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JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [Vol. YIIL 



relatives generally perform this pinkama. The preliminaries 

 are the same as in the Jivaddndm already described. The 

 priest brings with him a Sinhalese book, called the 

 Preta-kathdvastu-pota, from which he reads after the 

 evening meal. One of the most striking passages in this 

 book is the Sinhalese transalation of the Tirokudda sutta. 



The Spirits of the Deported. 



They stand outside our dwellings, at our windows, at the corners 

 of our streets ; they stand at our doors, revisiting their old homes. 



When abundant food and drink is set before them, by reason 

 of the past sins of these departed ones, their friends on earth 

 remember them not. 



Yet do such of their kinsmen as are merciful bestow upon them 

 at due seasons food and drink, pure, sweet, and suitable. Let this 

 be done for your departed friends, let them be satisfied. 



Then, gathering together here, the assembled spirits of our 

 kinsmen rejoice greatly in a plentiful repast. 



" Long," they say, " may our kinsmen live through whom we 

 have received these things ; to us offerings are made and the 

 givers are not without reward." 



For in the land of the dead there is no husbandry, no keeping 

 of flocks, no commerce as with us, no trafficking for gold ; the 

 departed live in that world by what they receive in this. 



As water fallen from a height descends into the valley, so surely 

 do alms bestowed by men benefit the dead. 



As the brimming rivers fill the oceans, so do alms bestowed by 

 men benefit the dead. 



Let a man consider thus — " Such a one gave me this gift, such 

 a one wrought me this good deed ; they were my kinsmen, my 

 friends, my associates." Then let him give alms to the dead, 

 mindful of past benefits. 



For weeping and sorrow and all manner of lamentation are of 

 no avail ; if their relatives stand thus sorrowing it benefits not 

 the dead. 



But this charity bestowed by you, well secured in the priesthood, 

 if it long bless the dead, then does it benefit them indeed. 



And the fulfilment of this duty to relatives, to the dead is a 

 great service rendered, to the priests a great strength given, by 

 you no small merit acquired. 



