankheyydne 1 (the duration of 

 •which) do not admit of computation. These are those four. In due course of time, 

 Bhikkhus the kappo perishes ; but the duration of the term (during which it is in pro- 

 cess of destruction) does not admit of computation. There is also, Bhikkhus ! a term 

 during which the kappo remains perished, which likewise does not admit of compu- 

 tation. In due course, again, Bhikkhus 1 the kappo is regenerated ; and for a certain 

 period the kappo maintains its regenerated state. The duration of each of which 

 terms is, in like manner, incalculable.' 



" The four asankheyydne thus explained by Buddho in the Chatussankhakappasut- 

 tan (in the fourth chapter of Anguttoranikdyo) , have been made the subject of this 

 Atihakathd. 



" There are three modes of destruction; destruction by fire ; destruction by water ; 

 destruction by the wind ; and there are these limitations to the spread of those de- 

 structions, prescribed by the position of either the Abhassaro, the Subhakinno, or the 

 Wehapphalo Brahmalokd worlds. 



" Whenever the kappo is destroyed by fire, it is only consumed from Abhassaro down- 

 ward. Whenever the kappo is destroyed by water, it perishes by the water below 

 the Subhakinno ; and whenever it perishes by the wind, it is destroyed by the wind 

 prevalent below the Wehapphalo. 



" On each occasion on which a. kappo is destroyed one Buddhakkhettan always pe 

 rishes : of which there are three descriptions, viz. the Jdtikkhettan, Andkkhettan ant 

 Wisayyakkhettan. The ten thousand Chakkaioaldni (or the regions to which birth 

 right extends), which are bounded by the Jdtikkhettan belong to the Jdtikkhettan 

 which is subject to do homage in this world to Tathagato (Buddho), on all oc 

 casions from the day of his being conceived in the womb of his mother. The hun 

 dred thousand koiiyo of Chakkaioaldni bounded by the Anakkhettan (or regions to 

 which his authority extends) appertain to the Anakkhettan. The sanctifications or 

 influences of the Ratanaparittan, the Dhajaggaparittan, the Atdndtaparittan and 

 the Mdraparittdn extend thereto. All the other endless and innumerable Chakka- 

 waldni compose the Wisayyakkhettan. In regard to it also, whatever Tathagato 

 may vouchsafe, that he can accomplish. From amongst these three Buddhakkhet- 

 tdni, whenever the Andkkhettan is destroyed, in that identical destruction, the 

 destruction of the Jdtikkhettdn is also comprehended ; in as much as in that 

 destruction they are simultaneously involved; and at their reproduction they are 

 simultaneously reproduced. Be it understood, that such is the progression of its 

 (the kappo's) destruction and reproduction. 



"At any time when a kappo is to be destroyed by fire, in the first place, the mighty 

 cloud, the precursor of the destruction of the kappo, rising aloft, discharges 

 itself simultaneously over the hundred thousand kdtiyo of Chakkaioaldni. Their 

 inhabitants, rejoicing thereat, and providing themselves with every description of 

 seed, sow them. When the crops attain an age at which cattle delight to feed 

 thereon, although thunders growl like the braying of an ass, not a drop of rain falls. 

 The rain lost on that occasion is lost (to that world) for ever. All living creatures 

 dependent on rain for their existence (perishing) are reproduced in the Brahmuloko 

 world. So do also the creatures which subsist on flowers and fruits, as well as 

 the Detoatd. 



" When such a visitation has endured a certain period, water in every part of the 

 world is dried up. Thereafter, in due course, fishes and turtles also, perishing, are 



