\ 

 \ 



90 CEYLON BRANCH 



ing them to acknowledge its excellence. At that time there 

 was seated in the assembly a young man named Rattapala of 

 a noble family in Tullakotitang^ in whose mind the following 

 thoughts arose ; as far as I understand the doctrines preached 

 by Bagawa, it is exceedingly difficult for one dwelling in a 

 family to maintain fully, holily, purely, this course of sanctity* 

 It is advisable for me, cutting off the hair and beard, and 

 putting on yellow garments, to forsake family life and become 

 a houseless priest. 



Then the Bramins and cultivators of Tullakotitang hav* 

 ing been instructed by Bagawa in a religious discourse, having 

 been caused to embrace the doctrine, their minds being invi» 

 gorated to understand it and acknowledge its excellence, being 

 delighted with the discourse of Bagawa, and having received 

 his doctrine, arose from their seats, and having bowed to him, 

 passed by his right side and departed. But Rattapala soon 

 after their departure came to the place where Bagawa was, 

 and having worshipped him and sat down said. As far as 

 I understand the doctrine taught by Bagawa, it is difficult for 

 one residing in a family to preserve in a perfectly complete, 

 holy and unsullied manner this course of sanctity, let me 

 obtain, my Lord, to be admitted as a priest near Bagawa ; let 

 me obtain full ordination. 



Rattapala, are you permitted by your mother and father 

 to forsake family life and become a houseless priest ? No, my 

 Lord, I have not been permitted by my mother and father, 

 to forsake family life and become a houseless priest. Then, 

 Rattapala, the Tatagata does not make those priests who are. 

 not permitted by their mother and father. I will, my Lord 

 do that by which my mother and father will permit me to 

 forsake family life and become a houseless priest. 



Then, the honorable youth Rattapala arose from his seat, 



