22 CEYLON BRANCH — ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY, 



ing that the weather was fine and the sky free from clouds^ 

 he untwined himself from the body of Bagawa, and quitting 

 his own form (of a snake) assumed that of a young man, and 

 with his joined hands raised to his forehead stood before 

 Bagawa and worshipped him. Upon which Bagawa being 

 acquainted with the circumstance, gave utterance to his 

 placid feelings, saying i— - 



" Pleasant is retirement to him who is contented, gratified 

 with the doctrines he has heard, gentle, and kindly disposed 

 towards all beings. 



" Who is free from censual enjoyments, who is beyond the 

 influence of worldly desire : and supremely happy is that 

 state in which the pride of f I am' is subdued." 



At the expiration of the seven days Bagawa arose from his 

 meditations, and leaving the Muchalinda tree proceeded to 

 the foot of a Rajayatana tree, where he remained in one 

 position seven days, enjoying the happiness of being free. 

 At that period two merchants named Passa and Balika were 

 travelling on the high road from Ukkala, and were addressed 

 by a god, who had formerly been related to them, who said, 

 this happy Bagawa at the end of the week will be at the foot 

 of a Rajayatana tree, upon the commencement of his becom- 

 ing Budha : go to him, and worship him, making an offering 

 of fried grain and honey : it will be to both of you a source 

 of continued and great happiness. 



Upon this the merchants Passa and Ballika taking fried 

 grain and honey approached Bagawa, and having worshipped 

 him, said, Receive O Lord Bagawa, this our fried grain and 

 honey, that it may be a cause of long and continued happi- 

 ness and peace to us. Then Bagawa thought, It is not pro- 

 per that the Tatagata should receive any gift in his hand : in 

 what shall I receive this fried grain and honey ? The four 

 guardian gods (of the heavens surrounding Maha Meru) 

 knowing the thoughts of Bagawa's mind, brought from the 



