54 



ON MIRACLES. 



dual, but a production of the common consciousness of a 

 people or religious circle, which an individual does indeed 

 first enunciate, but which meets with belief for the very 

 reason that such individual is but the organ of this univer- 

 sal conviction.' We can easily imagine how such a thing" 

 was not only possible but probable. Take, for instance, the 

 group of miracles at U'ruvelaya, which we shall hereafter 

 notice more in detail. They are stated to have taken place 

 when Buddha was alone in the neighbourhood of 500 Fire- 

 worshippers. It is not stated that any of his disciples 

 were present ; nor does it appear that some of his miracles 

 at least were witnessed by any accept one, viz,, U'ruvela. 

 Kassapa. It is then probable that the record contains 

 what the compilers had heard from others. Doubtless they 

 heard of the conversion of a thousand Jatilas. This of 

 itself was a wonderful result ; and the disciples probably 

 were anxious to learn, and did learn, how that result was 

 brought about. ' Why,' said their informants, 1 Gotama 

 practised miracles, and conversions followed.' If when 

 these miracles were related with the inexactitude of 

 persons who had no regard to strict truth, but every wish 

 to exalt the sancity and virtues of the new Teacher, the 

 listeners depicted the legends in high colours, with a desire 

 also ' to paint their master,' who had just before died, and 

 whom death had raised in their estimation and affections, 

 we need not be surprised at legends such as the following, 

 which we shall now proceed to examine : — 



During Gotarna's stay at U'ruvela he found three 

 fraternities of Jatilas, or Fire-worshippers, One U'ruvela 

 Kassapa was at the head of 500 ; Nandi Kassapa was the 

 chief of 300 ; and Gaya Kassapa of 200. When Gotama 



