510 Examination of the Pali Buddhistkal Annals. [July, 



for each section of it. The Atthakathd on the Dighanikdyo is 

 called " Sumangala Wildsini." It opens with a description of the 

 first convocation only, and then refers to the above mentioned 

 Samantapasddikd, for an account of the other two convocations. As 

 the Sumangala Wildsini, however, gives the most detailed account 

 of the first convocation, I have selected it for translation, in pre~ 

 ference to the description given in the Samantapasddikd, to which I 

 must have recourse for the accounts of the second and third con- 

 vocations. This circumstance will explain why an occasional refer- 

 ence is made in the ensuing translation, to a previous account of the 

 first convocation. 



The histories of the other two convocations which I reserve for a 

 future communication, are less detailed, but embody more data of an 

 historical character. 



Translation of Buddhaghoso" s Atthakathd, called the Sumangala Wildsini, of 

 the Dighanikdyo of the Suttapitako. 

 I adore Sugato*, the compassionating and enduring spirit ; the light of wis- 

 dom that dispelled the darkness of ignorance — the teacher of men as well as 

 dewos, the victor over subjection to transmigration ! 



I adore that pure and supreme " Dhammo," which Bubdho himself realised, 

 by having attained Buddhohood ; and by having achieved a thorough knowledge 

 thereof 1 



I bow down in adoration to those well-belovedf sons (disciples) of Sugato, 

 who overcame the dominion of Mdro (death) and attained the condition of 

 arahat, — the consummation of the eight sanctifications I 



Thus, if there be any merit, in this act of adoration, rendered by me, in sin- 

 cerity of faith, to the RatanattayanJ, — by that merit, may I eschew all the 

 perils (which beset my undertaking). 



I (proceed now to) propound, as well as for the edification of the righteous, as 

 for the perpetuation of Dhammo, an exposition of the supreme Dighagamo (Dig- 

 Jianikayo) , which is embellished with the most detailed of the Suttani, compre- 

 hensive in signification, thoroughly illustrated by Buddho and his disciples, and 

 sustaining faith, by the power of virtue ; and for the purpose of developing that 

 exposition (of the Dighanikayo), availing myself of the Atthakathd which 

 was in the first instance authenticated by the five hundred Arahantd at the 

 (first) convocation, and subsequently at the succeeding convocations, and 

 which were thereafter, by the sanctified Mahindo, brought to Sihala, and for 

 the benefit of the inhabitants of Sihala§, transposed into the Sihala language, 

 from thence I translate the Sihala\\ version into the delightful (classical) lan- 

 guage, according to the rules of that (the Pdli) language, which is free from all 

 imperfections ; — omitting only the frequent repetitions of the same explanations. 



* From su and gato (" deity of) felicitous advent," an appellation of Buddho. 



*f Literally, " bosom-reared. 7 ' 



J The three treasures, viz. Buddho, Dhammo and Sangho* 



§ Ceylon. || Singhalese. 



