No. 29. — 1884.] BQDDHISTICAL CEREMONIES. 



223 



further instructions, or devotes himself to study. Before 

 sunset he again goes to worship at the image-house, and 

 makes an offering of flowers. An Upasampada priest 

 cannot pluck the flowers for himself ; they must be provided 

 for him. After making his offering, or if he is not provided 

 with flowers, after the prayer Vanddmi Buddham, &c, he 

 repeats the three sutvas—Mamgala suttam, Ratana suttam 9 

 Karaniyametta suttam. He then offers a small portion of 

 the evening meal, and after his meal is finished he goes to 

 the preaching hall, and if any people are assembled he 

 preaches bana in the same way as on the previous night. It 

 is, however, only called Anumodana bana on the first night. 

 Sometimes there are no attendants at this evening bana, 

 but the villagers never fail to attend on the evenings of the 

 four poya days, which hold in the Buddhist system very 

 much the same place as the Sabbath in the J ewish Church. 

 Before going to bed he meditates on the virtues of Buddha, 

 and says the grace Sendsawam, &c, as he lies down. 



This is an example of the way every day is spent during 

 the three months of was. The villagers arrange amongst 

 themselves how the priest's wants shall be supplied during 

 this period. It is usual for the householders to take the 

 duty in turn, a day at a time. It is the duty of the house- 

 holder for the day to provide all the meals, flowers for 

 offerings, oil for the lamps, &c. There is often a little 

 generous rivalry in providing for the priest's comfort, and 

 no one is ever known to avoid his turn. It is in a way a 

 high festival for the priest. 



On the new moon and full moon days, the priest must go 

 to the nearest slmam [consecrated place] to join in the 

 patimokkko. If he cannot return the same night, before he 

 leaves the place he must give notice that he will not return 

 that night in these words (repeated thrice): — 



Sace me antarayo n'atthi sattah' abbhantare puna nivattissami* 



[If no accident happens within the next seven days I shall again 

 stay here.] 



If from any cause he is prevented from returning before 



ii 



