JBudhism : — Lmos of the Budhist Priesthood. 13? 



When Kumara Kassapa received Upasampada, his age was 

 computed from his conception in the womb of his mother, so 

 that he had not lived twenty years from the time of his having 

 been brought forth from the womb. As Budha had decreed 

 that no person should receive Upasampada who was not twenty 

 years of age, he became doubtful respecting the vadility of 

 his ordination. The case was submitted to Budha, who said : 



Priests, whenever the first thought or first perception is 

 produced in the womb of the mother, then there is Jati (birth, 

 or commencement of life.) 



86. Priests, I permit Upasampada to be given twenty 

 years after conception in the womb. 



Some priests were seen afflicted with ulcers, and other 

 diseases. The case was reported to Budha, who decreed : 



87. I direct, priests, that when Upasampada is to be given, 

 enquiry shall be made respecting the 13 disqualifications for 

 ordination : and the enquiry shall be in this manner : Have you 

 any of these diseases, leprosy, ulcers, dry itch, consumption, 

 epilepsy ? Are you a human being ? Are you a male ? A free- 

 man? Out of debt ? Are you not in the king's service (a soldier, 

 &c.)? l^Iave you the permission of your parents ? Are you full 

 twenty years of age ? Have you the bowl and robes complete ? 

 What is your name ? What is the name of your Upadya ? 



The candidates for Upasampada were questioned at the 

 time of ordination respecting the disqualifications before re- 

 cited, but they were timid and abashed, and unable to give 

 suitable answers, Budha decreed : 



88. Priests, I direct that the candidates shall first be 

 instructed, and afterwards questioned respecting the dis^ 

 qualifications. 



The candidates were instructed on these points in the 

 midst of the Sangho, but from timidity and bashfulness they 

 could not give suitable answers, Budha decreed : 



89. Priests, I direct that the instruction shall be given 

 apart, but that they be questioned respecting the disquali- 



YOh. II, f 



