1848.] A few Gleanings in Buddhism. 607 



May Buddha's influence also avert the mischief arising from the spirits 

 of persons who have died a violent death [because such having died in 

 a passion they seek revenge], and from those sprites which hover about 

 the makers of coffins, and door-frames and windows, and flit around 

 all classes of artificers and painters, such people disturbing the spirits 

 pervading matter, the elements, &c. and requiring to make ablutions to 

 drive them away ; also the mischiefs produced by the genii of the woods, 

 wells, springs, ditches, and reservoirs, or which follow stage-performers 

 or diggers of hidden treasure." 



I may here remark that the Siamese are inveterate seekers for con- 

 cealed treasure, and that so degenerate have the priests become, that 

 they often set the example. Of this I have had many proofs, and a 

 Siamese who had been a Bhiku or Priest, when he saw me excavating 

 an old ruin, told me as a great secret how to find the treasure he be- 

 lieved I was in search of. Alluding to a book called Tamra Kritsana, 

 le lai theng, le len re pre t'hat — he described such treasure as of three 

 kinds. First, that concealed in the areas of temples [to dig for which 

 is death by the Siamese law, at least where such temples have not been 

 deserted]. The second kind is that which has been buried by chari- 

 table persons for the use of those who can find it. The third is that 

 derived from the transmutation of the baser into the precious metals, 

 earths and other substances. This last study, or search for the Philo- 

 sopher's stone, is in great vogue in Siam. 



The simple and innocent owl has not here escaped anathematizing, 

 as being of fearful omen to those over whose house it hoots. 



May Patt'ha Muttaro [another title of Buddha] approaching the East 

 or Barap'ha, render efficacious this spell. 



"Patt'hamang b'hint'hukang chatang t'hetiyang t'hant'ha mewa 

 chettayang p'hetcha kanchewa chattut'hangangkhosa b'hawang pancha 

 sirisang chatang nataro hoti sambhawo." [Sakra guards the East, 

 As. Res. vol. vi.] Brahmani protect me on the east riding on a swan, 

 [As. Res. vol. viii. p. 83.] 



May Buddha or Bewatto propitiously occupying the Akhane or south- 

 east, also assist me with this spell. 



[Narayani protects on the S. E. — Ibid.) 



" Samp'hutdd'ho att'hawisanchat'hewat'ha sancha sahatsake pancha 

 sata sahassani nama mi sirisa ahang tesang dhammancha sanghancha 



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