216 Religion of the Ceylonese. 
Brahmins and the followers of Buddou who then formed one 
of the religious sects on the continent. The Brahmins pre- 
vailed, and the Buddites were compelled to take refuge in Cey- 
lon. What religion subsisted there before, or if the same re- 
ligion then prevailed, is a fruitless and unavailing enquiry. The 
Buddites are said to Nhave been originally a sect of monks, or 
rather hermits, who led a wandering solitary life, remarkable 
for chastity, renouncing all the pursuits of the world, and all 
care of property, and contented with ^ the support of piety 
amidst the extremest poverty. 
In an ancient book called the Sacred Work of Maha Raja 
Wallich, the religion of Buddou is said to have been introduced 
in the reign of Vegirajah, who came with his people to Ceylon 
as far back as the sixth century before Christ; and that Gou- 
tama Buddou, the same that is now worshipped, was supposed 
to have made his appearance five hundred and forty-two years 
before the birth of Christ. But this work, evidently fabricated 
by the priests of a later date, cannot be supposed to carry 
much authority. 
It is alleged that Buddou is worshipped in Pegu and several 
other parts of the continent, under a different name, the Deity 
of the Moon. 
The priests of Buddou are in Ceylon accounted superior to 
all others. They are called Tirinanxes, and are held in high 
estimation at the court of Candy, where indeed they have the 
chief management of affairs. The King has no authority over 
them, but endeavours to gain their good-will by respecting 
their immunities, and loading them with distinctions. They 
have on many occasions shewn tlieir gratitude for these atten- 
tions, and have materially assisted him both in repressing dis- 
