OX MIRACLES. 



59 



Was at no great distance from a running stream. These 

 rivulets in the East are ever covered with stones of different 

 kinds. The digging of a small well in such a place, in the 

 vicinity of watery could not be a formidable task for a couple 

 of men, nor a matter which would occupy more time than 

 a few hours during night. The bending down of a branch 

 of a Kumbuk, so that it might extend over the pond was not 

 an impossibility. The removal of a stone, and a slab from 

 the river into the brushwood' was certainly within the 

 power of human agency. Though the presence of Gota- 

 ma's disciples at this spot is not mentioned, yet on the 

 other hand it is not expressly denied. Why not then at- 

 tribute the digging of a pit, which receives at the hands 

 €>f the Narrator the proportions of a pond^the roMing 

 of a couple of stones,, and the bending or twisting down of 

 a branch of a' neighbouring tree to the agency of those who 

 were anxious to exhibit some * signs' of iddhi patihariya 

 to the Jatila Chief? Of course the: presence, of these 

 four objects was observed, and they surprised the Fire-wor- 

 shipper; but though surprised, it is very remarkable that 

 1 e himself did not regard them' in the light of Miracles;: 

 for, it is expressly stated in the legend that on this occa- 

 sion as well as on the performance of each- alleged Miracle 

 of this group, the Fire-worshipper reflected that ' though 

 his friend was a very distinguished person, yet he did not 

 surpass himself in- sanctity.' 



Miracle No. 6. We left the Legend at the mention 

 of an invitation to Buddha for breakfast, which Gotama 

 accepted, and. desired the Jatila Chief to precede hyn. 

 When he had accordingly left the spot Gotama went 

 through the air to- 6 that tree from which Jambudipa "is 



