IIS €*!EYL0N BRANCH — ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY* 



having worshipped Budha and presented his oblations, seated 

 himself. They also worshipped Budha and sat down. Anathha- 

 pindiko then related how that during the absence of Budha hi$ 

 friends had abandoned his religion and returning to their former 

 teacher had again become established in his doctrines. Then 

 Budha, opening his lotos-like mouth, which by the power of 

 unremitted pure conversation, during countless numbers of ages, 

 was like the opening of a golden casket filled with odours from 

 celestially compounded perfumes, and emitting a mellifluous sound, 

 enquired, Is it true, disciples* that you have forsaken this re- 

 ligion and embraced that of the other teacher ? They, seeing it 

 could not be concealed* said r It is true,. Bagawa.. Upon which, 

 he replied, Disciples, in no place, from the lowest hell to the 

 highest heaven, nor in any of the surrounding innumerable sys«. 

 tems of worlds, is there an equal to Budha in virtue or ex- 

 cellence: Where then is his superior? He then declared the 

 superior excellency of the religion of the three gems, and said, 

 A person, whether male or female,, embracing as a devoted dis- 

 ciple this religion, will never be bom in hell* but being freed 

 from the regions of torment, and born irr heaven, will enjoy 

 exalted felicity : therefore your conduct in abandoning this re-_ 

 ligion and embracing that of the other teacher is improper.. 

 Having given them much advice he observed, Formerly the 

 men who embraced that as helpful which was not helpful, be- 

 came the prey of devils in the demon desert, while those who 

 followed the instructions which were perfect, salutary and indis- 

 putable, passed through the same desert in safety. Having said 

 this he remained silent. 



Anathhapindiko then arose, and having worshipped Budha, ele- 

 vating his joined hands to his forehead, said, My Lord, that 

 these disciples have abandoned this eminent religion, and em- 

 braced that of an opposing reasoner is obvious to us : but how 

 the followers of the reasoner were destroyed in the demon de- 

 sert, while those who received perfect instruction passed %ough 



