No. 25—1882.] two Sinhalese inscriptions. 



205 



If any one takes away grass, or wood, or flower, or fruit which 

 belongs to Buddha, he will become a great Preta. 22 



May future kings, great ministers, &c, constantly bear in 

 mind the humble request :• — 



" I, Parakrama Bahu, Supreme Lord of the illustrious 

 Lanka, the ornament of the solar race, make a request to you, 

 princes, who will hereafter come (to the throne of Lanka) ; 

 hear ye my words. This religious act is certainly one in which 

 the inhabitants of all the worlds are equally concerned. It is to 

 be maintained by you at all times with feelings of joy and 

 kindness towards me. So, let (the fruit of) my religious act be 

 enjoyed (by you.)" 



And the old saying :— 



" Land (become) sacred 24 by donation is the only sister of 

 all the princes in the world ; it is not to be possessed nor ought 

 any tax be imposed 25 on it." 



May they constantly think on the above cited words, and, 

 with an even mind, realize 26 the merit which accrues from this 

 religious act as if it was done by themselves. Let no unusual 

 services, (such as, payment of) taxes or tribute 27 be imposed on 

 the residents of the Vihara. Let no residents of the Vihara be 

 sold away by persons of any rank. Let all these orders be 

 strictly carried out with energy under the royal patronage. 



" As between a gift and protection, protection is superior 

 to a gift ; by means of a gift one attains heaven ; by means of 

 protection one attains the imperishable state." 28 



A good man, therefore, who desires to enjoy such happi- 

 ness of Nirvana, should take a deep interest in the maintenance 

 of the abovementioned Vihara and endeavour, by the efficacy 

 of the same meritorious act, to see the Supreme, Omniscient 

 Maitri Buddha, to hear his sermons, and, at last, to enter 

 the city of the great Nirvana which is tranquil, undecaying, 

 undying, safe and immortal which was attained by the (Supreme) 

 BuddhaS, inferior Buddhas, and the great Rahats. 



