78 Gleanings in Buddhism. [July, 



in an adamantine apartment, which was guarded by whirling fiery cha- 

 kras. There he remains in the hell Kumbhira. Devadhatta was precipi- 

 tated into the hell called Airchi where he stands fast, being fixed by 

 huge transverse iron spits. 



" Ajatasatru could not escape the punishment due for his offences, 

 notwithstanding his pilgrimages ; and although he had directed to be 

 constantly recited the Pali Sanghayanai, and the Maha Chatta and P'hra 

 D'hamma, and even had distributed all his treasure in charity." 



"In the year of Buddha 220 (or B. C. 323) the kingdom of In- 

 thapatha was governed by a Prince named Raja D'hammasokarat, 

 (D'hammasoka Raja or Asoka.) He was just and humane, so that the 

 country flourished under his rule.* 



" This king having learned that relics of Buddha had been buried at 

 some former period in his dominions, sent people in search of the build- 

 ing which had been erected over them, but no vestige could be found. 

 At length an old Priest related that when he was a boy he had 

 been sent by his father to make offerings of flowers and fruits at a 

 temple, the site of which he then pointed out. His Majesty was highly 

 gratified, but desirous of ascertaining the truth of the Thero's account 

 before he should act upon it, he ordered the holy B'hikhuni, or Sibyls 

 to be assembled and consulted." 



I have witnessed this mode of trying to ascertain future events, 

 practised in Canara, and the custom also prevails in Siam, where it was 

 probably imparted by Brahmans. A sacred dance, in the instances 

 which I saw, was performed, during which spirits were invoked to de- 

 scend, and were further incited thereto, by offerings of dressed meat, 

 and the burning of huge waxen candles and perfumes. 



When the Siamese Priestess, or a young man dressed as one, under the 

 name of T'haau Phising, has continued to dance for a good while, or until 

 it is believed the spirits are approaching, she encloses with her hands 

 the flame of the candle, and when she ceases to feel any heat from it 

 the inspiration it is supposed has begun. Her body is then agitated by 



* Much of what is contained in these accounts will be found closely to agree with the 

 Mahawanso, but where synchronism exists, I have thought it best to give the whole, 

 such being at least a verification from records preserved at a great distance from Ceylon 

 of its history above named. 



