BL\4S\ 
 M69 
 

 LIBRARY 
 
 4 
 
 or TiiK 
 
 T" 
 
 Theological Seminary. 
 
 
 PRINCETON, N. J. 
 
 
 Case ^<^<^ ^'^'^'^ 
 
 
 i /?00/f f''^' 
 
 
 
 
ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 LITERATURE AND RELIGION 
 
 BUDDHISTS. 
 
 By B. H. HODGSON, Esq. B. C. S. 
 
 SERAMPORE. 
 184L 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 The whole of the following Papers are reprints: the dates 
 of which may be proved by consulting the originals in the Trans- 
 actions and Journal of the Asiatic Societies of Bengal and London. 
 But it may be worth while to observe tliat the first Paper Avas 
 written in lH2o, though printed only in 1828, after the tardy usage 
 of those days in such matters. So soon as this paper reached me 
 in print, I corrected it as it now stands. 
 
 The rest of the papers retain tlieir original published forms, 
 but in regard to the third I have preferred the later Edition of the 
 Bengal Journal to the earlier, but less full one, of the London 
 Journal. Some of my friends, who seem to have a horror at 
 generalizations, slily fling their squibs at what they call my spe- 
 culative propensity. 
 
 Yet I trust there is no great harm done in attempting to link 
 tedious details into their appropriate concatenation ; and I sus- 
 pect that sundry disjecta membra of this great subject have been, 
 in sundry hands, only made to wear an intelligible aspect by the 
 light of the general views occasionally opened in these papers. 
 If the topic be, in parts, deep and abstract, I cannot help that ; 
 but, for facts to support my views, there is surely no lack of 
 them :* and I will merely point to the classified catalogue of the 
 principal objects of Buddhist worship, as a mass of focts painfully 
 elaborated and set in order for the benefit of those m ho are work- 
 ing and may work at the great and new mine of Bauddlia litera- 
 ture which it has been my good fortune to open. I presume not 
 to say that when this mine shall have been indeed explored, 
 all my general views will be found valid. But many, I trust, 
 will ; and, in tlie mean while, all enquiries conducted into this 
 
 • See the whole of paper 111. and the large appendices to many of the other 
 papers ! 
 
CON^^ENTS. 
 
 Page, 
 I. Notices of the Languages, Literature, and Religion of 
 
 Nepaul and of Tibet, 1 
 
 IL Sketch of Buddhism, derived from the Bauddha Scrip- 
 tures of Nepaul, • 49 
 
 IIL Quotations from original Sanscrit authorities in proof 
 and illustration of Mr. Hodgson's sketch of Bud- 
 dhism, S-i 
 
 IV. European Speculations on Buddhism, 136 
 
 V. Further Remarks on M. Remusat's Review of Bud- 
 dhism, 144 
 
 VL Remarks on M. Remusat's Rgview of Buddhism, ... 152 
 
 VII. Note on the Inscription from Sarnath, 158 
 
 VIII. Notice of Adi Buddha and of the seven mortal Bud- 
 
 dhas, 164 
 
 IX. Remarks on an Inscription in the Ranja and Tibetan 
 (U'chhen) characters, taken from a Temple on the 
 
 confines of the Valley of Nepaul, 171 
 
 X. Account of a visit to the ruins of Simroun, once the 
 
 Capital of the Mithila Province, 176 
 
 XI. Note on the Primary Language of the Buddhist writ- 
 
 ings, 
 
 180 
 
 XII. Extract of proceedings of the Royal Asiatic Society, 
 
 Januar)', 1836, 189 
 
 XIII. A Disputation respecting Caste by a Buddhist, in the 
 form of a series of Propositions supposed to be put 
 by a Saiva and refuted by the Disputant, 192 
 
 XIV. On the extreme resemblance that prevails between 
 
 many of the S}Tnbols of Buddhism and Saivism, . . . 203 
 
 XV. The Pravrajya Vrata or Initiatory Rites of the Bud- 
 dhists according to the Puja Kand, 212 
 
No. I. 
 
 KOTICES OF THE L.VNGUAGES, LITEEATUEE, AKD RELIGION OF 
 KEPAUL AKD OF TIBET. 
 
 (Printed from the 16th yolurae of the Asiatic Transactions of Bengal, 
 A. D. 1828.) 
 
 The various contributions ■wliich I have had the lionour to for- 
 \vard to the Library and Museum of the Asiatic Society, and the 
 lists by which they have been accompanied, will have put the So- 
 ciety in possession of such information as I have been able to col- 
 lect respecting the articles presented. Some connected obseira- 
 tions suggested by the principal of them, may, however, be not 
 luiacceptable, as derived from enquiry on the spot, and commu- 
 nication with learned Tsepaulese, as weU as from reference to their 
 written authorities.* I do not pretend to offer a complete detail- 
 ed view of the Literature or Religion of the Xepaulese. But a 
 few general remarks may be attempted at present, and may pre- 
 pare the way for further investigation. 
 
 Languages of yepaut. 
 
 AVithin the luuits of the modern kingdom of Xepaul, there are 
 
 ten distinct and strongly marked dialects spoken. These are the 
 
 Khas or Parbattia, the 3Iagar, the Gurimg, the Kachdri, the 
 
 Haij-u,! the Murmi, the Newari, the Kiranti, the Limbuan, and 
 
 * See Paper III. or quotations in proof. Extracted from the works quoted 
 between the years 1822 and 1S24 Note of 1837. 
 
 t Subsequent enquiries have satisfied me that the Haiyus have uo connexion 
 with the other races speaking the several dialects named. 
 
 Judging by pbTsiognomy, colour, manners, and customs aiid language, 1 
 conclude that the Haijus are of the Cole rac< of South Behar. In Nepaul, they 
 form a very small clan, living in a half ravage state in the wilds above Sindhuli. 
 
 A 
 
the Lapelicin. With tlie exception of the first (which will be pre- 
 sently reverted to) these several tongues are all of Trans-hima- 
 layan stock, and are closely affiliated. They are all extremely 
 rude, owing to the people who speak them having crossed the 
 snows before learning had dawned upon Tibet, and to the physi- 
 cal features of their new home (huge mountain barriers on every 
 hand) having tended to break up and enfeeble the common speech 
 they brought with them. 
 
 At present the several tribes or clans to which these dialects are 
 appropriated, can hardly speak intelligibly to each other, and not 
 one of the dialects, save the Newari or language of Nepaul Pro- 
 per,* can boast a single book or even a system of letters, original 
 or borrowed. The Newari has, indeed, three systems of letters, 
 of which more will be said in the sequel ; and it has also a small 
 stock of books in the shape of translations and comments from 
 and upon the sacred and exotic literature of the Newars. But the 
 Newari tongue has no dictionary or grammar ; nor is its cultiva- 
 tion ever thought of by those, numerous as they are, who devote 
 their lives to the sacred literature of Buddhism. It may be re- 
 marked, by the way, that the general and enduring effects of this 
 addiction to an exotic medium, in preference to the vernacular, 
 have been, to cut off the bridge leading from speculation to prac- 
 tice, to divorce learning from utility, and to tlirow a veil of craft- 
 
 * Nepaul Proper is the great valley and its vicinity, as opposed to the king- 
 dom of Nepaul. The extreme area of the great valley may be about 400 
 square miles, and its population fully 250,000. Of several proximate and sub- 
 sidiary vales tenanted by the same race, ( Newar), the area may be about as much 
 more, but the population not above 150,000. The Newar tribe, by far the most 
 numerous tribe in the kingdom, comprises nearly a fourth of the entire popula- 
 tion of the kingdom. The great valley is probably the most densely peopled 
 district in the world. It contains 250 towns and villages : the soil yields two 
 crops a year besides greens ; every yard of the surface is cultivated (Hie roads 
 being mere foot paths) and the whole of the food raised is for human consump- 
 tion. Besides which, large supplies of food are poured into the valley from all 
 the neighbouring hilly districts. The subsidiary vales above spoken of, as com- 
 prised in Nepaul Proper or the region of the Newars, extend in a broken zigzag, 
 east and west, from Dolkha to Nayakot. Besides the 250,000 Newars of the 
 great valley, there are 20,000 intruders composing the army, Civil List and 
 Priesthood of the new dynasty which conquered the valley 69 years back under 
 Prithivi Narayan, the fifth in ascent from the present Sovereign. 
 
ful mystery over the originally popular and generous practical In- 
 stitutes of the religion this people profess. 
 
 Before proceeding to a brief comparison of Newari and of the 
 language of Tibet, with a view to indicate the northern stock of 
 the former tongue, it will be better to notice the Klias or Parbattia 
 Bhasha, since the subject may be dismissed in a few words and 
 will not need revertence to. 
 
 The only language of southern origin spoken in these Hills is 
 the Klias or Parbattia — an Indian Pracrit, brought into them by 
 colonies from below (13th to loth Century of Christ) and now so 
 generally diffused that, in the provinces west of the Kali river,* it 
 has nearly eradicated the vernacular tongues, and, though less 
 prevalent in the provinces east of that river, it has, even in them, 
 as far as the Trisul Gunga, divided the empire of speech almost 
 equally with the local mother tongues. The Parbattia language 
 is terse, simple, sufficiently copious in words, and very characteris- 
 tic of the unlettered but energetic race of soldiers and states- 
 men who made it what it is. At present it is almost wholly in its 
 structure, and in eight-tenths of its vocables, substantially Hin- 
 dee. Yet several of its radical words still indicate an ancient 
 barbarous stock. And I have no doubt that the people who more 
 especially speak it (the Khas) were originally what Menu calls 
 them, viz. barbarousj mountaineers of a race essentially the same 
 with the several other races of Nepaulese Highlanders. Few 
 persons except Brahmans are regularly taught the Parbattia lan- 
 guage ; but most gentlemen speak, and may read and ^v^ite, it 
 with ease and correctness ; the Court, where all so often assemble, 
 being the nucleus of unity and refinement. This language, how- 
 ever, has no Hterature properly so called, and very few and tri\'i- 
 al books. It is always written in the Deva Nagree cliaracters, 
 and, as a language of business, is extremely concise and clear. 
 
 * The Kali, Ghagra or Sarju, is now the limit of Nepaul to the westward, 
 so that the provinces beyond tliat river can only be adverted to in relation to 
 the kingdom of Nepaul, such as it was prior to 1814. 
 
 f This word in the mouth of a Hindoo of Wadhya Des has the same sense 
 which it had in the mouth of a Greek, that is, stranger to the race of ihe user 
 of it. 
 
 A 2 
 
The Gorkhas speak the Parbattia Bhasha, and to their nsoond- 
 ency is its prevalence, in later times, to be mali% ascribcvl. 
 
 Considering that Nepaul Proper or the countrj- of Xewars, has 
 long been the metropolis of Gorkha power, it is rather remarkable 
 that the fi\shionable and facile Parbattia, has not made any mate- 
 rial impression on the Newari language. The causes of this (not 
 wholly referable to modern times) are probably, that the fertility 
 and facility of communication cha,racterising the level country of 
 the Newars, soon gave consistency and body to their speech, 
 whilst their religion (Buddhism) made them look with jealousy, 
 as well on the more ancient Hindoo emigrants, as on the more 
 modern Hindoo conquerors. In the momitainous districts, strict- 
 ly so called, the case was different ; and, besides, from whateNer 
 reason, the tide of emigration into these regions from the south 
 set chiefly on the provinces west of the Trisul Gunga.* There 
 too, to this day, Brahmanical Hindooisra principally flourishes, 
 its great supporters being the Klias, and, next to them, the Ma- 
 gars and Gurungs. For the rest, the population of tlie kingdom 
 of Nepaul is principally Bauddha ; preferring for the most part tlie 
 Tibetan model of that faith : the Newars are the chief exception. 
 Between the Buddhism of Tibet and that of Nepaul Proper, (or 
 of the Newars) the differences are, 
 
 1st. That the former still adheres to, whilst the latter has re- 
 jected, the old monastic institutes of Buddhism ; 2d. that the for- 
 mer is still, as of old, wholly unperplexed with caste ; the latter, 
 a good deal hampered by it ; and that, lastly, the Tibetan Bud- 
 dhism has no concealments, whilst the Nepaulcse is sadly ^•exed 
 
 * These Southern emigrants were refugees from'Moslem bigotry: and were 
 so numerous as to be able to give the impress of their own speech and religion 
 to the rude and scattered Highlanders. The prior establishment of Buddhism in 
 Nepaul Proper prevented these Brahmanical Southerns from penetrating there, 
 where, however, ages before, some Southerns had found a refuge ; these latter 
 were Buddhists, fleeing from Brahmanical bigotry. They came to Nepaul Pro- 
 per about two centuries after Christ. Buddhism had previously been establish- 
 ed therein, and these emigrants were too few to make a sensible impression on 
 the speech or physiognomy of the prior settlers, already a dense and cultivated 
 population. 
 
with a prononess to withhold many higlier matters of the law from 
 all but chosen vessels. 
 
 Connexion of the Language of Nepaul Proper with that of 
 Thet. 
 
 I proceed now to indicate tliat affinity of the language of the 
 Newars to the language of the Tibetans which I have already ad- 
 verted to. I had extended this vocabulaiy (in an amplified form) 
 to the whole of the languages above-mentioned : but the results 
 were, for several reasons, liable to question in detail, so that I 
 prefer holding them back for the present, though there can be no 
 dou])t of the general facts, that these dialects are of northern ori- 
 gin, and are closely connected. 
 
 Tlie language of Nepaul Proper or the Newari, has, as already 
 intimated, much in common with that of Bhot or Tibet. It is 
 liov.ever a poorer dialect than that of Lassa and Digarchi ; and 
 it has, consequently, been obliged to borrow more extensive aid 
 from Sungskrit, wliilst the early adoption of Sungskrit as the sole 
 language of literatui*e has facilitated this infusion. The following 
 is a comparison of a few terms : — 
 
 English. 
 
 Neirari. 
 
 Bhotiya. 
 
 The World. 
 
 * (S.) Sansar. 
 
 Jambu Ling. 
 
 God. 
 
 (S.) Bhagawan. 
 
 Uxk. 
 
 Man. 
 
 (S.) Manno, or Majan. 
 
 Khiyoga. 
 
 Woman. 
 
 Misd. 
 
 Pemi. 
 
 Quadruped. 
 
 (S.) Pasu, Pepanchu. 
 
 Tendu. 
 
 Bird. 
 
 Jhongo. 
 
 Djia and Chabi. 
 
 Insect. 
 
 (S.) Kicha. 
 
 B(i. 
 
 A Worm. 
 
 Dalambi. 
 
 Dalabu. 
 
 Fire. 
 
 Mill. 
 
 Mia and Mih. 
 
 Air. 
 
 (S.) Phoy. 
 
 Lha-phu and L'lawa, 
 
 karth. 
 
 Cha. 
 
 Sha. 
 
 Water. 
 
 P.Lo.C.Luk.B.Gnu. 
 
 Chu. 
 
 The Sun. 
 
 (S.) Suraj. 
 
 Kima. 
 
 The Moon. 
 
 (S.) Chandrama. 
 
 Dawa. 
 
 The Stars. 
 
 (S.) Nagu. 
 
 Kerma. 
 
 * The (S. ) indicates a Sungskrit origin. 
 
English. 
 A Mountain. 
 A River. 
 Father. 
 Mother. 
 Grandfather. 
 Grandmotlier, 
 A Child. 
 A Boy. 
 A Girl. 
 Uncle. 
 Aunt. 
 Summer. 
 Winter. 
 Grain. 
 Rice, 
 Wheat. 
 Barley. 
 Marriage. 
 Birth. 
 Death. 
 A House. 
 A Stone. 
 A Brick. • 
 Temple. 
 An Image. 
 A Bridge. 
 A Tree. 
 A Leaf. 
 A Flower. 
 A Fruit. 
 A Horse. 
 A Bull. 
 A Cow. 
 A BufTaloe. 
 A Doff. 
 
 (S.) Parba. 
 Khussi. 
 
 Boba and Opju. 
 Ma. 
 Adjhu. 
 Adjhama. 
 Mocha. 
 
 Kay Mocha and Bliaju 
 Miah Mochuand Meju 
 Kakka. 
 Mamma. 
 (S.) TapuUa. 
 
 Chilla. 
 (S.) Ann. 
 
 Jaki, ^\'a. 
 Cho. 
 Tacho. 
 (S.) Biah. 
 
 Macha-Bidlo. 
 Sito. • 
 Chen. 
 Lohu. 
 Appa. 
 (S.) Dewa. 
 
 Kata Malli, Patima. 
 
 Ta and Taphu. 
 
 Sima. 
 
 Sihau and Haii. 
 
 Swang. 
 
 Si. 
 
 Sallo. 
 
 Doho. 
 
 Masa and Sd. 
 
 Mia. 
 
 Kiiicha. 
 
 Tihotiya. 
 Rajhi and Lumba, 
 Changbo. 
 Ava and Aba. 
 Amma. 
 Adjhu. 
 Adzhi. 
 
 Namu ? Piza. 
 Phu. 
 Pamu. 
 Aghu. 
 Ibi, Asa. 
 ChajDaha. 
 Gun? Khyabu. 
 Soh? Du. 
 Bra. 
 Tho. 
 
 Pama. 
 
 Kesin. 
 
 Lhesin. 
 
 Khim. 
 
 Ghara.' To. 
 
 Arpa. 
 
 Lha-Kang. 
 
 Toto, Thu. 
 
 Samba. 
 
 Ston-bba or Tongba:. 
 
 Loma or Laj)ti. 
 
 Meto, or Mendo. 
 
 Brebri. 
 
 Tapu or Taba. 
 
 Sandhi. 
 
 Pago. 
 
 Mye. 
 
 Khigo or Khibo. 
 
Enylish. 
 A Cat. 
 A Jackal. 
 A Sister. 
 A Brotlier. 
 Own Family. 
 Kinsfolk. 
 Strangefolk. 
 The Head. 
 The Hair. 
 The Face. 
 The Eye. 
 The Nose. 
 The Mouth. 
 The Chin. 
 The Ear. 
 The Forehead. 
 The Body. 
 The Arm. 
 The Leg. 
 Right. 
 Left. 
 
 A Month. 
 A Year. 
 Day. 
 Night. 
 
 With regard to the Newari words, I can venture to say they 
 may be relied on, thougli they differ somewhat from ICirkpatrick's, 
 whose vocabulary, made in a hurry, exhibits some errors, especi- 
 ally that of giving Sungskrit words instead of the vernacular. It 
 is. remarkable that the Newars, (those that pretend to education, 
 and those who are wholly illiterate), are apt to give to a strange 
 er, a Sungskrit, instead of their own Newari, name for any object 
 to which their attention is called for the pui-pose of naming it. 
 
 • Lappa, (almost identical with the Bhotiya Lakpa) means the true arm, or 
 upper halt' of the limb. Laha means the whole. 
 
 Newari. 
 
 Bhotiya, 
 
 Bhow. 
 
 Gur6. 
 
 Dhong. 
 
 Kipchang. 
 
 Kihin. ' 
 
 Chamu ? Nunui. 
 
 Kinja. 
 
 Chou ? Gnii. 
 
 Thajho & Tha Mannu. 
 
 Pin. 
 
 Phuki. 
 
 Phebin. 
 
 Kato and Miah-Ping. 
 
 Chomi. 
 
 Chong. 
 
 Wu or Go. 
 
 Song. 
 
 Tar, or Ta. 
 
 Qua. 
 
 Tongba. 
 
 Mikha. 
 
 Mhi. 
 
 Gnia. 
 
 Gna 
 
 Mhutu. 
 
 Kha. 
 
 Mano. 
 
 Koma. 
 
 Nliiapo. 
 
 Nhamjo. 
 
 Kopa. 
 
 Praia. 
 
 Mho. 
 
 Zhubfi. 
 
 Laha, Lappa.* 
 
 Lakpa. 
 
 Tuti. 
 
 Kangba. 
 
 Jqu. 
 
 Yeba. 
 
 KJiou. 
 
 Y6md. 
 
 Ld. 
 
 La-wa. 
 
 Dat'chi, 
 
 Lochik. 
 
 Gni or Nhi. 
 
 Nain. 
 
 Cha. 
 
 Chan. 
 
This habit owes its origin to the wish to be intelligible, which the 
 Newars know they cannot be in speaking their own tongue.* The 
 real poverty of the Newari is, also, no doubt, another cause, and its 
 want of words expressive of general ideas : thus, Creation, God, 
 have no Newari names, and the Sungskrit ones l:a\e therefore been 
 borrowed of necessity : the like is true of the word Mankind, for 
 which, as well as for the two former words, I have not been able, 
 after great pains, to obtain any vernaculars. When a Newar woiUd 
 express the idea of God, without resorting to Sungskrit, he is driv- 
 en to periphrasis, and says Adjhi Deo, which word is compounded 
 of Adjliu, a Grandfather, and Deo ; and thus, by reverence for an- 
 cestors, he comes to reverence his maker, whom he calls, literally, 
 the father of his father, or the first father. I am quite aware the 
 foregone and following meagre examples of Newari will not go 
 far to establish the affinity of this language. The subject must be 
 reserved for the future ; but, in the mean time, I may observe that 
 the northern stock, "f" and intimate affinity of Newari and of the 
 other dialects before enumerated, (excepting the Khas or Parbattia), 
 are written as palpably upon the face of these languages as upon 
 the physiognomy, and form of the races who speak them. 
 
 As for the Bhotiya words," I cannot wholly vouch for them, few 
 as they are, having obtained them from a Lama, who was but lit- 
 tle acquainted Avith Newari or Parbattia. The majority are, I 
 believe, sufficiently accordant with the Lhassa model, but sonie 
 may be dialectically corrupted. Still, however, they will ecpially 
 serve, (as far as they go), to illustrate my assertion that the root 
 and stock of Newari are Trans-himalayan and northern ; for there 
 are many dialects on both sides of the snows, and some of the in- 
 
 * Our Hindoo sei'vants of the North West Provinces learn to speak the Par- 
 battia language in a year by merely casual use of it. But they never acquire 
 tlie least use of Newari though they remain here for ten years, inconstant com- 
 merce with Newars. Tliis is a simjile but satisfactory proof of what is alleged 
 in the text as to the essential character of both languages. 
 
 Our people could as soon learn Cliinese as Newari : but Parbattia ' comes na- 
 tural to them.' 
 
 •)■ Let any one try to refer the Newari words above given, few as they are, to 
 any dialect spoken in the plains of India ; and he will be satisfied that he has 
 got into a new lingu:il region, disconnected with the South. 
 
ferior Tibetan dialects may, very probal)ly, come nearer to Xewa- 
 ri than tiie best or that of Lhassa. 
 
 The twelfth word in the Newari column, or Water, is given ac- 
 cording to the sub-dialects of the Valley. Water is Lo, at Patan, 
 Luk at Katmandu, and Gna, at Bhatgong ; these places being the 
 capitals of as many kingdoms before the Gorkha conquest, though 
 situated in very close vicinity to each other. 
 
 With respect to the numerals of the decimal scale, the resem- 
 blance is strikingly close. 
 
 
 
 
 Numerals. 
 
 
 Bhotiya^ 
 
 
 
 Newari^ 
 
 1. 
 
 Chi. 
 
 
 
 Chi. 
 
 2. 
 
 Gni. 
 
 
 
 Na Shi. 
 
 3. 
 
 Sum. 
 
 
 
 Swong. 
 
 4. 
 
 Zhi. 
 
 
 
 Pih. 
 
 5. 
 
 Gnah. 
 
 
 
 Gniah. 
 
 6. 
 
 Tukh. 
 
 
 
 Khu. 
 
 7. 
 
 Tun. 
 
 
 
 Nha or Nhasso^ 
 
 8. 
 
 Ghiah. 
 
 
 
 Chiah. 
 
 9. 
 
 Gun. 
 
 
 
 Gun. 
 
 10. 
 
 Chu (Thampa, i 
 
 an expletive 
 
 Stinho. 
 
 
 merely.) 
 
 
 
 
 H. 
 
 Chfi-chi. 
 
 
 
 Saran-chi. 
 
 12. 
 
 Chu-gni. 
 
 
 
 Sarau Nassi» 
 
 13. 
 
 Chu (P.) sum, 
 
 (the 
 
 letter 
 
 
 
 (P.) written but scarcely 
 
 
 
 audibly uttered.) 
 
 
 
 14. 
 
 Chu (P.) Zhi. 
 
 
 
 Saran Pih. 
 
 15. 
 
 Cheanga. 
 
 
 
 Saran Gniah. 
 
 16. 
 
 Clu'iru. 
 
 
 
 Saran Khu. 
 
 17. 
 
 Chuptin. 
 
 
 
 Saran Nha. 
 
 18. 
 
 Chopkia. 
 
 
 
 Saran Chiah. 
 
 19. 
 
 Churko. 
 
 
 
 Saran Gun. 
 
 20. 
 
 Ne shu (thampf 
 
 '•) 
 
 
 Saran Sanho. 
 
 21. 
 
 » " 
 
 
 
 Ni Chi, 
 B 
 
U) 
 
 
 Bhotit/a. 
 
 
 JVewari. 
 
 22. 
 
 N6 shu (tliampa.) 
 
 Ni Nassi. 
 
 23. 
 
 j> 
 
 >5 
 
 Ni Swong. 
 
 24. 
 
 >} 
 
 >5 
 
 Ni Pih. 
 
 25. 
 
 )> 
 
 55 
 
 Ni Gniah. 
 
 26. 
 
 j> 
 
 55 
 
 Ni Kliu. 
 
 27. 
 
 j> 
 
 55 
 
 Ni Nhi. 
 
 28. 
 
 5> 
 
 55 
 
 Ni Chiali. 
 
 29. 
 
 5> 
 
 55 
 
 Ni Gfin. 
 
 30. 
 
 Sum chu 
 
 (thampa.) 
 
 Ni Sanho. 
 
 31. 
 
 5> 
 
 55 
 
 SwiChi. 
 
 32. 
 
 » 
 
 55 
 
 Swi Nassi. 
 
 33. 
 
 >J 
 
 55 
 
 Swi Swong. 
 
 34. 
 
 55 
 
 55 
 
 Swi Pih. 
 
 35. 
 
 55 
 
 55 
 
 Swi Gniah. 
 
 36. 
 
 55 
 
 55 
 
 Swi Kliu. 
 
 37. 
 
 55 
 
 55 
 
 Swi Mia. 
 
 38. 
 
 55 
 
 55 
 
 Swi Chiah. 
 
 39. 
 
 55 
 
 55 
 
 Swi Gun. 
 
 40. 
 
 Zhe-chu 
 
 (thampa.) 
 
 Swi Sanlio. 
 
 41. 
 
 55 
 
 55 
 
 Pi Chi. 
 
 42. 
 
 55 
 
 55 
 
 Pi Nassi. 
 
 43. 
 
 55 
 
 55 
 
 Pi Swong. 
 
 50. 
 
 Gna-chu 
 
 (thampa.) 
 
 Gniayfi of Pi- Sanho, or merely 
 by pausing on the last letter 
 of Gniah or 5 : and thus also 
 60, 70, &c. are formed out of 
 6, 7, &c. 
 
 60. 
 
 Tiikh-chu (tliampa.) 
 
 Qui. 
 
 70. 
 
 Tim 
 
 ditto. 
 
 Nhaiyu. 
 
 80. 
 
 Gheah 
 
 ditto. 
 
 Chaiye. 
 
 90. 
 
 Gu (P.) 
 
 ditto. 
 
 Guyc. 
 
 100. 
 
 Gheah (thampa.) 
 
 Sache. 
 
 1000. Tong-tha-che. 
 
 Do-ch6. 
 
 10,000. Thea. 
 
 
 Zhi-dot. 
 
 100,000 Buiu, 
 
 
 Lak-chi. 
 
11 
 
 Nor is the variation, after passing the ten, of any importance, 
 the principle of both being still the same ; that is, repetition and 
 compounding of the ordinals ; tlius ten and one, ten and two, are 
 the forms of expression in both,^and so, twice, &c. The Bhotiya 
 word thampa, postfixed to the decimally increasing series, is a 
 mere expletive, and often omitted in speech. The Newari names 
 of the figures from one to ten, as given by Kirkpatrick, are not 
 correct, and hence tlie difference between tlie Newari and Bhotiya 
 names has been made to appear greater tlian it is : in fact, it 
 seems to me, that even the little difference that remains in the 
 present specimens may be resolved into mere modes of utterance. 
 Although the foUo^ving offer no verbal resemblances, the principle 
 on which they are formed presents several analogies. 
 
 Bhotiya and Newari names of the twelve months. 
 
 
 Newari. 
 
 
 
 Bhotiya. 
 
 February. 
 
 
 
 Dagava or Ldwa (Tangbu.) 
 
 
 
 March. 
 
 Chongcho 
 
 la, or ChiUa. 
 
 (Lawa) 
 
 „ Gnipa. 
 
 April. 
 
 Bachola, 
 
 „ Nela. 
 
 (Lawa) 
 
 „ Siunba. 
 
 May. 
 
 Tuchola, 
 
 „ Swola. 
 
 (Ldwa) 
 
 „ Zhiba. 
 
 June. 
 
 Dil'la, 
 
 „ Pela. 
 
 (Lawa) 
 
 „ Gnappa. 
 
 July. 
 
 Gung'la, 
 
 „ Gniala. 
 
 (Lawa) 
 
 „ Tuakpu. 
 
 August. 
 
 Yung'la, 
 
 „ Khola. 
 
 (Lawa) 
 
 „ Tumba. 
 
 September. 
 
 Koula, 
 
 „ Nhula. 
 
 (Lawa) 
 
 „ Gnappa. 
 
 October. 
 
 Kozla, 
 
 „ Chala. 
 
 (Lawa) 
 
 „ Guabba. 
 
 November. 
 
 Thingla, 
 
 „ Gungla. 
 
 (Lawa) 
 
 „ Chuba. 
 
 December. 
 
 Pu61a, 
 
 „ Sela. 
 
 (Lawa) 
 
 „ Chu-chikpa. 
 
 January. 
 
 Sel'la, 
 
 „ Zhin'chala. 
 
 (Lawa) 
 
 „ Chu-gnipa. 
 
 February. 
 
 Chil'la, 
 
 „ Zhin'nala. 
 
 
 
 The second set of Newari names is formed merely by compound- 
 ing the word La, a month, with the names of the cardinals, one, 
 two, &c. As for the first set of names, there too we have the final 
 La ; and the prefixes are mere characteristic epithets of the seasons ; 
 thus, February is called Chilla ; but Chilla means also the cold 
 month, or winter. 
 
 The Bhotiyas, like the Newars, have no simple names for the 
 months, but call them periphrastically the first, Sic. month. Da- 
 
 B '2 
 
12 
 
 seven days 
 
 
 Bhothja names 
 
 of the 
 
 
 
 seven days. 
 
 Adhwina, 
 
 or 
 
 Chanliu, 
 
 Nima. 
 
 Swomwa, 
 
 
 Nenhu, 
 
 Dawa. 
 
 Ongwa, 
 
 
 Swonhu, 
 
 Mimer. 
 
 Budhwa, 
 
 
 Penhu, 
 
 Llidkpa. 
 
 Bussowa, 
 
 
 Gnianhu, 
 
 PhOorboo. 
 
 Sukrawa, 
 
 
 Khonhn, 
 
 Pa sang. 
 
 Sonchowa, 
 
 
 Nhainhu, 
 
 Pemba. 
 
 v.'a and Lawa, both mean a month ; but in speech this word is ne- 
 ver prefixed, save in sjieaking of the first Bhotiya month or Fe- 
 bruary, for from February their year begins. What Tangbu means, 
 I know not, unless it be the same with Thampa, the word that al- 
 ways closes the series of numbers, 10, 20, 30, &c. The names 
 of all the others are easily explained, they being compounds of 
 the numbers 2, 3, &c. with the syllable pa or b^ — evidently the 
 \A of the Newars — postfixed. 
 Newari names of the 
 of the week. 
 Sunday, (vS.) 
 
 Monday, (S.) 
 
 Tuesday, (S.) 
 Wednesday, (S.) 
 Thursday, (S.) 
 Friday, (S.) 
 
 Saturday, (S.) 
 
 Tiie first of the Newari series are wholly corrupt Sungskrit, 
 and the second formed by compounding the word Nlii or Gni, a 
 day, Avith the cardinals : the Newars have no simple words of 
 their own, expressive of the seven days. 
 
 A variety of characters is met with in the Nepaulese and Bho- 
 tiya books, some of which are now obsolete. A manuscript, of 
 which a copy is forwarded, contains a collection of these alphabets, 
 each bearing a separate designation. Of the Newari, three kinds 
 of letters are most familiarly known, and four of the Bhotiya.* 
 
 Written Characters of Nejyaul Proper. 
 The three Newari alphabets (so to speak) ai-e denominated 
 Bhanjin Mola, Ranja, and Newari. Whether these three sorts 
 of letters were formerly used by the Siva M4rgi Newars,f I can- 
 
 • See Pl;itp3. 
 
 f The Siva Margi or Bralimanioal Newars are very few in comparison of the 
 Buddha- Margi. Tlie former boast of a Southern race, and say they came from 
 Tirhut in 1322, A. D. A few of them no doubt did: but they were soon 
 merged in the prior dense population of Nepaul Proper, and now they are only 
 distinguishable by their Brahmanical creed. Tiiey do not constitute a twenti- 
 eth part of the Newar population. 
 
13 
 
 not say ; but old Buddha works exhibit them all, especially the 
 two former. Newaii alone is now used by both sects of Newars 
 for profane purposes ; and for sacred, both often employ the Deva- 
 n^gari, oftener the Newari. I^ the Siva Miirgi Newars ever used 
 (which I doubt,) Bhanjin Mola, or Ranja, at least, they do so no 
 longer ; and the Newars of the Buddha faith having long ceased 
 ordinarily to employ those letters in making copies of their scrip- 
 tures, few can now icrite them, and tlie learned only (who are ac- 
 customed to refer to their old works) can read them with facility. 
 In regard to the origin of these letters, we may at once refer 
 the Newari to Ndgari ; but the other two present at first sight 
 more difficulties. Dr. Carey was, some time back, of opinion, that 
 they are mere fanciful specimens of caligraphy. This notion is 
 refuted by the fact of their extensive practical application, of 
 which Dr. Carey was not aware when he gave that opinion. By 
 comparing one of them (the Ranja) with the fourth alphabet of 
 the Bhotiyas, it will be seen, that the general forms of the letters 
 have a striking resemblance. And as this Lanja or Ranja is deem- 
 ed exotic by the Bhotiyas, I have no doubt it will prove the same 
 with the Newari letters so called : for the words Lanja, Lantza 
 and Ranja are one and the same.* Of the Bhanjin Mola, it may be 
 observed that it has a very ornate appearance, and, if tlie orna- 
 mental parts were stripped from the letters, they (as well as the 
 Ranja) might be traced to a Devanagari origin, from the forms 
 of which alphabet the Bauddhas might possibly alter them, in order 
 to use them as a cover to the mysteries of their faith. The Baud- 
 dha literature is, originally, Indian. Now, though probability 
 may warrant our supposing that those who originated it, together 
 with its religion, might alter existing alphabetical forms for the 
 purpose above hinted at, it will not warrant our conjecturing, that 
 they would undergo the toil of inventing entirely new characters. 
 All these systems of letters follow the Devandgari arrangement, nor 
 should I hesitate to assign them all a Devanagari origin. Indeed 
 it is well known to the learned, that there were anciently in the 
 plains of India many sorts of written characters, since become ex- 
 
 • See a separate paper on this subject in the sequel. 
 
14 
 
 tinct : and I have no doubt that the letters adverted to were part 
 of these. 
 
 Writte7i Characters of Tibet. 
 Of the Bhotiya characters, four kinds are distinguishable ; but 
 only two of them are known by name to the Newars : they are 
 called (in Tibet as well as here) Uchhen and Umen. The first 
 are capitals : the second, small letters : the tliird, running hand : 
 and the fourth, as already observed, equivalent with the Nepaulese 
 Ranja. There is also a character in use in or near Tibet whicli 
 is ascribed to the Sokhpos, wlio are said to be a fierce and power- 
 ful people, living on the confines of Northern China Proper. 
 
 Literature of Bhot or Tibet. 
 
 The great bulk of the literature of Bhot (as of Nepaul) relates 
 to the Bauddha religion. In Bhot the principal works are only 
 to be found at the larger monasteries ; but numerous Bhotiya 
 books of inferior pretensions, are to be obtained at Katmandu 
 from tlie poor traffickers and monks, who annually visit Nepaul 
 on account of religion and trade. 
 
 The character of the great part of these latter, or the Bhotiya 
 books procured in Nepaul, is that of popular tracts, suited to the 
 capacity and wants of the humbler classes of society, among whom 
 it is a subject of surprise, that literature of any kind should be so 
 common in such a region as Bhot, and, more remarkably so, that 
 it should be so widely diff'used as to reach persons covered with 
 filth, and destitute of every one of those thousand luxuries which 
 (at least in our ideas) precede the great luxury of books. 
 
 Printing is, no doubt, the main cause of this great diffusion of 
 books. Yet the very circumstance of printing being in such ge- 
 neral use, is no less striking than this supposed effect of it ; nor 
 can I account for the one or other effect, unless by presuming 
 that the hordes of religionists, with which that ct)untry (Tibet) 
 swarms, have been driven by the tedium vitae, to these admirable 
 uses of their time. 
 
 Tlie invention of printing, the Bhotiyas got from China ; but 
 
1.5 
 
 the universal use they make of it is a merit of their own. The poor- 
 est individual who visits this Valley from the north is seldom with- 
 out his Pothi (book,) and from every part of his dress dangle 
 charms (Jantras,) made up ir^ slight cases, the interior of wliich 
 exhibits the neatest workmanslup in print. 
 
 Some allowance, however, should also be made for the very fa- 
 miliar power and habit of writing, possessed by the people at 
 large : another feature in tlie moral picture of Bhot, hardly less 
 striking than the prevalence of printing or the diffusion of books, 
 and which I should not venture to point out, had I not had suf- 
 ficient opportunities of satisfying myself of its truth among the 
 annual sojourners in NepaiU who come here in hundreds to pay 
 their devotions at the temple of the self-existent Supreme Buddha 
 (Swayambhu Adi Buddha). 
 
 In the collections forwarded to tlie Society will be found a vast 
 number of manuscripts — great and small — fragments, and entire 
 little treatises — all which were obtained (as well as the small 
 printed tracts) from the humblest individuals. Their number and 
 variety will, perhaps, be allowed to furnish sufficient evidence of 
 what I have said regarding the appliances of education in Tibet, 
 if due reference be had, wlien the estimate is made to the scanty 
 and entirely casual source whence the books were obtained in 
 such plenty. 
 
 The many different kinds of writing wliich the MSS. exhibit 
 will, perhaps, be admitted yet further to corroborate the general 
 power of writing possessed by almost all classes of the people. Or, 
 at all events, these various kinds and infinite degrees of penman- 
 ship, present a curious and ample specimen of Bhotiya proficiency 
 in writing, let this proficiency belong to what class or classes it 
 may. 
 
 Something of tliis familiar possession of the elements of educa- 
 tion, wliich I have just noticed as characterising Bhot, may be 
 found also in India ; but more, I fear, in the theory of its insti- 
 tutions than in tlie practice of its present society, because of the 
 successive floods of open violence which have, for ages, ravaged 
 that, till lately devoted land. The repose of Bhot, on the other 
 
16 
 
 hand, has allowed its pacific institutions full room to produce their 
 natural effect ; and hence we see a great part of the people of 
 Bhot able to write and read. 
 
 In whatever I ha^^e said regarding the Press, the general power 
 and habit of writing, or the diffusion of books, in Bhot, I desire 
 to be understood by my European readers with many grains of 
 allowance. These words are names importing the most different 
 things in the world in the favoured part of Eiu-ope, and in Asia. 
 The intelligent resident in Hindoosthan will have no difficulty in 
 apprehending the exact force which I desire should be attached to 
 such comprehensive phrases, especially if he will recollect for a 
 moment that the press, writing and books, though most mighty 
 engines, are but engines ; and that the example of China proves 
 to us indisputably, they may continue in daily use for ages in a 
 vast society, without once falling into the hands of the strong man 
 of Milton ; and consequently, without awaking one of those many 
 sublime energies, tlie full developement of which in Europe has 
 shed such a glorious lustre around the path of man in this world. 
 
 The printing of Bhot is performed in the stereotj^e manner by 
 wooden planks ; which are often beautifully graved : nor are the 
 limited powers of sucli an instrmuent felt as an inconvenience by 
 a people, the entire body of whose literature is of an unchanging 
 character. 
 
 The Bhotiya or Tibetan writing, again, oflen exhibits specimens 
 of ready and graceful penmanship. But then it is never employed 
 on any thing more useful than a note of business, or more inform- 
 ing than the dreams of blind mythology ; and thus, too, the gene- 
 ral diffusion of books (that most potent of spurs to improvement 
 in our ideas) becomes, in Bhot, from the general worthlessness of 
 the books diffused, at least but a comparatively innocent and 
 agreeable means of filling up the tedious liours of the twihglit of 
 civilization. 
 
 With respect to the authorities of the Buddhist religion or their 
 sacred scriptures, tlie universal tradition of tlie Nepaulese Bud- 
 dhists, supported by sundry notices in their existing works, asserts, 
 that the original body of these scriptures amounted, wJicn com- 
 
ir 
 
 plete, to eiglity-f«jur tliousaiul \oluines — probably sutras or apho- 
 risms, and not volumes in our sense. 
 
 Sungskrit Bauddha Literatttre of Nepaul Proper. 
 
 The most authoritati\'e of these works are known, collective- 
 ly, and individually, by the names SCitra and Dharma, and in a 
 •work called tlie Puja Kand there is the following passage: 
 
 " All that the Buddhas have said, as contained in the Maha 
 Yana Sutra, and the rest of the Sutras, is Dharma Ratna," or pre- 
 cious science. Hence the Scriptures are also frequently called 
 " Buddha Vachana," the words of Buddha. Sakya Sinha first re- 
 duced these words to order, if indeed he did not originate them ; 
 and, in this important respect, Sakya is to Buddhism what Vyasa 
 is to Brahmanism. Sakj-a is the last (if not also the first and only) 
 of the seven perfect Buddhas, 
 
 The old books universally assert this ; the modern Bauddhas ad- 
 mit it, in the face of that host of ascetics, whom the easiness of 
 latter superstition has exalted to the rank of a Tath^igata. The 
 sacred chronology is content with assigning Sakya to the Kali 
 Yuga, and profone chronology is a science which the Buddhas 
 seem never to have cultivated.* But the best opinion seems to 
 be that Sakya died about five centuries before our sera. In the 
 subsequent enumeration, it will be seen that Sdkya is the " Speak- 
 er" in all the great works. This word answers to " hearer," and 
 refers to the form of the works, which is, for the most part, that 
 of a report of a series of lectures or lessons delivered verbally by 
 Sdkya to his favourite disciples, but sometimes diverging into di- 
 alogue between them. That Sakya Sinha first gave definite form 
 to the substance of this creed, such as it has come down to our 
 times, is demonstrable from the uniform tenour of that lanmiao-e 
 of the great scriptural authorities to which I have adverted : for, 
 before or after the enunciation of every cardinal text stand the 
 words ' thus said Sdkya Sinha,' or, * so commanded Sakya Sinha.' 
 
 • Neither chronology, nor any tiling else tangible and appreciable, extcmli 
 beyond the age of Sakya. 
 
 c 
 
JS 
 
 The words Tantra and Puraiia, as expressive of the distinction 
 of esoteric and exoteric works, are familiar to the Buddhas of Ne- 
 paul ; but it would seem that their own more peculiar names are 
 Upadesa and Vy^karana. Gatha, Jataka, and Avaddn, seem to be 
 rather subdivisions of Vyakarana than distinct classes. 
 
 The word Sutra is explained Mula Grantha, Buddha Vachana, 
 (chief book, words of Buddha) and hi this sense it has been held 
 to be equivalent to the Sruti of the Brahmans, as has their Smriti 
 to the Bauddha Vydkarana. But, apt as Buddhism is to forget 
 the distinction of divine and human nature, the analogy must be 
 defective; and, in fact, the Sutra of the Buddhists often compre- 
 hends not only their own proper Buddha Vachana, but also Bo- 
 dhisatwa and Bhikshu Vachana ; which latter the Brahmans would 
 denominate Rishi Vachana, and, of course, assign to the Smriti, 
 ' or comments by holy men upon the eternal truth of the Sruti. 
 
 The Newars assert that, of the original body of their sacred li- 
 terature, but a small portion now exists. A legend, familiar to 
 this people, assigns the destruction to Sankara Ach^rya ; and ' the 
 incomparable Sankara' of Sir W. Jones, is execrated by the Ne- 
 paulese Buddhas as a blood-stained bigot.* 
 
 Of the existing Bauddha" writings of Nepaul (originally of In- 
 dian growth and still found unchanged in the Sungskrit language) 
 by far the most important, of the speculative kind, are the five 
 Khands of the Prajna Paramita or Racha Bhaga\'ati, each of 
 which contains 25,000 distiches. Of the nan-ative kind, the chief 
 are eight of the nine works called the ' Nava Dharma ;' the ninth 
 being the Ashta Sahasrika Prajna Paramita. It is a valuable sum- 
 mary of the great work first mentioned, to which, therefore, rather 
 than to these Dharmas, the Ashta Sahasrika bears essential affini- 
 ty. In the sequel will be found a list of all the Sungskrit Bud- 
 dha works known to me by name.f 
 
 • If the age in whiih Sankara flourished, be fixed with any corrertness, he 
 couM not have been a persecutor of tlie Buddhists: for Sankara is placed in the 
 eiiihth century before Christ; and SAkya, the founder of Buddhism, (for we 
 have nothing authentic before him, or independent of him) certainly was not 
 born sooner tlian about the middle of the sixth century, B. C. 
 
 f See the next paper for this list. 
 
19 
 
 The five Raclias or Paramitas are enumerated in order in the 
 immediately subsequent detail. They are of highly speculative 
 character, belonging rather to philosophy than religion. The cast 
 of thought is sceptical in tiie extreme : endless doubts are started, 
 and few solutions of them attempted. Sdkya appears surrounded 
 by his disciples, by whom the arguments on each topic are chiefly 
 maintained, Sakya acting generally as moderator, but sometimes 
 as sole speaker. The topics discussed are the great first principles 
 of Buddhism ;* the tenets of the four schools of Bauddha Philo- 
 sophy are mentioned, but those of the Swabh&vika alone, largely 
 discussed. The object of the whole work seems rather to be proof 
 of the proposition, that doubt is the end as well as beginning, of 
 wisdom, than the establislnnent of any particidar dogmas of phi- 
 losophy or religion : and from the evidence of this great work 
 it would appear, that the old Bauddha philosophers were rather- 
 sceptics than atheists. 
 
 The nine Dharmas are as follows : 
 
 1. Ashta Sahasrika. 
 
 2. Ganda Vyuha. 
 
 3. Dasa Bhumeswara. 
 
 4. Samadhi Raja. 
 
 5. Laukavatara. 
 
 6. Sad Dharma Pundarika. 
 
 7. Tathtigata Guhyaka. 
 
 8. Lalita Vistanu. 
 
 9. Suverna Prabhasa. 
 
 Divine worship is constantly oitered to these nine works, as the 
 Nava Dharma, by the Bauddhas of Nepaul. The aggregation of 
 the nine is now subservient to ritual fancies, but it was originally 
 dictated by a just respect for the pre-eminent authority and impor- 
 tance of these works, which embrace, in the lirst, an abstract of 
 the philosophy of Buddhism ; in the seventh, a treatise on the 
 esoteric doctrines ; and in the seven remaining ones, a full illus- 
 tration of every point of the ordinary doctrine and discipline. 
 
 * S«e the sequel at " Religion of Nepaul and Bhot." 
 C 2 
 
20 
 
 taught in the easy and effective way of example and anecdote, in- 
 terspersed with occasional instances of dogmatic instruction. With 
 the exception of the first, these works are, therefore, of a narra- 
 tive kind ; but interwoven with much occasional speculative 
 matter. One of them (the Lalita Vistara) is the original autho- 
 rity for all those versions of the history of Sakya Sinha, which 
 have crept, through various channels, into the notice of Euro- 
 peans. 
 
 I esteem myself fortunate in having been first to discover and 
 procure copies of these important works. To meditate and di- 
 gest them is not for me ; but I venture to hint that by so doing only 
 can a knowledge of genuine Buddhism be acquired. Buddhism 
 is not simple, but a vast and complicate structure, erected, during 
 ages of leisure, by a literary people. It has its various schools 
 divided by various Doctors ; nor is the Buddhism of one age less 
 different from that of another, than the Brahmanism of the Vedas, 
 of the Purauas, and of the Bhagavat. Let it not be supposed, be- 
 cause these works were procured in Nepaul, that they are there- 
 fore of a local character or mountain origin. 
 
 Such a notion is, in every view, utterly absurd ; for the works 
 bear intrinsic evidence of the" contrary in almost every page ; and 
 their language (Sungskrit,) always wholly exotic in Nepaul, most 
 assuredly was nevei- cidtivated here with a zeal or ability such as 
 the composition of these great works must have demanded. 
 
 These works were composed by the Sagos of Magadha,* Kosila,f 
 and Rajagriha,! whence they were transferred to Nepaul by Baud- 
 dha Missionaries soon after they had assumed their existing shape. 
 
 The S^mbhu Purana is the only local work of importance in the 
 large collection which I have made. Perhaps it may be surmised, 
 that if (as is stated) the fire of Sankara's wrath consumed all, but 
 some fragments of the sacred writings of the Buddhists, the ample 
 works now produced must be spurious. But, in the first place, 
 the legend is but a legend ; and in the next, exaggeration may rea- 
 
 * The modern Bihar. 
 
 f Part of Oude and part of Rohilkhand. 
 
 \ llajmahul ? 
 
21 
 
 sonably be suspected, both as to muiiber of books then extant and 
 destroyed. 
 
 Tlie Bauddhas never had eighty-four thousand principal scrip- 
 tures ;* nor could Sankara destrm- more than a few of those which 
 they really possessed when he came (if he ever came) to Nepaul. 
 The proof of the latter statement is — that Buddiiism was, long after 
 Sankara's time, the prevalent and national faith of the Nepaulese 
 Princes and subjects ; and that it is so still in regard to the people, 
 notwithstanding the Gorkha conquest. Sankara (or some other 
 famous Brahmanical controversist) may have converted, one of the 
 Princes of the Valley ; but the others remained Buddhists ; and, 
 no doubt, took care of the faith and property of their subjects. All 
 old Bauddha works are WTitten in one of the three sorts of letters 
 now peculiar to Nepaul Proper, usually in Ranja and Blianjin 
 Mola, and on Palmira leaves. Copies of the Racha Bhagavati or 
 Prajna Paramita are very scarce. I am of opinion, after five 
 years of enquiry, that there were but four copies of it in the Val- 
 ley, prior to my obtaining one copy and a half: one copy more 
 I got transcribed from an old one. No one had, for some time, 
 been able fully to understand its contents ; no new copy had been 
 made for ages ; and those few persons, who possessed one or more 
 khands or sections of it, as Ixeir-looms, were content to offer to 
 sealed volumes the silent homage of their puja (worship). Time 
 and growing ignorance have been the chief enemies of Sungs- 
 krit Buddha literature in Nepaul, 
 
 The Bauddha Scriptures are of twelve kinds, known by the 
 following twelve names : 1. Sutra ; 2. Geya ; 3. Vyiikarana ; 4. Ga- 
 tha ; 5. Udan ; 6. Nidan ; 7. Ityukta ; 8. Jataka ; 9. Vaipulya ; 
 10. Adbhuta Dharma; 11, Avadan ; 12. Upad6sa, 
 
 • We should douMIcss read aplioiism or text (Sutra or vana), not book, 
 witli reference to the 84.000 in question. The universality of the notion proves 
 that this definite numher has truth, in some sense, attaclied to it. 
 
 The primitive meaning of Siitra (aphorism, or thread of discourse,) im- 
 plies that Sakya taught verbally ; and if this be so, Sutra only took its present 
 sense of principal scripture after liis death. These sayings of Sakya may still 
 be found all over the sacred works of the sect in their original aphoristic form. 
 The destruction of Buddha books adverted to in the text, has, I fancy, refer- 
 ence to the plains of India. There it was complete, eventually : but in the 
 mean while the most vuluable works had been saved in Nepaul. 
 
Sutras are the px'incipal scriptures, (Mula Grautha) as the 
 Racha Bhagavati or Prajna Paramita ; they are equivalent to the 
 Vedas of the Brahmanists. 
 
 Geyas, are works of praise, thanksgiving and pious fervour, in 
 modulated language. The Gita Govinda of the Brahmanists is equi- 
 valent to the Buddha Gita Pushtaka, which belongs to the Geya. 
 Vydkarana are narrative works, containing histories of the se- 
 veral births of Sakya prior to his becoming Nirvan ; and sundry 
 actions of others who by their lives and opinions have illustrated 
 this religion, with various forms of prayer and of praise. Vyaka- 
 rana, in the sense of narration, is opposed generally to works of 
 philosophy or speculation, such as the Prajna Paramita. It also 
 characterises works of an exoteric kind, as oj^posed to the Upa- 
 desa or Tantras. 
 
 Gdthas are narrative works, in verse and prose, containing 
 moral and religious tales, (Anek Dharmakatha) relative to the 
 Buddhas, or elucidative of the discipline and doctrine of the sect. 
 The Lalita Vistara, is a Vyakarana of the sort called Gatha. 
 
 Udan, treat of the nature and attributes of the Buddhas, hi the 
 form of a dialogue between a Buddliist adept and novice. 
 
 Nidan, are treatises, in which the causes of events are shewn ; 
 as for example, liow did Sakya become a Buddha ? the reason or 
 cause ; he fulfilled the Dan, and other Paramitas.* 
 
 Ityuhta, whatever is spoken with reference to, and in conclu- 
 sion : the explanation of some prior discourse, is Ityukta. 
 
 Jataka, treat of the subject of transmigration or metempsy- 
 chosis, the illustrations being drawn from the 550 births of 
 S dkya. 
 
 Vaipidya, treat of several sorts of Dliarma and Artha, that is, 
 of the several means of acquiring the goods of this world (Artha) 
 and of the world to come (Dharma). 
 
 Adbhtita Dharma, on preternatural events. 
 
 * Paramita here means virtue, the moral merit by which our escape (pas- 
 sage) from mortality is obtained, Dan, or charity, is the first of the ten cardi- 
 nal virtues of the Buddhas; "and other" refers to the rtinaiiiini; nine. S>;e 
 Appciidi.x A. of paper III. 
 
22 
 
 Aradd7i, of the fruits of actions or moral law of Mundane 
 existence. 
 
 Upadesa, of the esoteric doctrines equivalent to Tantra, the 
 rites and ceremonies being almost identical with those of the Hin- 
 doo Tantras, but the chief objects of worship, different, though 
 very many of the inferior ones are the same. According to the 
 Upad6sa, the Buddhas are styled Yogarabara and Digambara. 
 Tantrika works are very numerous. They are in general disgrac- 
 ed by obscenity and by all sorts of magic and doemonology. But 
 they are frequently redeemed by unusually explicit assertions of 
 a supreme Godhead. Vajra Satwa Buddha is the magnus Apollo 
 of the Tantrikas. 
 
 The following is an enumeration of some of the most impor- 
 tant individual specimens of the preceding classes. 
 
 First khand, or section, of the Racha or Raksha Bhagavati or 
 Prajna Paramita. It is a Maha Yana Sutra Sastra. It begins 
 with a relation (by himself) of how Sakya became Bhagavcln (dei- 
 fied) ; and how he exhorted his disciples to study and meditate 
 his principles ; and how he explained the doctrine of Avidya, that 
 is, as long as Avidya* lasts, the world lasts, when Avidya ceases, 
 (Nirodha) the world ceases ; aliter, Pravritti ends, and Nirvritti* 
 begins. Such are the general contents of the former part of this 
 khand ; and the latter part of it i^ occupied with explanations of 
 Sunyata and Maha Sunyata.* Sakya is the speaker, the hearers 
 are Subhuti, and other Bhikshukas : the style is prose (Gadya). 
 
 Second and third khands of the Raksha Bhagavati. Contents 
 the same as above. 
 
 The fourth khand of the Raksha Bhagavati relates, how any one 
 becomes Sarvakarmajnd, or skilled in the knowledge of all things 
 on earth and in heaven ; in a word, omniscient ; besides which, 
 the subjects of the former khands are treiited of, in continuation, 
 in this. 
 
 The fifth khand of the Raksha Bhagavati. Besides Avidya, 
 
 * Pee the explanntion of tticse terms in the sequel. They form the basis of 
 the phllos.iphy of Biulilhiim. 
 
24 
 
 Sunyata, and all the other great topics of the prior khands, this 
 khand contains the names of the Buddhas, and Bodhisatwas. 
 
 These five khands or divisions are each called Pancha, Vingsati, 
 Sahasrika, Prajna Paramita ; the three first words indicating the 
 extent of each division, and the two last, the nature of the sub- 
 ject or transcendental wisdom. Sata Sahasrika is a collective name 
 of the four first khands, to which the fifth is not necessarily ad- 
 junct ; and indeed it is apparently an abstract of the Sata Sahas- 
 rika. Arya Bhagavati and Raksha Bhagavati, or holy Goddess 
 and Goddess of Deliverance, are used, indifferently with Prajna 
 Paramita, as titles of each or all of these five khands. The five 
 khands are all in prose, and comprise the philosophy of Buddhism. 
 
 Ashtctsahasrika Prajna Paramita, a Maha Yana Sutra. An 
 epitome of the transcendental topics discoursed of at large in the 
 Racha Bhagavati. It is prose. Sakya is the speaker ; and Sub- 
 huti and other Bhikshukas,* the hearers. 
 
 Ashta Sahasrika Vyakhya. 
 
 This is a comment on the last work by Hara Bhadra, in verse 
 and prose. 
 
 Ganda Vyuha, a Vyakarana Sastra, contains forms of suppli- 
 cation and of thanksgiving, also how to obtain Budhijuyan, or 
 the wisdom of Buddhism, Prose speaker, Sakya ; hearer, Sudhana 
 Kumara. 
 
 Dasa Bhumeswara, a Vyakarana, containing an account of the 
 ten Bhumis.f Prose speaker, Sdkya ; hearer, Ananda Bhikshu- 
 ka. 
 
 Samddhi Raja, a Vyakarana ; an account of the actions by 
 which the wisdom of Buddhism is acquired, and of the duties of 
 Budhisatwas. Prose speaker, Sakya, and hearers, Ravana and 
 others. 
 
 Sad Dharma Pundarika, a Vyakarana, an account of the Maha 
 and other Dipa Ddnas, or of the lights to be maintained in ho- 
 
 * Bliikshu, n:ime of a Buddhist mendicant. See on to section on Religion, 
 t Ten heavens, or ten stages of perfectibility. 
 
25 
 
 nour of the Buddhas, and Bodhisatwas ; with narrations of the 
 lives of several former Buddhas by Sakya, as well as prophetic 
 indications of the future eminence of some of his disciples. Speak- 
 ers and hearers, Sakya, Maitreya,'Munjusri, &c. 
 
 Lalita Vistara. This is a Vyakarana of the sort called Gatha. 
 It contains a history of the several births of Sakya, and how, in 
 his last birth, he acquired perfect wisdom, and became Buddha. 
 Verse and prose speaker, Sakya ; hearers, Maitrcya and others. 
 
 Guhya Samagha, otherwise called Tathagata Guhyaka, an 
 Upad6sa or Tantra ; contains numerous mantras, with explana- 
 tions of the manner of performing esoteric rites. Prose and verse 
 speaker, Bhagavan (i. e. Sakya) ; hearers, Vajra Pani Bodhisatwa 
 and others. 
 
 Siivarna Prabhasa, a Vyakarana Sastra, discourses by Sakya 
 for the benefit of Lakshmi, Saraswati and others ; also an account 
 of the Bhagavat Dhatu, or mansions of the deities. Prose and 
 verse speaker, Sakya ; hearers, Sitsavi Kumara, the above named 
 Goddesses and others. 
 
 Stcayambhu Parana, the greater; a Vyakarana of the sort call- 
 ed Gatha : an account of the manifestation of Swayambhu or Adi 
 Buddha* in Nepaul, and the early history of Nepaul. Verse 
 speaker, Sakya ; hearer, Ananda Bhikshuka. 
 
 Siuayambhu Purana, the less, a GathA, summary of the above ; 
 an account of Swayambhu Chaitya, (or temple). Verse and prose 
 speaker and hearer, as above. 
 
 Karanda Vyuha, an account of Lokeswara Padma Pani. Prose 
 speaker and hearer, as above. 
 
 Guna Karanda Vyuha, a Gatha ; an amplification of the above 
 in verse. Speaker and hearer, as above. 
 
 Mahavastu, an Avadan Sastra ; an account of the fruits of 
 actions, like the Karma Vipaka of the Brahmans. Prose speaker 
 and hearer, as before. 
 
 Asoka Avadan ; an account of the Triad, or Buddha Dharraa 
 Sangha, also of the Chaityas, with the fruits of worshipping them. 
 Verse speaker, Upagupta Bhikshuka ; hearer, Asoka Raja. 
 
 • Swayambhu means self-existent. Adi, first, and Buddha, wise. 
 
 D 
 
26 
 
 Bhadra Kalpika, an Avadan Sastra ; a detailed account of 
 the Buddhas, past and to come. Verse and prose speaker, vSakya ; 
 hearers, Upagupta Bhikshuka, with a host of immortals and mor- 
 tals. 
 
 Jdtaka Mala ; an account of the meritorious actions of Sakya 
 in his several births, prior to his becoming a Tathagata. Verse 
 and prose speaker, Sakya ; hearer, Ananda Bhikshu. 
 
 Manichura, an Avadan ; an account of the first birth of Sakya, 
 and of the fruits of his actions. Prose speaker and hearer, as 
 above. 
 
 Dwavinsati Avadan, an Avadan Sastra ; an account of the 
 fruits of building, worsliipping and circumambulating* Chaityas. 
 Verse and prose speaker, Sakya ; hearer, Maitreya. 
 
 Nandi Mukha Swaghosha, an Avadan ; an account of the great 
 fast called Vasundhara, and of the fruit of observing it. Prose 
 speaker, Sakya ; hearer, Ananda. 
 
 Bodhi-charijd, an Avadan Sastra, of the sort called Kavya ; 
 contains a highly laudatory account of the virtue of charity and 
 of the Bodhi-Charya, or Buddhist duties. Verse speaker, Mai- 
 treya ; hearer, Sudhana Kumara. 
 
 Karuna-Pundarika, an Avadan ; an account of Arinemi Raja ; 
 of Samudra Renu, Purohit ; of Ratna Garbha, Tathagata ; and 
 of Avalokitesw^ara, (i. e. Padma Pani Bodhisatwa) interspersed 
 with sundr}^ philosophical topics which are discussed by Sakj'a in 
 a broken manner. Sakya, then, in anticipation of his demise, gives 
 directions as to the mode in which his system is to be taught. 
 Prose speaker, Sakya ; hearers, Maitreya, &c. 
 
 Chandomrita Mala, a treatise of prosody ; the measures illus- 
 trated by verses laudatory of Sakya Sinha. Verse and prose : 
 the author Amrita Bhikshu. 
 
 Lokeswara Sataka, a hundred verses in praise of Padma Pani. 
 Verse author, Vajra Datta Bhikshu. 
 
 * Tliis circumambulation is one of the commonest and most pious actions of 
 Buddhist devotion. Mental prayers are repeated all the while, and a small cy- 
 linder fixed upon the upper end of a short staff or handle, is held in the right 
 hand and kept in perpetual revolution. 
 
27 
 
 Saraka Dhdra, with a comment ; a Kavj^a in praise of Arya 
 Trira, Buddha Sakti. Verse : author, Sarvajna Mitrapada, Bhikshu. 
 
 Aparamita Dliarani, an Upadesa ;* contains many Dharanis ad- 
 dressed to the Buddhas, who are immortal (Aparamitayusha Ta- 
 thagata). Prose speaker, Sakya ; hearer, Ananda Bhikshu. 
 
 Dharani Sangraha, a collection of Dharanis, as Maha Vairo- 
 chans D. Maha Manjusris D. and those of many other Buddhas 
 and Buddhisatwas. Verse speaker, Sakya ; hearer, Vajra Pani. 
 
 Pancha Raksha^ an Upadesa Dharani ; an account of the five 
 Buddha Saktis, called Pratisara, &c.| Prose speaker, Sakya ; 
 hearer, Ananda. 
 
 Pratyangira Dharani^ an Upadesa Dharani ; an account of 
 Pratyangira Buddha Sakti. Prose speaker, Sakya ; hearer, Anan- 
 da Bhikshu. 
 
 Tdrd Satnamaj an Upadesa Dharani, contains an account of 
 Arya Tara, of her hundred names, her Vija mantras, &c. Verse 
 speaker, Padma Pani ; hearer, Vajra Pani, 
 
 Sugatavaddn, an Avadan Sastra, contains an account of the 
 feast kept in honor of Sanghas or Buddhisatwas. Verse speaker^ 
 Vasundhara Buddhisatwa ; hearer, Puslipaketu Rajkumar. 
 
 Sukhavati Loka, account of the so called heaven of Amitabha 
 Buddha. Verse speaker, Sakya ; hearers, Ananda and others, 
 
 Saptavdra Dharani, an Upadesa of the sort termed Dharani ; 
 an account of the seven Dcvis (Buddha Saktis) called Vasundha- 
 ra, Vajra Vidarini, Ganapati Hridaya, Ushnisha Vijaya, Parna 
 Savari, Marichi, Graha Matrika, together with their Vija man- 
 tras. Prose speaker, Sakya ; hearers, Ananda and others. 
 
 Srii/a Sangraha, an Upadesa ; an account of the Tantrika ri- 
 tual. Prose speaker, Sakya ; hearers, Vajra Pani, &c. resembles 
 the Mahodadhi of the Brahmans. 
 
 Sumaghdvadan, an Avadan Sastra ; an account of the heaven 
 
 • Dharani, though derived from the Upadesa, are exoteric. They are short 
 significant forms of prayer, similar to the Paiiclianga of the Brahmans. Who 
 ever constantly repeats or wears (made up in little lockets) a dharani, possesses 
 a charmed life. 
 
 f See classified enumeration of the principal objects of Buddhist worship. 
 
 D 2 
 
2S 
 
 (Bhu\'aaj of the Bhikshukas ; near the close is a story of the 
 merchant Sumagha and his wife, whence the name of the work. 
 Prose speaker, Sakya ; hearer, Ananda. 
 
 Chaitya Pungava, an Avadan on the M-orship of the Chaityas. 
 Prose speaker, Sakya ; hearer, Suchetana Bhikshuka. 
 
 Kathinavaddn, an Avadan Sastra ; containing an account of 
 the merit and reward of giving the Pindapatra,* Khikshari, Chi- 
 vara and Nivasa to Bhikshukas. Prose speaker, Sakya ; hearer, 
 Kasyapa Bhikshu. 
 
 Pindapatr avadan, an account of the begging platter of the 
 Bhikshus, and of the merit of bestowing it to them. Prose 
 speaker and hearer, as above. 
 
 Dhwajdgra Keyuri, an Upadesa, or Tantra Dharani ; an ac- 
 count of Dhwajagra Keyuri, Buddha Sakti. Prose speaker, 
 Sdkya ; hearer, Indra Deva (the god). 
 
 Graha Matrika, a Tantra Dharani ; account of Graha Matrika, 
 Buddha Sakti. Speaker, Sakya ; hearer, Ananda Bhikshu. 
 
 Ndgapitjd, a manual of worship to the Nagas for rain. It is 
 extracted from the Sadhana Mala. It is of the same character 
 as the Vrata Paddhati of the Brahmans. 
 
 Mahakdla Tantra, an Upadesa ; account of the worship to be 
 paid to Mahakala. Prose, Vajra Satwa Bhagavan (i. e. Buddha) ; 
 speaker and hearer, his Sakti, named Vajra Sattwatmaki. 
 
 Ahhidhdnottarottara, an Upadesa; account of the exoteric 
 rites. Prose speaker, Vajra Satwa Bhagavan ; hearer, Vajra Pani. 
 The rites prescribed by this book resemble in character the 
 Saiva ritual, and differ from it only in being addi-essed to ditler- 
 ent objects. 
 
 Vinaya Sutra, Treatise on Discipline. Author, Chandra Kirti 
 Acharya. It is equivalent to the Vyasa Sutra of the Brahmans, 
 
 Kalpalatdvaddn, an Avadan, a highly ornate account of the 
 first birth of Sakya, and of the fruits of his actions in that birth. 
 Verse : author, Kshemendra Bhikshu. 
 
 • The begging platter, staff, and slender habiliments of the Buddha mendi- 
 cant are called by the nanu-i in th'^ text. The Chivara is the upper, the Nivasa 
 the lowfi, S'lrb. 
 
29 
 
 Gita Pushtaka^ a Geya ; a collection of songs on Tantrika 
 topics, by various hands. 
 
 Stotra Sangraha, the praises of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. 
 In verse of various measures and by various authors. 
 
 Divyavadan, an Avadan Sastra, containing various legends of 
 the first birth of Sakya. Verse and prose speaker, Sakya ; hear- 
 ers, Ananda Bhikshu and others.* 
 
 Bliote Literature in the language of Tibet, 
 The following list of a more miscellaneous description. 
 
 Bhotiya Works. 
 
 Name, Sumachik ; author, Thula Lama ; place where written, 
 Khanam in Bhote ; subject. Jurisprudence. 
 
 Name, Chama Dam ; author, Aguchu Lama ; place, Tija 
 Nowa ; subject, similar to the Sagun Pothi of the Hindoos. 
 
 Name, Charug ; author, Thiya Lama ; place, Gejaketha ; sub- 
 ject, the Jnyan Pothi of the Hindoos, or divine wisdom. 
 
 Name, Churuge Chapah ; author, Yepah Regreh Maha Lama ; 
 place, Pargi-eh ah chu ; subject, cure of all diseases. 
 
 Name, Tuchurakh ; author, Suku Lama ; place. Jab-la Denuk ; 
 subject, read by mendicant monks to prosper their petition for 
 alms. 
 
 Name, Maui Pothi ; author, Chulil Lama ; place, Gumewan ; 
 subject, the use and virtue of the mani or praying cylinder. 
 
 Name, Chu Dam ; author, Gevighup Lama ; place, Yeparkas ; 
 subject, medicine. 
 
 Name, Napache Pothi ; author, Aberak Lama ; place, Jatu 
 Lam ; subject, physical science, or the winds, rain, weather. 
 
 Name, Kichak ; author, Kiluah Lama ; place, Botehi ; subject, 
 witchcraft, demonology, &c. 
 
 Name, Tui takh lu ; author, Rakachandah Lama ; place, Ku- 
 bakh ; subject, science of war. 
 
 • Since the above was composed, I have added tjreatly to my stock of Sungs- 
 krit works, for their uamea, see the list appended to next paper — Note of 
 1837. 
 
30 
 
 Name, Dutakh-a-si ; author, Bajachik Lama ; place, Gnama ; 
 subject, read by survivors on the death of a relation, that they 
 may not be haunted by his ghost. 
 
 Name, Serua-takh ; author, Takacliik Lama ; place, Yipurki. 
 To be read by travellers, during their wanderings, for the sake of 
 a safe return. 
 
 Name, Sata-tu-mah ; author, Yisahsekar Lama ; place, Seb- 
 hala ; subject, read previous to sitting on a panchaet for a pros- 
 perous issue thereof. 
 
 Name, Kerikh ; author, Amadatakh Lama ; place, Asi ; sub- 
 ject, to be read for increase of temporal goods. 
 
 Name, Numbeh ; author, Titakh Lama ; place, Bere-ga-hakh ; 
 subject, to be read at times of gathering flowers for worship. 
 
 Name, Dekmujah ; author, Muntake-tan Lama ; place, Mun- 
 ka ; subject, to be read previous to laying the foundation of a 
 house. 
 
 Name, Thaka-pah ; author, Gagamatakh Lama ; place, Ma- 
 cha-lekoh ; subject, to be read whilst feeding the sacred fishes at 
 the temples ; a very holy act. 
 
 Name, Kusa ; author, Nemachala Lama ; place, Yeparenesah ; 
 subject, to be read at the time of bathing. 
 
 Name, Lahassa-ki-pothi ; author, Uma Lama ; place, Lassa ; 
 subject, to be read before eating, while dinner is serving up, to 
 keep off wicked spirits. 
 
 Name, Chandapu ; author, Grahah Lama ; place, Jubu-nasah ; 
 subject, to be read jjrevious to making purchases. 
 
 Name, Sachah ; author, Urjanh Lama ; place, Jadfin ; subject, 
 to be repeated whilst exonerating themselves, that no evil spirit 
 may come up. 
 
 Name, Bachah ; author, Jahadegh Lama ; place, Maharah ; 
 subject, to be read by lone travellers, in forests and bye-ways, for 
 protection. 
 
 Name, Kajaw ; autlior, Olachavah Lama ; place, Karah ; sub- 
 ject, to be read by a dead man's relatives to free his soul from pur- 
 gatory. 
 
 Name, Yidaram ; author, Machal Lama ; place, Sadurl ; sub- 
 
31 
 
 ject, to facilitate interviews, and make them happy in their 
 issues. 
 
 Name, Ditakh ; author, Chopallah Lama ; place, Urasikh ; sub- 
 ject, to interpret the ominous cijoaking of crows, and other inaus- 
 picious birds. 
 
 Name, Karachakh ; author, Khuchak Lama ; jjlace, Pheragiah. 
 
 Name, Chalah ; author, Gidu Lama ; place, Bidakh ; subject, 
 to be read at the time of drinking, that no ill may come of the 
 draught. • 
 
 Name, Keg(a ; author, Tupathwo Lama ; place, Kabajeh ; sub- 
 ject, for increase of years, and a long life. 
 
 Name, Chabeh ; author, Akabeh Lama ; place, Ari Kalaguh ; 
 subject, to be read for removing the inclemencies of the season. 
 
 Name, Kaghatukh ; author, Sugnah Lama ; place. Bole Ka- 
 char; subject, to be read by horsemen, at seasons of journies 
 that they may come to no harm. 
 
 Name, Liichu ; author, Nowlah Lama ; place, Chagura Kahah ; 
 subject, to be read for increase of eloquence and knowledge of 
 languages. 
 
 Name, Ghikatenah ; author, Sujanah Lama ; place, Seakuhah ; 
 subject, to be read by archers for success of their craft. 
 
 Name, the Baudh Pothi, or history of the founding of the Tem- 
 ple of Kasachit in Nepaul, with other matters appertaining to 
 Buddhism in Nepaul. 
 
 Name, Siri Pothi ; author, Bistakow Lama ; place, Jamatakh ; 
 a general form of prayer for rich and poor, sick and healthy, man 
 and woman. 
 
 The latter of these lists (of Bhotiya books) is a mere thing of 
 shreds and patches, and, in fact, I have no means of enumerating 
 the standard works of Tibetan literature. But I have no doubt 
 that Tibet is indebted for its literature to Buddha Missionaries, 
 and Refugees from Hindustan. These individuals carried with 
 them, and subsequently procured from India, many of the sacred 
 and profane works of their sect, and, as was their wont, they ira- 
 
32 
 
 mediately began to instruct the people of Bhot in their own, that 
 is, in the Sungskrit, letters and language. They had, no doubt, 
 some success in this measure in the tirst period of their emigra- 
 tion into Bhot ; but, in the end, the difficulties of Sungskrit, and 
 the succession of Native teachers to the chairs of the original In- 
 dian emigrants, led to the preference of the Bhotiya language, and, 
 consequently, to a translation of all the Sungskrit works they had, 
 and could obtain from India, into the vernacular tongue of the 
 country. This resort to translation took place very early ; a cir- 
 cumstance which, aided by the lapse of time, and the further de- 
 cline of the original literar}' ardour, inspired by the Indian Refu- 
 gees, produced, at no distant period from the decease of the first 
 Indian teachers, the oblivion of Sungskrit, and the entire super- 
 cession of original Sungskrit versions by translations into Tibetan. 
 The Bhotiyas,* however, although they thus soon lost the Sungs- 
 krit language, retained the Deva Nagari letters. The result of the 
 whole is, that the body of Bhotiya literature now is, and long has 
 been, a mass of translations from Sungskrit ; its language, native ; 
 its letters, (like its ideas,) Indian. To support this view of the 
 case, I have to observe, that even the Nepaulese, much nearer as 
 they are to India, and much more cultivated in some respects as 
 they are, have resorted extensively to vernacular comments, and 
 even translations of their books, which also are Sungskrit ; and 
 that, although the Newars have a good language of their own, they 
 have no letters, but such as are clearly of Deva Nagari origin, 
 and declared by themselves to be so : that all the Bhotiyas, with 
 whom I have conversed, assure me that they got all their know- 
 ledge from India ; that their books are translations ; that the ori- 
 ginals, here and there, still exist in Bhot, but that now no one can 
 read them ; lastlj^, that most of the great Bhotiya classics pro- 
 claim, by their very names, the fact.f These remarks are appli- 
 
 * Bhot is the Sungskrit, and Tibet the Persian, name of the country. The 
 native name is Bot-pa, a mere corruption of the Sungskrit appellation, proving 
 that the Tibetans had not readied a general designation for their country when 
 their Indian teachers came among them. 
 
 f Note of 1837. It is needless now to say, how fully these views have been 
 
 con- 
 
33 
 
 ed, of course, to the classics of Bhot, for, in regard to works of 
 less esteem there, I believe such to be not translations, but origi- 
 nals ; chiefly legends of the Lamas, and in the vernacular tongue, 
 (the best dialect of which is that spoken about Lassa and Digar- 
 chi,) but still, like the translated classics, written in letters es- 
 sentially Indian. 
 
 Religion of Nepaul and of Bhot. 
 
 An accurate and complete view of the Bauddha system of be- 
 lief would involve the severe study of a number of the voluminous 
 Sungskrit works above specified, and would demand more time 
 than could be bestowed upon the task by any person, not other- 
 wise wholly unemployed. A few observ-ations must, therefore, 
 suffice in this place on the religious notions of the Bauddhas of 
 this part of India, and in making them I shall keep chiefly in view 
 the facilitation of the study of a new subject on the part of those 
 who may find time and courage to explore the great and new mine of 
 Sungskrit literature which it has been my fortune to discover in 
 Nepaul. 
 
 Speculative Buddhism embraces four very distinct systems of 
 opinion respecting the origin of the world, the nature of a first 
 cause, and the nature and destiny of the soul. 
 
 These systems are denominated, from the diognostic tenet of 
 each, Swabhdvika, Aishwarika, Yatnika, and Karmika ; and each 
 of these, again, admits of several sub-divisions, comprising divers 
 reconciling theories of the later Bauddha teachers, who, living in 
 quieter times than those of the first Doctors, and instructed by 
 the taunts of their adversaries, and by adversity, have attempted 
 to explain away what was most objectionable, as well as contra- 
 dictory, in the orginal system. 
 
 The Swabha\-ikas deny the existence of immateriality ; they 
 assert that matter is the sole substance, and they give it two modes, 
 
 confirmed by the researches of De Coros. It is but justice to myself to add that 
 the real nature of the Kahgyur and Stinsyur was expressly stated and proved 
 by me to the Secretary of the Asiatic Society some time before Mr. De Cores' 
 ampler revelation? were made. 
 
34 
 
 called Praviitti, and Nirvritti, or action and rest, concretion and 
 abstraction. Matter, they say, is eternal as a crude mass (how- 
 ever infinitesimally attenuated in Nirvritti); and so are the powers 
 of matter, which powers possess not only activity, but intelligence. 
 The proper state of existence of these powers is that of rest, and 
 of abstraction from every thing palpable and visible, (Nirvritti), 
 in which state they are so attenuated, on the one hand, and so in- 
 vested with infinite attributes of power and skill on the other, 
 that they want only consciousness and moral perfections to be- 
 come gods. When these powers pass from their proper and en- 
 during state of rest into their casual and transitory state of ac- 
 tivity, then all the beautiful forms of nature or of the world come 
 into existence, not by a divine creation, nor by chance, but spon- 
 taneously ; and all these beautiful forms of nature cease to exist, 
 when the same powers repass again from this state of Pravritti, or 
 activity, into the state of Nirvritti, or repose. 
 
 The revolution of the states of Pravritti* and Nirvrittif is 
 eternal, and with them revolve the existence and destruction of 
 nature or of palpable forms. The Swabhavikas are so far from 
 ascribing the order and beauty of the world to blind chance, that 
 they are peculiarly fond of quoting the beauty of visible form as a 
 proof of the intelligence of the formative powers ; and they infer 
 their eternity from the eternal succession of new forms. But they 
 insist that these powers are inherent in matter, and not impressed 
 on it by the finger of God, that is, of an absolutely immaterial be- 
 ing. Inanimate forms are held to belong exclusively to Pravritti, . 
 and therefore to be perishable ; but animate forms, among which 
 man is not distinguished sufficiently, are deemed capable of be- 
 coming by their own efforts associated to the eternal state of Nir- 
 vritti ; their bliss in which state consists of repose or release from 
 an otherwise endlessly recurring migration through the visible 
 forms of Pravritti. Men are endowed with consciousness, as well. 
 
 • Pra, an intonsitive prefix ; and Vrkti, uclion, avocation, from va to bl.>w 
 ns the wind. 
 
 f Nir, a privitive prftix, and Vriiti as before. 
 
So 
 
 I believe, of the eternal bliss* of the rest of Nirvritti, us of tiie 
 ceaseless pain of the activity of Pravritti. But these men who 
 have won the eternity of Nirvritti^ are not regarded as rulers of 
 the universe, which rules itself; nor as mediators or judges of 
 mankind still left in Pravritti ; ^for tlie notions of mediation and 
 judgement are not admitted by the Swibhivikas, who hold everj' 
 man to be the arbiter of his own fate — good and evil in Pra- 
 vritti being, by the constitution of nature, indissolubly linked to 
 weal and woe ; and the acquisition of Nirvritti being, by the 
 same inherent law, the inevitable consequence of such an enlarge- 
 ment of his faculties, by habitual abstraction, as will enable a 
 man to know what Nirvritti is. To know tliis, is to become om- 
 niscient, a Buddha ; to be divinely worshipped as such, while yet 
 lingering in Pra\Titti ; and to become, beyond the grave, or in 
 Nirvritti, all at least that man can become, an all respecting which 
 some of the Sw^bh^vikas have expressed much doubt, while 
 others of them have insisted that it is eternal repose, and not 
 eternal annihilation! (Sunyata); though, adds this more dog- 
 matical school, were it even Sunyata, it would still be good ; 
 man being otherwise doomed to an eternal migration through all 
 the forms of nature ; the more desirable of wliich are little to be 
 wished ; and the less so, at any price to be shunned. 
 
 From the foregoing sketch it will be seen, that the most diog- 
 nostic tenets of the Swabh^vikas are, the denial of immateriality, 
 and the assertion that man is capable of enlarging his faculties to 
 infinity. The end of this enlargement of human faculties is asso- 
 ciation to the etenuil rest of Nirvritti, respecting the value of which 
 there is some dispute ; and the means of it axe, Tapas and Dhyan ; 
 by the former of which terms, the SwS,bhavikas understand, not 
 penance, or self-inHicted bodily pain, but a perfect rejection of 
 aU outward (P^a^Tittika) things ; and, by the latter, pure mental 
 
 • The prevalent doctrine is, that they are; some doctors, however, say no ; 
 the question turns on the prior acceptation of Sunyata, for which see on. 
 
 f This intcrpietatioii of the Swabhavika Sunyata is nol the general one, though 
 the opponents of Buddhism have attempted to m ike it so ; for the prevalent 
 sense of the word among the Buddhas, see on. 
 
 E '2 
 
36 
 
 abstraction. In regard to physics, the Swabhdvikas do not re- 
 ject design or skill, but a designer, that is, a single, immaterial, 
 self-conscious being, who gave existence and order to matter by 
 volition. They admit what we call the laws of matter, but in- 
 sist that those laws are primary causes, not secondary ; are inherent 
 eternally in matter, not impressed on it by an immaterial creator. 
 They consider creation a spontaneity, resulting from powers which 
 matter has had from all eternity, and will have to all eternity. 
 So with respect to man, they admit intellectual and moral powers, 
 but deny that immateriid essence or being, to which w^e ascribe 
 those powers. Animate and inanimate causation, they alike attri- 
 bute to the proper vigour of nature, or Swabhava. I believe the 
 Swabhavika to be the oldest school of Buddhist philosophy ; but 
 that school has, from the earliest times, been divided into two 
 parties, one called the Swabhavikas simply, whose tenets I have 
 endeavoured to stata above, the other termed the Prajnika Swabha- 
 vikas, from Prajna,* the supreme wisdom ; viz. of nature. 
 
 The Prajnikas agree with the Swabhavikas, in considering mat- 
 ter as the sole entity, in investing it with intelligence as well as 
 acti^^ty, and in giving it two modes, or tliat of action and that of 
 rest. But the Prajnikas incline to unitize the powers of matter 
 in the state of Nirvritti ; to make that imit, deity ; and to consider 
 man's summiun bonum, not as a vague and doubtful association 
 to the state of Nirvritti ; but as a specific and certain absorption 
 into Prajna, the sum of all the powers, active and intellectual, of 
 the universe. The Aishwarikas admit of inmiaterial essence, 
 and of a sui^reme infinite, and self-existent Deity (Adi Buddha) 
 whom some of them consider as the sole deity and cause of all 
 things, while others associate with him a coequal and eternal ma- 
 terial principle ; believing that all things proceeded from the joint 
 operation of these two principles. The Aishwarikis accept the two 
 modes of the Swa\)havikas and Prajnikas, or Pravritti and Nirvrit- 
 ti. But, though the Aisliwarikas admit immaterial essence, and 
 
 * Prajna, from prn, an intensitive prefix, and Jni'anii, wisdom, or perliaps, the 
 simpler jna. 
 
37 
 
 a God, they deny his providence and dominion ; and though they 
 believe Moksha to be an absorption into his essence, and vaguely 
 appeal to him as the giver of the good things of Pravritti, they 
 deem the connection of virtue ajid felicity in Pravritti to be inde- 
 pendent of him, and the bliss of Nirvritti to be capable of being 
 won only by their own eiforts of Tapas and Dhyan, efforts whicli 
 they too are confident will enlarge their faculties to infinity, will 
 make them worthy of being worshipped as Buddhas on eartli, and 
 wiU raise them in heaven, to an equal and self-earned participation 
 of the attributes and bliss of the Supreme Adi Buddha ; for 
 such is their idea of Moksha, or absorption into him, or, I sliould 
 rather say, of union with him. All the Bauddhas agree in re- 
 ferring the use and value of mediation, (earthly and heavenly,) 
 of the rights and duties of morality, and of the ceremonies of reli- 
 gion, solely to Pravritti, a state which they are all alike taught to 
 contemn ; and to seek, by their own efforts of abstraction, tliat 
 infinite extension of their faculties, the accomplislmieut of which 
 realizes, in their own persons, a godhead as complete as any of 
 them, and the only one which some of them will acknowledge. 
 The Karmikas and Yatnikas derive their names, respectively, from 
 Kdrma, by which I understand conscious moral agency, and Ycit- 
 na, which I interpret conscious intellectual agency. I believe these 
 schools to be more recent than the others, and attribute their origin 
 to an attempt to rectify that extravagant quietism, wliidi, in the 
 other schools, stripped the powers above, (whether considered as 
 of material or immaterial natures,) of all personality, providence 
 and dominion ; and man, of all his active energies and duties. 
 Assuming as just, the more general principles of their predeces- 
 sors, they seem to have directed their chief attention to the phce- 
 nomena of human nature, to have been struck with its free will, 
 and the distinction between its cogitative and sensitive powers, 
 and to have sought to prove, notwithstanding the necessary moral 
 law of their first teacliers, that the felicity of man must be secur- 
 ed, either by the proper culture of liis moral sense,* which was the 
 
 • Notwithstanding these sentiments, which are principally referable to the 
 
 state 
 
;3b 
 
 sentiment of the Karmikas, or, by the just conduct of iiis under- 
 standing, a conclusion which the Yatnikas preferred: and this, 
 I believe to be the ground of distinction between these two schools 
 as compared ^vith one another. As compared with their predeces- 
 sors, they held a closer affinity with the Aishwarikas than with 
 the other schools, inclined to admit the existence of immaterial 
 entities, and endeavoured to correct the absolute impersonality 
 and quiescence of the Causa Causarum, (whether material or 
 immaterial,) by feigning Karma or Yatna, conscious moral, or con- 
 scious intellectual agency, to have been with causation from the 
 beginning. The Kirmika texts often hold such a language as 
 this, " Sakya Sinha, who, according to some (the Swabhavikas), 
 sprang from Swabhava, and, according to others, (the Aishwa- 
 rikds,) from Adi Buddha, performed such and such K^rmas, and 
 reaped such and such fruits from them." 
 
 In regard to the destiny of the soul, I can find no essential dif- 
 ference of opinion between the Bauddha and the Brahmanical sages. 
 By all, metempsychosis and absorption are accepted. But absorb- 
 ed into what ? into Brahme, say the Brahmans, into Sunyata, or 
 Swabhava, or Prajna, or Adi Buddha, say the various sects of the 
 Buddhists. And I should add, that by their doubtful Sunyata, I 
 do not, in general, understand annihilation, nothingness, but ra- 
 ther that extreme and almost infinite attenuation which they as- 
 cribe to their' material powers of forces in the state of Nirvritti,- 
 or of abstraction from all particular palpable forms, such as com- 
 pose the sensible world or Pravritti. By tracing the connexion 
 of Sunyata with Ak^sh, and, through it, with the more palpable 
 elements, in the evolution and revolution of Pravritti, it may be 
 plainly seen, that Sunyata is the ubi and the modus of primal 
 entity in the last and highest state of abstraction from all particular 
 modifications such as our senses and understanding are cogni- 
 zant of. 
 
 How far, and in what exact sense, the followers of these 
 diverse and opposite systems of speculation adopted the innumera- 
 
 statc of Pravritti, the Karmikas and Yatnikas still lield preferentially to the 
 Tiipas and Dhyan, the severe meditative a>eetieism, of the elder schools. 
 
39 
 
 ble deities of the existent Buddhist Pantheon, it must rest with 
 future research accurately to determine. For my part, I have 
 no stomach for the marshalling of such an immense, and for the 
 most part useless, host.* Biit some of the principal objects of 
 worship, with their relation and connexion, may be noticed. The 
 leading, and most fundamental association of these objects is, 
 that of the triad, or three persons named Buddha, Dharma, and 
 Sangha. In the transcendental and philosophic sense, Buddha 
 means mind, Dharma, matter, and Sangha, the concretion of the 
 two former in the sensible or phoenomenal world. In a practical 
 and religious sense, Buddha means the mortal author of this re- 
 ligion (Sakya), Dharma, his law, and Sangha, the congregation of 
 the faithful. 
 
 The triad is liable to a theistic or atheistic interpretation in 
 the higher or philosophic sense, according as Buddlia is preferred 
 or postponed to Dharma. 
 
 The next, and a very marked distinction of persons, is establish- 
 ed in this creed between those avowed mortals who win the rank 
 and powers of a Buddha by their own efforts, and the Buddhas of 
 a celestial nature and origin. 
 
 The former of these are sevenj who are all characterised as " Ma- 
 nushi" or human ; the latter are five or six, and are contradistin- 
 guished as " Anupapadaka," without parents, and also as " Dhy- 
 ani," ov^ divine. 
 
 This second appellation of the Celestial Buddhas is derived from 
 the Sungskrit name for that abstracted musing which has found 
 more or less favour with almost all the Asiatic religionists, but 
 which is peculiarly and pre-eminently characteristic of Buddhism. 
 
 The Dhyani Buddhas, with Adi Buddha, their chief, are usually 
 and justly referred to the Theistic school. 
 
 The epithet Dhyani, however, as applied to a class of Buddhas, 
 is obviously capable of an atheistic interpretation. It is neverthe- 
 
 • See Appendix B of Paper IIT. for n f^oodly array. 
 
 f GiUtil Vipasyi, SikUi, Viswiibhu, Kiikutsiuiila, Kan^k.imuni, Kasyapa, and 
 Sikya Shihu. 
 
40 
 
 lass certain, tliat, in wliatevcr sense otlier schools may admit 
 this term, or the class of Divinities which it characterises, the 
 Aishwarikis (bej'ond the bounds of Nepaul too) ascribe this crea- 
 ti^'e Dhyan to a self-existent, infinite, and omniscient " Adi Bud- 
 dha," one of whose attributes is the possession of five sorts of 
 wisdom. Hence he is called " Panchajnyana Atmika ;" and it 
 was by virtue of these five sorts of wisdom, that he, by five suc- 
 cessive acts of Dhyan, created, from the beginning and for the 
 duration of the present system of worlds, the " Pancha Buddlaa 
 Dhyani." 
 
 The names and graduation of these Jnydns, Dhyins, and Bud- 
 dhas are thus : — 
 
 Jnydnas. Dhydnas. Buddhas. 
 
 1. Suvisuddha The Dhyan of creati- 1. Vairochana. 
 Dharma Dhatu. on is called by one ge- 2. Akshobhya. 
 
 2. Adarshana. neric name Loka-San- 3. Ratnasambhava. 
 
 3. Prative Kshana. sarjana ; and by five 4. Amitabha.* 
 
 4. Samta. repetitions of this, the 5. Amoghasiddha. 
 
 5. Ki'ityanushthan. five Buddhas were cre- 
 
 ated. 
 It might be expected, that the supreme Buddha, having created 
 these five celestials, would have devolved on them the active cares 
 of the creation and government of the world. Not so, however ; 
 the genius of genuine Buddhism is eminently quiescent, and 
 hence these most exalted ceons are relieved from the degradation 
 of action. Each of them receives, together witli his existence, 
 the virtues of that Jnyan and Dhyan, to the exertion of which, by 
 Adi Buddha, he owed his existence ; and by a similar exertion 
 of both, he again produces a Dhyani Bodhisatwa. The Dhyani 
 Bodhisatwas are, one by one, m succession, the literary and active 
 authors of creation. These creations are but perishable ; and, 
 
 * Original of the Chinese 0-mi-to, a word as utterly without meaning as 
 their Bonze, of which latter the Sungskrit Bandya is the real and significant 
 form. Amitabha is the immeasurably splendid. Bandya is a person entitled to 
 reverence, and the collective or general appellation of all professed or ascetical 
 followers of Buddlia. 
 
41 
 
 since the beginning of time, three of them have passed away. 
 The present world is, therefore, the work of the fourth Bodhisat- 
 wa, who is now Lord of the ascendant, and his worshippers in 
 Nepaul are wont to invest hinl' with all the powers of a supreme 
 and sole God, the " Prcesens Divus" being, as usual, every thing. 
 When the existing system of worlds shall have run its course, the 
 offices of creator and governor of the next will be assumed by 
 the fifth Bodhisatwa. 
 
 The names and lineage of these Dhyani Bodhisatwas are as 
 follows : 
 
 Buddhas. Bodhisatwas. 
 
 1. Vairochana. 1. Samantabhadra. 
 
 2. Akshobhya. 2. Vajra Pani. 
 
 3. Ratnasambhava. 3. Retna Pani. 
 
 4. Amitabha. 4. Padma Pani. 
 
 5. Amoghasiddha. 5. Viswa Pani. 
 
 The Dhyani Buddlias and Bodhisatwas are considered to stand 
 in the relation of fathers and sons to each other ; and as there are 
 Dhyani Bodhisatwas, so are there Manushi Bodhisatwas, who 
 again bear to their respective Manushi Buddhas, the connexion 
 of pupil to teacher, of graduate to adept, of the aspirant after the 
 wisdom of Buddhism to him who possesses that wisdom. I 
 should add, that it is competent for a mortal man to become a 
 Buddha,* whilst he yet lingers in the flesh, albeit, the entire ful- 
 filment of the rewards, if not of the prerogatives, of that tran- 
 scendent character is assigned to a more unearthly state, viz. the 
 state of Nirvritti. In the above remarks I have inserted only the 
 quinary series of Dhyani Buddhas and Bodhisatwas. But there 
 is, also, a series of six, the Buddha Vajra Satwa, and the Bodhi- 
 satwa Vajra Pani, being added to the series of five, to perfect the 
 larger series. Further, as the five material elements, (1) the five 
 senses, (2) and the five respective (outward) objects of sense, (3) 
 
 * Hence the Divine Lamas of Bhot; though the original idea has been per- 
 verted somewhat. 
 
 (1) Five Bhutas. (2) Five Indriyas. (3) Five Ayitanas. 
 
 F 
 
42 
 
 are referred to the series of five Buddhas, so the hitellect, (1) with 
 apprehension in its kind, (2) and the express objects of such ap- 
 prehension, or the moral laws of the universe, (3) are referred to 
 Vajra Satwa Buddha. And it should not escape remark, that the 
 above associations give somewhat of the dignity of useful know- 
 ledge to what must otherwise have been mere voces et praeterea 
 nil. 
 
 Nor is there any want of sufficing original authority for the se- 
 ries of six Celestial Buddhas,* any more than for the series of 
 five, though tlie latter may be, and perhaps is, the older. Where- 
 fore I will take leave in this place to caution the reader against 
 exclusive and confined opinions, founded upon any one enumera- 
 tion he may find ; as for instance, that of the Pancha Buddha 
 Dhyani. Any particular enumeration may have a definite object. 
 But that does not imply that any other and larger enmneration, 
 also with an express object, is inconsistent with the other series. 
 The next material distinction of persons or divinities in this reli- 
 gion is into Exoteric or Pouranika Buddhas and Esoteric or Taij- 
 trika. The first are those ordinarily so called and alone hereto- 
 fore known to us. The second are more specially styled Yogam- 
 bara and Digambara ; they form tlie link of connexion between 
 Jainism and Buddhism ; and their statues or images are distin- 
 guished either by nudity or by a multiplicity of members : they 
 are wholly unknown to Europeans. I have already adverted to 
 the general character of the Tantrika ritual. It is a strange and 
 unintelligible adjunct of Buddhism, though vouched by numer- 
 ous scriptural authorities. 
 
 The images of tha five Dhyani Buddhas, which have been for- 
 warded to the Society, occupy (and exclusively of all lower Bud- 
 dhas) the base of every Mahachaitya,f or highest order of temples 
 in Nepaul ; and those images are invariably distinguislied by the 
 
 (I) Maniisa. (2) Dhanina. (3) Dharma. 
 
 * E giege tlie Ssirva Dharma Maliasaiiti, said by Mr. De Coros to be the 
 bible of the ' vlJest Buddhist sect in Tibet.' For authorities for Adi Buddha 
 and the six Celestial Buddhas, see Quotations in Pioof, IM". 
 
 t Temple and monastery are the respertive eqniv.alents of Chaitya and of 
 Vibar. 
 
43 
 
 respective differences exhibited in the specimens transmitted, 
 viz. the position of tlie hands; the nature of the supporters and 
 the prtrticular cognizance or mudra of each, which is placed be- 
 tAveen the supi)orters. Vairo Ghana is seldom figured : the other 
 four celestial Buddlias occupy shallow niches at the base of the 
 hemisphere of the Chaitya, one opposite each cardinal point. 
 
 The Chaitya would appear to be the only exclusivehj Buddhist 
 form of temple. It consists of a solid hemisphere, commonly sur- 
 mounted by a graduated cone or tetragonal pyramid, the grades 
 (of the cone or pyramid) being 13, typical of the 13 highest hea- 
 vens of Buddhist cosmography. Between the hemisphere and 
 the cone or pyramid is a short square basement for the latter, upon 
 each of the four sides of which a pair of eyes is graved. The he- 
 misphere is called the garbh ; the basement, toran ; and the cone 
 or p}Tamid, chiu-a mani. The Nepaulese are sufficiently familiar 
 with Chaityas in the sense of tomb temples or mausolea or covers 
 of relics (Dehgopa) : but all their principal edifices of tliis na- 
 ture are dedicated to the self-existent, first, supreme Buddha, and 
 to his five celestial ceons. Chaityas are frequently combined 
 with small hollow temples, of which they form the superstructure : 
 besides which many sacred edifices of Hindoo form are used by 
 the Buddliists for enshrining their mortal Buddhas, as well as any 
 of the numberless Gods and Goddesses of their ample Pantheon. 
 The followers of Buddha are divided into regidar and secular — a 
 division exactly equivalent to the Grihastha Asram and Vairagi or 
 Sunnyasi Asram of the Hindoos — but not equivalent to Laics and 
 Clerics. The regulars are all monastic, as solitaries or as cai-no- 
 bites, living in deserts or in monasteries (Vihar). Their collectiNe 
 name is Bandya (person entitled to reverence) ; and they are divided 
 into four orders, called Bhikshu or mendicants, Sravaka or readers, 
 Chailaka or the scantly robed, and Arhata or Arhanta or Adepts. 
 They are all ascetics, and constitute the congregation ofthe/aif/i- 
 ful, or only real Buddhists ; the seculars having always been re- 
 garded as little better than heretics, imtil political ambition began 
 to qualify the high-toned enthusiasm of the primitive saints ; and 
 until ven' many having come in who could not all live in idleness, 
 
 F -1 
 
44 
 
 these were allowed to follow the various business of the world, 
 their instruction being provided for by the Monks, some of wliom 
 thus became invested ^v^th a partially clerical character which 
 they exercised under the names of Acharya and Vajra Acharya or 
 teacher and powerful teacher. 
 
 The following list of Buddhas completes all I have at present 
 to offer on the subject. Two lists were prepared for me, some 
 time ago, by an old Bauddha of Nepaul, with whom I have long 
 cultivated an acquaintance ; but they were then laid aside for fu- 
 ture examination and explanation when opportunity should serve. 
 
 I have accordingly had them compared, under my own eyes, 
 with the scriptures whence they were extracted, and the compari- 
 son has suggested the following brief elucidatory remarks. 
 
 In the first place, the lesser list has proved to be superfluous, 
 all its names being contained in the larger one. In the next 
 place, the whole number of Buddhas in the greater catalogue has 
 been found to amount to one hundred and thirty-one, and not to 
 one hundred and forty-five, as stated elsewhere ; the same name 
 being repeated, in some instances, two and three times, by reason 
 of this catalogue consisting of literal extracts from several inde- 
 pendent works. And I have thought it better to leave it in sta- 
 tu quo, than to omit sundry names of one series because they 
 occur in another. Such omission might have interfered with some 
 established contiguity of time, place, or circimistances, in regard 
 to the Buddhas, with which we are not acquainted ; and mth res- 
 pect to the repetitions, they may be seen in the list, at a glance, 
 by the references attached to them. There is one deviation from 
 the catalogues as found in the works whence they are drawn, and 
 it is this. After the names of the six great Manushi Buddlias 
 (No. 50 to 56) the name of Sakya Sinha, the seventh and last, 
 is given in my list, though not found at that place in the Lalita 
 Vistara : possibly because Sakya had not, when that work was 
 compiled, become Nirvan, and a Tathagata in the proper sense. 
 His name, though occurring before, is, notwithstanding, reinsert- 
 ed in my catalogue in that place, in order to make up the com- 
 plement of the now famous ' Sapta Buddha Manushi,' or seven 
 
4-> 
 
 mortal Buddhas. Before each distinct series of names, the work 
 from which it is derived, is uniformly noted. 
 
 In the works cited, many more names, besides those given in 
 the catalogue, are to be founds and from the whole of the books 
 which have been procured and transmitted to Calcutta, hundreds 
 of new names might be drawn. 
 
 In the Samadhi Raja,* Sarvarthasiddha (Sakya, before he 
 became a Buddha,) is asked by Maitreya and Vajra Pani, how he 
 acquired Samadhi Jnyan. In reply, he begins by naming one 
 hundred and twenty Tathagatas, who instructed him therein in 
 his former births ; and at the conclusion of his enumeration of 
 Buddhas, Sarvartha Siddha observes, ' he has given so many names 
 exempli gratia, but that his instructors were really no less in num- 
 ber than eighty crores I' There is a verse in the Aparimita 
 Dharani (to be found in many other, and higher, authorities) piu-- 
 porting that " the Buddhas who have been, are, and wiU be, are 
 more nimierous than the grains of sand on the banks of the Gan- 
 ges." Some of these Buddhas sprang, divinely not generatively, 
 from other Buddhas ; some from Akas, and some from the Lotos. 
 These are evident nonentities, in regard to chronology and history. 
 Yet it is often most ditticult to distinguish them from their more 
 substantial compeers, the origin of the latter having been frequent- 
 ly traced up to heaven by the vanity of superstition, w^hile its 
 grovelling genius no less frequently drew down the lineage of the 
 former to earth. Again, among the Buddhas confessedly of mor- 
 tal mould, there are three wide degrees, that of the Praty^ka 
 Buddha, that of the Sravaka Buddha, and that of the Maha Yani- 
 ka Buddha. But the two former are regarded, even by their 
 worshippers, as little more than mere men of superior sanc- 
 tity ; and as infinitely inferior to the Maha Yanika Buddhas, such 
 as Sakya and his six great predecessors. We have, however, 
 multitudes even of this highest degree ; and besides, the title be- 
 longs, not only to the supreme Manushi Tathagatas, but also to 
 
 • I have this list before me extracted from the Samadhi Raja ; but I do not 
 think it worth while to add it to the lists already given. 
 
46 
 
 all the Dhyanis indiscriminately. Upon tlie wliole, then, it seems 
 peculiarly desirable, in the present state of our information, to 
 keep a steady eye upon the authoritative assertion of the old 
 scriptures, that Sakya is the seventh, and last of the Buddhas. 
 
 It is very worthy of remark, too, that, according to these scrip- 
 tures, the duration of these seven Buddhas fills the whole extent 
 of time ; the two first being assigned to the Satya Yuga ; the two 
 second to the Treta ; the two third to the Dwapara ; and Sakya 
 and the Buddha yet to come, being the declared Lords of the Kali 
 or present Yuga. It will hardly, I imagine, be considered an an- 
 swer to this difficidty to observe, that the Chronology of the Bud- 
 dhists supposes an eternal world and confounds time and eter- 
 nity. 
 
 It has frequently occurred to me to doubt the historical exist- 
 ence of Sakya's six predecessors ; for I have not failed to remark 
 that, while the Buddhist writings make ample mention of Sakya's 
 births, sayings, and doings, and while they ascribe to him, the 
 eifectual authorship of all the scriptural authorities of the sect, 
 these writings are nearly silent with respect to the origin and ac- 
 tions of the six Buddhas who went before him : nor are any doc- 
 trines or dogmas referred to them in the authorities in question. 
 To go farther into this matter would lead me beyond the bounds 
 I have prescribed to myself on the pi-esent occasion. What I 
 have said will sufiice to shew why the catalogue of Buddhas has 
 been so long withheld, and perhaps Avould justify the withholding 
 of it still. 
 
 List of Tathagatas compiled from the Lalita f^stdra, Kriya 
 Sangraha and Rakshd Bhagavati, 
 
 Lalita Vistdra, \st Section. 
 
 1 Padmottara. 5 Mahakara. 
 
 2 Dharmaketu. 6 Rishideva. 
 
 3 Dipankara. 7 Sriteja. 
 
 4 Gunaketu. 8 Satyaketu. 
 
9 Vajrasanhata. 
 
 10 Sarvabhibhu. 
 
 1 1 Hemavarna. 
 
 12 Atyuchchagarni. 
 
 13 Pravarasagara. 
 
 14 Pushpaketu. 
 
 15 Varariipa. 
 
 16 Sulochana. 
 
 17 Rishigupta. 
 
 18 Jinavaktra. 
 
 19 Unnata. 
 
 20 Pusbpita. 
 
 21 Urnateja. 
 
 22 Pushkala. 
 
 23 Surasmi. 
 
 24 Mangala. 
 
 25 Sudarsana. 
 
 26 MahasinhatejS.. 
 
 27 Sthitabuddhidatta. 
 
 28 Vasantagandhi. 
 
 29 Satyadliermavipulakirtti. 
 
 30 Tishya. 
 
 31 Pusliya. 
 
 32 Lokasundara. 
 
 33 Vistlrnabhedii. 
 
 34 Ratnakirtti, 
 
 35 Ugrateja. 
 
 36 Bralimateja. 
 
 37 Sugbosha. 
 
 38 Supushpa. 
 
 39 Sumanojnagbosba. 
 
 40 Sucbeshtariipa. 
 
 41 Prahasitanetra, 
 
 42 Gunarasi. 
 
 43 Megbaswara. 
 
 44 Sundaraverna. 
 
 45 Ayusteja. 
 
 46 Salilagajag&mi. 
 
 47 LokabbiUsbita. 
 
 48 Jitasatru. 
 
 49 Sampujita. 
 
 50 Vipasyi. 
 
 51 Siklii. 
 
 52 Viswabbu. 
 
 53 Kakutsanda. 
 
 54 Kanakamuni. 
 
 55 Kasyapa. 
 
 56 Sakyamuui. 
 
 Lalita Vistdra, IZth Section. 
 
 57 — 1 Amogbaddrsi. 
 
 58 — 2 Vairocbana, 
 
 59 — 3 Dundubbiswara. 
 
 60 — 4 Dbarmeswara, 
 
 61 — 5 Samantadarsi. 
 
 62 — 6 Mabarchiskandhi. 
 
 63 — 7 Dbarmadbwaja. 
 
 64 — 8 Jniinaketu. 
 Q5 — 9 Retnasikbi. 
 66 — 10 Padmavoni. 
 
 67—11 Sarvdbbibbu. (See 
 
 No. 10.) 
 68 — 12 Stigara. 
 69 — 13 Padmagarbba. 
 70 — 14 Salendraraja. 
 71_lo Pusbpita. (See No. 20.) 
 72^ — 16 Yasodatta. 
 73 — 17 Jiii'mameru. 
 74 — 18 Satyadarsi. 
 75 — 19 Nagadatta. 
 
48 
 
 76—20 
 
 Atyuchcliagami. (See 
 
 
 No. 12.) 
 
 77—21 
 
 Mahaviyuha. 
 
 78—22 
 
 Rasmirdj. 
 
 79—23 
 
 Sakyamuni. (See No. 56. 
 
 80—24 
 
 Indraketu. 
 
 81—25 
 
 Sury&nana. 
 
 82—26 
 
 Siimati. 
 
 83—27 
 
 NSgibhibhu. 
 
 84—28 
 
 Bhaishajyardj. 
 
 85—29 
 
 Sinhaketu. 
 
 
 Lalita Vistdr 
 
 95— 1 
 
 Vimalaprabhisa. 
 
 96— 2 
 
 Retnarchi. 
 
 97— 3 
 
 Pushpdvalivanarajiku- 
 
 
 siimita-bhijna. 
 
 98— 4 
 
 Chandrasurya jihmika- 
 
 
 raprabha. 
 
 99— 5 
 
 Gunardjaprabhasa. - 
 
 86 — 30 Gunagradhari. 
 87 — 31 Kasyapa. (See No. 55.) 
 88 — 32 Archihketu. 
 89 — 33 Akshobhyardj. 
 ,) 90—34 Tagarasikhi. 
 91 — 35 Sarvagandhi. 
 92 — 36 Mahdpradipa. 
 93 — 37 Padmottara. (See 
 
 No. 1.) 
 94 — 38 Dhennaketu. (See 
 No. 2.) 
 
 100 — 6 Retnayashti. 
 
 101 — 7 Meghakutdbhi-garji- 
 
 taswara. 
 
 102— 8 Retnaclihatrd-bhyud- 
 
 gatava-bhdsa. 
 
 103 — 9 Samantadersi. 
 104—10 Ganendra. 
 
 Kriya 
 
 105 — 1 Vairochana.* (See 
 
 No. 58.) 
 
 106 — 2 Mahoshnisha. 
 
 107 — 3 Sitatapatro-shnisha. 
 
 108— 4 Tejordsi. 
 
 109 — 5 Vijayoshnisha. 
 
 110 — 6 Vikiranoshnisha. 
 
 111 — 7 Udgatoshnisha. 
 
 112 — 8 Mahodgatoshnisha. 
 
 Sangraha. 
 
 113 — 9 Vijayoshnisha. (See 
 
 No. 163.) 
 114—10 Akshobhya. (See 
 
 No. 85.) 
 115 — 11 Vajrasatwa. 
 116 — 12 Vajraraja. 
 117 — 13 Vajraraga. 
 118—14 Vajrasddhu. 
 119 — 15 Retnasambhava. 
 
 ♦ This name, although a repetition, is numbered ; because the personage 
 here indicated by the name Vairoc/ian, is really rnirochan Avatar, Mnnjusri. 
 Tlie five celestial Bnddhas of Nepaul will be recognised in this list ; but com- 
 menting were endless. 
 
4y 
 
 120—16 Vajraretna. 127 — 23 Vajraketu. 
 
 121—17 Vajrasurya. 128—24 Vajrabhasha. 
 
 122—18 Vajraketu. 129—25 Amoghasiddha. 
 
 123—19 Vajrahasa. 130—26 Vajrakerma. 
 
 124—20 Amitabha. * 131—27 Vajraraksha. 
 
 125—21 Vajradherma. 132—28 Vajrayaksha. 
 
 126—22 Vajratikshua. 133—29 Vajras;.ndlu. 
 
 Rakshd Bhagavati. 
 
 134 — 1 Retnakara. 139 — 6 Suryamandala-pra- 
 
 135 — 2 Asokasri. bhasottama. 
 
 136— 3 Retnarchi.(SeeNo.90.)140— 7 Ekachhatra. 
 
 137 — 4 Jayendra. 141 — 8 Samadliiliasty-uttarasri. 
 
 138— 5 Padmottarasri. (See 142— 9 Padmasri. 
 
 No. 1.) 143—10 Nandasri. 
 
 No. II. 
 
 SKETCH OF BUDDHISM, DERIVED FROM THE BAUDDHA SCRIP- 
 TURES OF NEPAUL. 
 (Printed from the Transactions of the Royal Asiatic Society, vol. ii.) 
 Extract of a letter from Brian Hottghton Hodgson, Esq. to 
 Dr. Nathaniel Wallich. 
 
 Nepaul, 11th of August, 1827. 
 Soon after my arrival in Nepaul (now six years ago), I began 
 to devise means of procuring some accurate information relative 
 to Buddhism : for, though the regular investigation of such a 
 subject was foreign to my pursuits, my respect for science in 
 general led me cheerfully to avail myself of the opportunity 
 afforded, by my residence in a Bauddha country, for collecting 
 and transmitting to Calcutta the materials for such investigation. 
 There were, however, serious obstacles in my way, arising out 
 of the jealousy of the people in regard to any profanation of 
 their sacred things by an European, and yet more, resulting 
 
 G 
 
50 
 
 from the^ Chinese notions of policy adopted by this Government. 
 I nevertheless persevered ; and time, patience, and dexterous 
 applications to the superior intelligence of the chief minister, at 
 length rewarded my toils. 
 
 My first object was to ascertain the existence or otherwise of 
 Bauddha Scriptures in Nepaul ; and to this end I privately insti- 
 tuted inquiries in various directions, in the course of which the 
 reputation for knowledge of an old Bauddha residing in the city 
 of Patau, drew one of my people to his abode. This old man assur- 
 ed me that Nepaul contained many large works relating to Bud- 
 dliism ; and of some of these he gave me a list. Subsequently, 
 when better acquainted, he volunteered to procure me copies of 
 them. His list gradually enlarged as his confidence increased ; 
 and at length, chiefly through his kindness, and his influence 
 with his brethren in the Bauddha faith, I was enabled to pro- 
 cure and transmit to Calcutta a large collection of important 
 Bauddha scriptures. 
 
 Meanwhile, as the Pdtan Bauddha seemed very intelligent, 
 and my curiosity was excited, I proposed to him (about four 
 3'ears ago) a set of questions, which I desired he would answer 
 from his books. He did so ; and these questions and answers 
 form the text of the paper which I herewith forward. The rea- 
 son why I have so long kept it to myself, is, that with the lapse 
 of time my opportunities for obtaining information increased ; 
 and I at length persuaded the sensible minister of this state to 
 permit my old friend to visit me. Having in his answers quot- 
 ed sundry slokas in proof of his statements ; and many of the 
 scriptures whence these were taken being now in my possession, 
 I was tempted to try the truth of his quotations. Of that, my 
 research gave me in general satisfactory proof. But the posses- 
 sion of the books led to questions respecting their relative age 
 and authority ; and, tried by this test, the Bauddha^ s quotations 
 were not always so satisfactory. Thus one step led to another, 
 until I conceived the idea of drawing up, with the aid of my 
 old friend and his books, a sketch of the terminology and ge- 
 neral disposition of the external parts of Buddhism, in the belief 
 
.Tl 
 
 that such a sketch, though but imperfectly executed, would be 
 of some assistance to such of my countrymen as, with the books 
 only before them, might be disposed to enter into a full and 
 accurate investigation of this almost unknoAvn subject. 
 
 When, however, I conceived that design, I little suspected 
 where it would lead me ; I began ere long to feel my want of 
 languages, and (to confess the truth) of patience, and almost 
 looked back with a sigh to the tolerably full and tolerably accu- 
 rate account of Buddhism which I had obtained so long ago, and 
 with little comparative labour, from my old friend's answers to 
 my queries. I also saw certain notices of Buddliism coming 
 from time to time before the world, ushered by the talents and 
 industry of Klaproth and Remusat ; and, so far as I had opportu- 
 nity to learn what these notices contained, it seemed that the an- 
 swers to my questions furnished much ampler and more accurate 
 views of the subject than these distinguished men could extract 
 from their limited sources of information. 
 
 These considerations have induced me to present, without fur- 
 ther delay, the accompanying paper to Mr. Colebrooke, to whose 
 sound knowledge if it be first submitted, there can be no danger 
 of the publication being made without sufficient warrant for its 
 usefulness. Whether or not I shall persevere in the undertaking 
 before hinted at, I can hardly venture to say ; but from the larger 
 information latterly collected by me with a view to its comple- 
 tion, I have drawn some notes in correction or enlargement of 
 the paper now transmitted, and have placed them on its margin. 
 
 I add to this letter a very considerable list of the Bauddha 
 scriptures in general, extracted for me from those stiU existing 
 in Nepaul. 
 
 Of so many of those scriptures as I have procured and sent to 
 Calcutta, I have furnished to the Asiatic Society of Bengal a 
 meagre explanatory catalogue. Of the rest I can obtain here 
 only the names ; and, as it would be useless to repeat what has 
 been already said of some of these books, I forward the present 
 list, >vithout further observation on it, than, tliat its accuracy 
 may be relied on, and that its contents are so far from being lo- 
 
 G -2 
 
52 
 
 cal to Nepaul, that the largest portion of the books neither are, 
 nor ever were procurable in this valley. 
 
 The Bauddhas were used, in old time, to insert at the end of 
 any particular work, lists of the names of many of their sacred 
 writings ; and to this usage of theirs am I indebted for the large 
 catalogue which I have obtained. 
 
 LIST OF SUNGSKRIT BAUDDHA WORKS. 
 
 1 . Puranas or Exoteric Works. 
 
 1 Satasahasrika Prajna Paramita. 
 
 2 Pancha Vingsati Sahasrika Prajna Paramita. 
 
 3 Ashta Dasa Sahasrika Prajna Paramita. 
 
 4 Ashta Sahasrika Prajna Paramita. 
 
 5 Sapta Sati Prajna Paramita. 
 
 6 Prajna Paramita Vyakhya. 
 
 7 Ganda Vyuha Bhadrachari. 
 
 8 Dasa Bhumeswara. 
 
 9 Samadhi Raja. 
 
 10 Lankavatara. 
 
 11 Saddharma Pdndarika Bhadrachari. 
 
 12 Lallita Vistara. 
 
 13 Tathagata Guhyaka, or Guhya Samadlii. 
 
 14 Suvarna Prabhasa. 
 
 15 Mahavastuavadan Samajataka. Kinuarijataka. 
 
 Dipangkarvastu. Birkusavadan. 
 
 16 Divyavadan Sardulakarnavadan. 
 
 17 SatakS,vadan Opakhadhavadan, 
 
 Barikavadan. 
 Rastra Palavadan. 
 
 18 Bhadrakalpavadan Birkusavadan. 
 
 Kinuarijataka. 
 
 19 Asokavadan Bodhi Charya Vat^. 
 
 Sapta Kumarikavadan. 
 Dfirgati Parishodhana. 
 Ahoratri vrata. 
 Kartika Mahatmii. 
 Chaitya Pungava. 
 
53 
 
 20 Bichitra Karnikavadau. 
 
 21 Dwavingstyavadan. 
 
 22 Ratnamalavadan, or 
 
 Ratnavadan ^Suchandravadan. 
 
 23 Avadan Kalpalata. 
 
 24 Sugatavadan. 
 
 25 Dharma Kosha. 
 
 26 Dharma Sangraha. 
 
 27 Vinaya Sutra. 
 
 28 Maha Yana Sutra. 
 
 29 Maha Yana Sutralangkara. 
 
 30 Gosringa Vyakhdna. 
 
 3 1 Salachakratavadan. 
 
 32 Jatakavadan. 
 
 33 Jataka Mala Visswantarjataka. 
 
 34 Maha Jataka Mala. 
 
 35 Swayambhu Purana Salpa. 
 
 36 Swayambhu Purana Mahata. 
 
 37 Swayambhu Purana Madliama. 
 
 38 Swayambhu Purana Manichuravadan. 
 
 39 Karanda Vyuha. 
 
 40 Gunakaranda VyCiha. 
 
 41 Sukhavati Vyuha. 
 
 42 Karuna Pundarika. 
 
 43 Lalitya Vistara, or 
 Tathagata Janamavadan. 
 
 •i4 Loukika Lankavatar. 
 
 45 Chaitya Mahatraa. 
 
 46 Kalpadrumavadan Kavikiimaravadan. 
 
 Upokhadhavadiin. 
 
 47 Dharma Cosha Vy&khya. 
 
 48 Avaddn Sarsammuchaya. ... Sumagadhavadan. 
 
 Sahakopdesavadan. 
 Kapisavadan. 
 Kathinavadan. 
 PindAp^travadan. 
 
.54 
 
 49 Vratavadan Mala Nandimukha. 
 
 Sughoshavadan. 
 Dhimatyavadan. 
 Sringabb^ri, &c. 
 
 50 Aiiuman khanda. 
 
 51 Adikdrma pradipa. 
 
 52 Shadhana yuga Tippani. 
 
 53 Manju Sri Parajika. 
 
 54 Vajra Satwa Parajika. 
 
 55 L6keswara Parajika. 
 
 56 Cbhand6 Mrittulata. 
 
 57 Subariiavarnavadan. 
 
 58 Tara Satanama. 
 
 59 Buddha Siksha Sammuchaya. 
 
 60 Pancha Raksha. 
 
 61 Buddhokta Sansaramaya. 
 
 62 Laksha Chaitya Vratanusansa.^ 
 
 63 Prati Moksha Sutra. 
 
 64 Vajra Sucbi. 
 
 65 Buddha Charita Kavya. 
 
 66 Gautama Kavya. 
 
 67 Punaya Pratsaba Kavya. 
 
 68 Lokeswura Sataka Kavya. 
 
 69 Sragadhara Kavya. 
 
 70 Bidagdha Mukhamandana Kavya. 
 
 2. Tantras or Esoteric JVorks^ 
 
 71 Paramodya Maba yuga Tantra. 
 
 72 Paramartha Seva Tantra. 
 
 73 Pindi Krama Tantra. 
 
 74 Suraputodbhava Tantra. 
 
 75 Hevajra Tantra. 
 
 76 Buddha Kapala Tantra. 
 
 77 Sambara Tantra, or Sambarodya. 
 
 78 Barahi Tantra, or Baralii Kalpa. 
 
 79 Yogambara Tantra. 
 
80 Dakiui Jiila Tuntra. 
 
 81 Sukla Yamdri Tantra. 
 
 82 Krishna Yamari Tantra. 
 
 83 Pita Yamari Tantra. 
 
 84 Rakta Yamdri Tantra. 
 
 85 Syama Yamari Tantra. 
 
 86 Kriya Sangralia Tantra. 
 
 87 Kriya Kand Tantra. 
 
 88 Kriya Sagara Tantra. 
 
 89 Kriya Kalpa Druma Tantra. 
 
 90 Kriyarnaba Tantra. 
 
 91 Abhidhan6ttara Tantra. 
 
 92 Kriya Samuchya Tantra. 
 
 93 Sadhana Mala Tantra. 
 
 94 Sadhana Samuchya Tantra. 
 
 95 Sadhana Sangraha Tantra. 
 
 96 Sadhana Ratna Tantra. 
 
 97 Sadhana Pariksha Tantra. 
 
 98 Sadhana Kalpalata Tantra. 
 
 99 Tatwa Jnana Siddhi Tantra. 
 
 100 Jnana Siddlii Tantra. 
 
 101 Guhya Siddhi Tantra. 
 
 102 Udiyan Tantra. 
 
 103 Nagarjuna Tantra. 
 
 104 Yogpitha Tantra. 
 
 105 Pithavatar Tantra. 
 
 106 Kalavir Tantra, or Chanda Rokhuna. 
 
 107 Maha Kala Tantra. 
 
 108 Vajravira Tantra. 
 
 109 Vajra Satwa Tantra. 
 
 1 10 Marichi Tantra. 
 
 111 Tara Tantra. 
 
 112 Vajradhatu Tantra. 
 
 113 Vimalaprabha Tantra. 
 
 114 Manikarnika Tantra. 
 
 115 Trilokyavijaya Tantra. 
 
66 
 
 116 Samputa Tautra. 
 
 117 Marma Kalika Tantra. 
 
 118 Kuril Kulla Tantra. 
 
 119 Bhiita Damara Tantra. 
 
 120 Kala Cliakra Tantra. 
 
 121 Yogini Tantra. 
 
 122 Yogini Sanchara Tantra. 
 
 123 Yogini Jala Tantra. 
 
 124 Yogambarapith Tantra. 
 
 125 Ucldamara Tantra. 
 
 126 Basundhara Sadhan Tantra. 
 
 127 Nairatma Tantra. 
 
 128 Dakarnava Tantra. 
 
 129 Kriya S^ra Tantra. 
 
 130 Yamantaka Tantra. 
 
 131 Manju Sri Kalpa Tantra. 
 
 132 Tantra Samuchya Tantra. 
 
 133 Kj-iya Vatansa Tantra. 
 
 134 Tantra Sloka Sangralia. 
 
 135 Hayagriva Tantra. 
 
 136 Kangkirna Tantra. 
 
 137 Namsangiti Vyakhya Tantra. 
 
 138 Amrita Karnika nama Sangiti Tika. 
 
 139 Gudhopada nama Sangiti Tika. 
 
 140 Maya jala Tantra. 
 
 141 Jnanodaya Tantra. 
 
 142 Basanta Tilaka Tantra. 
 
 143 Nispanna Yogambara Tantra. 
 
 rPunclia Buddha Dharani — Pra- 
 
 144 Dharani Sangraha. J tingira Dharani. Saptabara Dhara- 
 
 ° \ in, with hundreds more, tlie work 
 
 'being a collection of them all. 
 
 N. B. Names on the right are portions of the work, written 
 opposite them on the left ; priorly they had been treated as sepa- 
 rate works. 
 
 The whole of the above are classed under the two important 
 heads of Exoteric and Esoteric, the subdivisions not lieing not- 
 
57 
 
 ed. This list has been corrected since the paper to wliich it was 
 originally attached was written. 
 
 Extract of a letter from Brian Houghton Hodgson, Esq. to 
 Dr. Nathaniel Wallich. 
 
 Nepaul, 17th October, 1827. 
 
 In a clever paper in the first and second numbers of the Cal- 
 cutta Quarterly, Oriental Magazine, (Review of the Bombay 
 Literary Transactions), it is said that one of the distinctions 
 between Jainism and Buddhism is, that the Jaina statues are 
 all naked, and the Bauddha statues all clothed. The pictures 
 now sent you are proofs that this notion is false. You see too 
 that my Bauddha images are called Digambara, a name hereto- 
 fore fancied to be peculiar to Jainism; this is another error, 
 and were this the place for dissertation, I could bring for- 
 ward many other presumptions in favour of the notion that the 
 Jainas are sectarian Bauddhas, who dissented from their Bauddha 
 brethren merely in carrying to a gross excess, and in promulgat- 
 ing publicly, certain dangerous dogmas, which the more prudent 
 Buddhists chose to keep veiled from all but the initiated. The 
 Nepaul Buddhists are very jealous of any intrusion into their eso- 
 teric dogmas and symbols ; so much so, that though I have been 
 for seven years enquiring after these things, my old Vajra A- 
 chdrya friend only recently gave me a peep at the esoteric dog- 
 mas; and my Chitrakdr, (^Bauddha though he be,) has only 
 within these last twelve months brought me some esoteric pic- 
 tures : nor probably should I have got at these secret things at 
 all, if I had not been able to examine the Bauddha books, in 
 some small degree, myself; and if a Bhotiya had not put into 
 my hands a picture containing one of these naked saints. With 
 these decisive means of questioning in my power, I at last got 
 my Bauddha assistants to draw up the veil of the sanctuary, to 
 bring me copies of the naked saints, and to tell me a little of the 
 naked doctrines, 
 
 H 
 
58 
 
 'Extract of a leltiu- from Brian Houghton Hodgson, Esq. to 
 Dr. Nathaniel Wallich. 
 
 Nepaul, 1st November, 1827. 
 I cannot just now go into a description of the significance of 
 all the details of the sculptures which I have sent. Suffice it 
 to say, that every part of each image is significant ; and that 
 the differences between the five are marked, first, by tlxe difier- 
 ent position of the hands (which is called the mudra) ; secondly, 
 by the variety of the supporters ; tlurdly, by the variety of tlie 
 cognizances placed between the supporters ; and fourthly (where 
 painting and colours are used), by difference of colour. Vai- 
 rochancCs appropriate colour is white ; Ahshohhrjd! s, blue ; RatnU' 
 SainbhavuC s, yellow, or golden ; AmitdhhcCs red ; and Ajnoyha- 
 SiddJia^s, green. 
 
 Extract of a letter from Brian Houghton Hodgson, Esq. to 
 Henry Thomas Colebrooke, Esq. Dir. R. A. S. 
 
 1 beg to present you with the accompanying sketch of Bud- 
 dhism. There are a few matters connected with it, wliich it may 
 be advisable to state to you ; and in the first rank stands the au- 
 thority upon wliich I liave assigned the meaning of intellectual 
 essence to the word Buddha, and that of material essence to the 
 word Dharma. The Bauddhas define the words thus : '■Bodhan 
 dtmakd iti Buddha ; Dltdran atmaka iti Dharma,^ About the 
 former of these definitions there can be no difficulty ; there may 
 concerning the latter. To the word Ddrana, or holding, con- 
 taining, sustaining (from the root dhrl), I have assigned a materi- 
 al sense ; first, because it is opposed to bodhana ; secondly, because 
 the goddess Diiarma, the pravrittika personification of this princi- 
 ple, is often styled, in the most authentic books, ' Prakriteswarl* 
 the material goddess, or goddess of matter ; and thirdly, because 
 tliis goddess is, (under the names Dharma, Phajnya, AryaTara, 
 &c.) in very many passages of old Banddha works, described as 
 the material cause of all things ; conformably, indeed, with that 
 bias towards materialism, which our heretofore scanty knowledge 
 of Buddhism has led us to assign to the Sangata fait li. 
 
59 
 
 Saiiyu, tlie third member of the Triad, belongs not to the ex- 
 alted state of nirvritti, in wtich no sect oiBauddhas admits more 
 tliaii two principles of all things, or matter and mind, Buddha 
 and Dharma. Sanga is defined ' Samudayi dtmakd iti Sangya,' 
 the multitudinous essence ; because multitude is held to be as 
 strong a characteristic ai pravritti, or the palpable world, as unity 
 is of the world of nirvritti, or abstraction. 
 
 In note 31, 1 have distinctly rejected the fifth order o{ Batidyas^ 
 or Vajra Achdryas, in opposition to my old Bauddha friend's state- 
 ment in the text of the Sketch. There can be no doubt that my 
 friend is mistaken : for in many high authorities, the four origi- 
 nal and true orders of Bandyas are called by the collective name 
 of the ' Chatur Varna,' and are therein described without mention 
 of the Vajra Achdryas. It may serve to explain my friend's state- 
 ment, to tell you that he is himself a Vajra Achdrya ; and that as 
 the genuine monachism of Buddiiism has long since passed away 
 in Nepaul, sundry local books have been composed here by Vajra 
 Achdryas, in which they have made their own modern order co- 
 equal with the four ancient orders ; and my old friend would hold 
 these modern Nepaul books sufficient warrant for the rank ascrib- 
 ed to his own class. I have lately spoken to him on this subject, 
 and he has confessed that there is no old authority for his fifth 
 order of Bandyas. In my note I have endeavoured carefully to. 
 separate Buddiiism as it is (in Nepaul) and Buddhism as it ought 
 to be, quoad this point of classification. If you look into Kirk- 
 patrick's and Buchanan's works on Nepaul, you will see how they 
 have been puz/led with the difference of things as they are from 
 what they ouglit to be, in those casual and erroneous hints which 
 they have afforded on the subject of Buddhism. 
 
 In note 15, I liave stated that the Kdr ntikas 9.n^ Vd/nakas en- 
 tertained tolerably just views on the grand subject of free-will and 
 necessity ; and I believe I am therein essentially correct : for how 
 otherwise are we to understand tlieir confession of faith, * the ac- 
 tions of a man's prior births are his destiny?' Exclude the me- 
 tempsychosis, which is the veliitle of the sense of this passaj^e, 
 and we have our old adage, ' Conduct is fate :' a law of freedom 
 surely. 
 
 II > 
 
60 
 
 Still, were I cross-examined, I might be forced to confess, that 
 the ideas which the Kdrmikas and Ydtnakas entertain of free-wiU, 
 seem to resemble rather the qualifications of our Collins and Ed- 
 wards, than the full and absolute freedom of Clarke and the best 
 European philosophers. 
 
 The Kdrmikas and Ydtnakas seem to have been impressed with 
 the fact of man's free-will, but to have been perplexed in recon- 
 ciling such a notion with the general spirit and tendency of the 
 old Swabhdvica philosophy. But in the result, the Kdrmikas and 
 Ydtnakas seem to have adhered to free-will, though perhaps in 
 the qualified sense iibove mentioned. 
 
 SKETCH OF BUDDHISM, 
 
 Question I. 
 
 How and when was the world created ? 
 Answer. 
 
 According to the Sdmbhu Purdna, in the beginning all was 
 void {sunyd). The first light that was manifest was the word 
 Aum; and from this Aum the alphabet was produced — called 
 Mahd Varna, the letters of which are the seeds of the universe. 
 (See note 1.) In the Guna Kdranda Vyuha it is written, when 
 nothing else was, Sambhu was ; that is the self-existent ( Swaijam- 
 hhu) ; and as he was before all, he is also called A'di-Buddha. 
 He wished from one to become many, which desire is denominat- 
 ed Prajnya. Buddha and Prajnya united became Prajnya Upa- 
 YA, as Siva Sakti, or Brahma Maya. (See note 2.) In the in- 
 stant of conceiving this desire, five forms or beings were produc- 
 ed, called the five Buddhas (see note 3), whose names are as fol- 
 lows: Vairochan a, Aksiiobhya, Ratna-Sambhava, Amitabha, 
 Amogha-Siddha. Each of these Buddhas, again, produced from 
 himself, by means oi Dhydn, another being called his Bodhi-Sat- 
 wa, or son. Vairochan a produced S am ant-Bhadr a ; Akshobhya, 
 Vajra-Pani ; Ratna-Sambhava, Ratna-Pani ; Amitabha, 
 Padma-Pani ; and Amogha-Siddha, Viswa-Pani. 
 
61 
 
 Of tliese five Bddhi-Sativas, four are engrossed with the wor- 
 ship of SxMBHV (Swai/ambh^), and nothing more is known of them 
 than their names ; the fifth, Padma-Pani, was engaged, by Sam- 
 BHu's command, in creation (see note 4) ; and having, by the effi- 
 cacy of Sambhu's Dht/dn, assumed the idrtues of the three Gunas, 
 he created Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesa, and delegated to them 
 respectively, creation, preservation, and destruction. Accordingly, 
 by Padma-Pani's commands, Buahalv set about creating all 
 things ; and the Chatur-yoni (or oviparous, viviparous, &c.*) came 
 into existence by Brahma. The creation of Brahma, Vishnu, and 
 Mahesa by P.adma-Pani, is confirmed by the sloca (see note 5), 
 the meaning of which is, Kamajli (Padma-Pani,) produced Brah- 
 ma for creating, Vishnu for preserving, and jNLvhesa for destroy- 
 ing. And the creation of Brahma is six-sorted, viz. Deva, 
 Daitya, Mdnusha, &c. ; and, for the Devas, Brahma made heaven ; 
 and for the Daityas, Pdtdla ; and the four remaining kinds he plac- 
 ed between these two regions and upon the earth. 
 
 With respect to the mansions (^Bhuvanas) of the universe, it is 
 related, that the highest is called Agnishtha Bhuvana ; and this is 
 the abode of A'di-Buddha. And below it, according to some ac- 
 counts, there are ten ; and according to others, thirteen Bhuvanas 
 (see note 6) ; named, Pramoditd, Vimald, Prabhdkari, Archish- 
 mati, Sudurjayd, Abhimukhi, Durangamd, Achald, Sddhumati, 
 Dharma-megha (x), Samant-prabhd,Nirupamd, Jnyduavati (xiii). 
 These thirteen Bhuvanas are the work of A'di-Buddha : they are 
 the Bddhi- Satwa Bhuvanas ; and whoever is a faithful follower of 
 Buddha will be translated to one of these mansions after death. 
 
 Below the thirteen Bddhi- Satwa Bhuvanas are eighteen Bhu- 
 vanas, called collectively Rupya Vachara. These are subject to 
 Brahma, and are named individually : Brahma-kdyikd, Brahma- 
 purdhitd, Brahma-prashddyd, Mahd Brahinand, Paritdbhd, Apra- 
 tndndbhd, Abhdsward, Parita-subhd, Subhd-kishnd, Anabhrakd, 
 Punya-prasavd, Vrihat-phuld, Arangi-satwd, Avrihd, Apdyd, Su- 
 drishd, Sudarsand, and Sutniikhd. Pious worshippers of Brahma 
 shall go to one of tliese eighteen Bhuvanas after death. 
 
 * By et crotera always under&taud more Brahmanorum, 
 
G2 
 
 Aiid below the eighteen mansions of Brahma, are six others sub- 
 ject to ViSHMT, called collectively Kama- Vachard, and separately 
 as follows: Chatur-Mahd-rdja-Kdyikd, Trayastrimd, Tushita^ 
 Yamd, NirmdnavaH, Paranirmitd- VasdvartL And whosoever 
 worships Vishnu with pui-e heart shall go to one of these. 
 
 And below the sbc Bhuvanas of Vishnu are the three Bhuva- 
 nas of M.A.HA-DEVA, called generally Ariipya- Vachard, and parti- 
 cularly as follows : Abhogd-Nitya-yatnopagd, Vijnyd-yatnopagdy 
 Akinchanya-tjatnopagd, and these are the heavens designed for 
 pious Siva-Mdrgis. Below the mansions enumerated, are Indra 
 Bhuvana, Yama Bhuvana, Surya Bhuvana, and Chandra Bhw 
 vana ; together with the mansions of the fixed stars, of the planets, 
 and various others wliich occupy the space down to the Agni Bhu- 
 vana, also called Agni-kund. And below Agni-kdnd is Vayu- 
 kdnd ; and below Vayu-kund is Prithvi, or the earth ; and on the 
 earth are seven Dwipas, Jambu Dwipa, &c. ; and seven Sdgaras 
 or seas, and eight Parvatas or mountains (see note 7), Sumeru 
 Parvata, &c. And below Prithvi is Jala-kutid, or the world of 
 waters ; and the earth is on tlie waters as a boat. And below the 
 Jala-kund are seven Pdtdlas, as Dharani, &c. : six of them are tlie 
 abodes of the Daityas ; and the seventh is Naraka, consisting of 
 eight separate abodes : and these eight compose the hell of sinners : 
 and from the eighteen Bhuvanas of BraHiMA down to the eight 
 chambers oi Naraha, all is the work of Manjusri. Manjusri is 
 by the Bauddhas esteemed the great architect, who constructs the 
 mansions of the world by A'di-Buddha's command, as Padma- 
 Pani, by his command, creates all animate things. 
 
 Thus Manjusri (see note 8) is the Visva-karma of the Baud- 
 dhas; and is also the author of the sixty-four Vidyds. 
 
 Question II. 
 What was the origin of mankind ? 
 
 Answer. 
 It is written in the narrative portion of our Tantras, that origin- 
 ally the earth was uninliabitcd. In tliose times the inhabitants 
 oi' Abhdsward Bhuvana (which is onv of the Bhicvanas of Br aum a) 
 
63 
 
 used frequontly to visit the earth, and thence speedily to return 
 to j\bli<hicard. It happenecLat length, that, when a few of these 
 beings, who, though half males and half females, had never yet, 
 from the purity of their minds, conceived the sexual desire, or 
 even noticed their distinction of sex, came, as usual, to the earth, 
 A'di-Bdddha suddenly created in them so violent a longing to eat, 
 that they ate some of the earth, which had the taste of almonds, 
 and by eating it they lost their power of flying back to their BJm- 
 vaiia, and so they remained on the earth. They were now con- 
 strained to eat the fruits of the earth for sustenance ; and from eat- 
 ing these fruits they conceived the sexual desire, and began to 
 associate together : and from that time, and in that manner, the 
 origin of mankind commenced from the miion of the sexes. (See 
 note 9.) 
 
 When the beings above-mentioned came last from Abhdsward 
 JNLvHA Samvat was their leader, and he was the first king of the 
 whole earth. 
 
 In another Tantra it is written, that A'di-Buddha is the im- 
 mediate creator of all tilings in heaven and earth. 
 
 With respect to time we conceive the Satya-i/uga to be the be- 
 ginning of time, and the Kali-yiiga the end of it : and the duration 
 of the four i/u(/as, the particulars of which are found in the Brali- 
 nianical scriptures, have no place in our's : in which it is merely 
 written that there arc four yugas ; and that in the first, men 
 lived 80,000 years ; in the second, 10,000 ; in the third 1,000 : and 
 the fourth is divided into four periods ; in the first of which, men 
 will live 100 years ; in the second, fifty years ; in the thu-d, twenty- 
 five years ; luid in the fourth, when the close of the KaU-yuga is 
 approaching, seven years only ; and tlieir stature will be only the 
 height of the tlumib ; and then all tilings will be destroyed, and 
 A*Di-BuDDUA alone remaui : and this period of four yiigas is a 
 Pralaya. A'di-Buddha will then again create the four yugas, 
 and all things else to live in their duration, which when complet- 
 ed, all things will be ag;uii destroyed, and thus there will be seven- 
 ty-one pnUayas, or completions of the four yugas, when Maha 
 Pralaya will arrive. How many revolutions of the four yugas 
 
(L e. how many pralat/ns) have now passed, and how many re- 
 main to revolve, is nowhere written. 
 
 Question III. 
 
 What is matter, and what spirit ? 
 
 A?iszver. 
 Body (see note 10), which is called Sarira and Delia, was pro- 
 duced from the five elements ; and soul, which is called prdna 
 and jiva, is a particle of the essence of A'di-Buddha. Body, as 
 created out of the elements, perisheth : soul, as a particle of the 
 divine spirit, perisheth not ; body is subject to changes — to be fat 
 and lean, &c. ; soul is unchangeable. Body is different in all ani- 
 mals ; soul is alike in all, whether in man or any other creature. 
 But men have, besides prdna, the faculty of speech, which other 
 animals have not ; according to the sloca, of which the meaning 
 is this : " Deha is derived from the five Bhutas, and Jiva from 
 the Afigas of Swayambhu." (See note 11.) 
 
 Question IV. 
 Is matter an independent existence, or derived from God ? 
 
 Ansiver. 
 
 Body, according to some, depends upon the inhaling and exhal- 
 ing of the Prdna- Vdyu ; and this inhalation and exhalation of the 
 breath is by virtue of the soul (prdna), which virtue, according to 
 some, is derived from God, and according to others (see note 12), 
 is inherent in itself : there is much diversity of opinion on this 
 subject. Some of the Buddha-mdrgis contend that deha (the 
 body) is Swabhdvaka ; i. e. from the copulation of males and 
 females, new bodies proceed ; and they ask who makes the eyes, 
 the flesh, the limbs, &c. of the foetus in the mother's womb ? Swa- 
 hhdva ! And the thorns of the desert, who points them ? Swabhd- 
 va / And the timidity of the deer kind, and the fury of the rave- 
 nous beasts, whence are they ? from Swabhdva ! 
 
 And this is a specimen of their reasoning and proofs, according 
 to a sloca of the Buddha- Char ita-Kavy a. (See note 13.) Some 
 again say, that deha and sansdra are Aishicarika (see note 14), i. e. 
 
65 
 
 produced by Iswara, or A'di-Buddha, according to another 
 sloca. 
 
 Some again call the world and the human body Kdrmika, 
 i. e. that Karma is the cause of this existence of (/*'/(!« arid 5awWr« ; 
 and they liken the first deha to a field {kshetra\ and works, to a 
 seed. And they relate, that the first body which man received 
 was created solely by A'di-Buddua ; and at that time works affect- 
 ed it not : but when man put oflT his first body, the next body 
 which he received was subject to Karma, orthe works of the ^/-x^ 
 body (see note 15) ; and so was the next, and all future ones, un- 
 til he attained to Mukti and Moksha : and therefore they say, that 
 whoever would be free from transmigration must pay his devotions 
 to Buddha, and consecrate all his worldly goods to Buddha, nor 
 ever after suffer such things to excite his desires. And, in the 
 Buddha- Charita-Kaxxya it is written, that with respect to these 
 points, Sakya expressed the following opinion : " Some persons 
 say that Sdnsdra is Sivabhdvakd, some that it is Kdrynikd, and 
 some that it is Aisivarikd and Atmaka ; for myself, I can tell you 
 nothing of these matters. Do you address your meditation to 
 Buddha ; and when you have attained Bodhijvydnd, you M-ill know 
 the truth yourselves." 
 
 Question V. 
 Wliat are the attributes of God ? 
 
 Anstoer. 
 His distinctive attributes are many ; one of which is, that he is 
 Panchjnydndtmaka (see note 16), or, in his essence are five sorts 
 oijnydna, possessed by him alone, and which are as follows : first, 
 Suvisifddha-Dharmn-Dhdtuja ; second, Adarsandja ; third, Prat- 
 yavekshandja ; fourth, Samtdja ; fifth, Anushthdnaja. The first 
 created beings, VAniocHANA, &c. were in number five, owing to 
 these ^vejnydnas ; and in each of these five Bttddhas is one of the 
 jnydnas. Another of A'di-Blddha's attributes is the faculty of 
 individualizing, and multiplying himself, and again individualizing 
 himself at pleasure : another is, possessing the qualities of passion 
 and clemency. 
 
 I 
 
GG 
 
 Question VI. 
 Is the pleasure of God derived from action or r6pose ? 
 
 Answer. 
 
 There are two modes of considering this subject : first, accord- 
 ■ing to nirvrltti ; and, secondly, according to pruvritti. 
 
 Nlrvritti (see note 17) is this : to know the world to be a mere 
 semblance, unreal, and an illusion ; and to know God to be one : 
 and Pravritti is the opposite of this sublime science and is the 
 practice and notions of ordinary men. Therefore, according to 
 nirvrltti, A'di-Buddha is the author and creator of all things, 
 without whom nothing can be done ; whose care sustains the world 
 and its inhabitants ; and the moment he averts his face from them 
 they became annihilated, and nothing remains but himself. But 
 some persons, who profess nirvritti, contend that the world with 
 all it containeth is distinct from A'di-Buddha : yet the wise know 
 this to be an error. (See note 18.) 
 
 A'di-Buddha, though he comprehends all living things, is yet 
 one. He is the soul, and they are but the limbs and outward 
 members, of this monad. Such is nirvritti, which, being deeply 
 studied, is found to be unity ; but pravritti, which is multiphcity, 
 may be distinguished in all things. And in this latter view of 
 pravritti, A'di-Buddha may be considered a king, who gives or- 
 ders ; and the five Buddhas, and other divinities of heaven, his 
 ministers, who execute his orders ; and we, poor mortals, his sub- 
 jects, servants, and slaves. In this way the business of the world 
 is distributed among the deities, each having his proper functions ; 
 and A'di-Buddha has no concern with it. Thus the five Bud- 
 dha^ give mukti (see note 19) and mdksha to good men : Brahma, 
 by the orders of Padma-Pani, performs the part of creator; 
 Vishnu, by the same orders, cherishes all beings; and Maha 
 Deva, by the same orders, destroys ; Yama takes cognizance of 
 sins, and punishes sinners ; Indra and Varuna give rain ; and 
 the sun and moon fructify the earth with their rays ; and so of the 
 rest. 
 
67 
 
 Quest iun VII. 
 Who is Buddha ? Is he JGod, or the creator, or a prophet or 
 saint ; born of heaven, or of a woman ? 
 
 Answer. 
 Buddha means, in Sanscrit, the wise ; also, that which is 
 known by wisdom ; and it is one of the names wliicli we give to 
 God, whom we also call A'di-Buddha, because he was before 
 all, and is not created, but is the creator : and the Pancha Buddha 
 were created by him, and are in the heavens. Sakya, and the rest 
 of the seven human Buddhas are earth-born or human. These 
 latter, by the worship of Buddha, arrived at the highest eminence, 
 and attained Nirvana Pad (i. e. were absorbed into A'di-Buddha). 
 (3ee note 20.) We therefore call them all Buddhas. 
 
 Question VIII. 
 What is the reason for Buddha being represented with curled 
 locks ? 
 
 Answer^ 
 A'di-Buddha was never seen. He is merely light. (See note 
 21.) But in the pictures of Vairochana, and the other Buddhas, 
 we have the curled hair ; and since in the limbs and organs we 
 discriminate thirty-two {lacshanas) points of beauty, such as ex- 
 pansion of forehead, blackness of the eyes, roundness of the head, 
 elevation of the nose, and archedness of the eyebrows ; so also the 
 having curled locks is one of the points of beauty and there is 
 no other reason for Buddha's being represented with curled locks. 
 (See note 22.) 
 
 Question IX. 
 What are the names of the great Buddha? Does the Newari 
 language admit the word Buddha, or any substitute for it? and 
 what is the Bhotija name for Buddha ? 
 
 Answer. 
 The names of A'di-Buddha are innumerable: Sarvajnya, 
 SuGATA, Buddha, Dharma-Raja, Tathagata, Bhagavan, 
 
 1 2 
 
68 
 
 Samant-Bhadra, Marajita, Lokajita, Jina, Anadinidhana, 
 A'di-Buddha, Nirandhaka, Jnyanaikacuakshu, Amala, 
 Jnyana-Murti, Vacheswara, jNLvha-Vadi, Vadirata, Vadi- 
 PUNGAVA, Vadisinha, and Parajata. Vairochana, and the 
 other five Buddhas, have also many names. Some of Vairocha- 
 na's are as follows : Maha-Dipti, Jntana, Jyotish, Jagat-pra- 
 VRiTTi, Maiiatejas, &€. ; and so of the other four. Padma- 
 Paxi also has many names, as Padma-Pani, Kamali, Padma- 
 Hasta, Padma-Kara, Kamala-Hasta, Kamalakara, Kamal 
 Pan:, Aryavalokiteswara, Aryavalokeswar, Avlokites- 
 WAR, and Loka-Natha. (See note 23.)Many of the above names 
 are intercomraunicable between the several persons to whom they 
 are here appropriated. Buddha is a Sanscrit word, not Newari : 
 the Bh()tiya names I do not know; but I have heard they call 
 Sakya SiNiiA, SuNGi Thuba: Sungi meaning the deity, and 
 Thuba his Alaya or Vi/idr, 
 
 Question X. 
 In the opinion of the Banras, did God ever make a descent on 
 earth ? if so, how often ; and what is the Sanscrit and JVewdri 
 name of each Avatdra ? 
 
 Ansiver. 
 According to the scriptures of the Buddhamdrgls, neither A'di- 
 Buddha nor any of the Pancha Buddha Dhydni (see note 24), 
 ever made a descent ; that is to say, they were never conceived 
 in mortal womb ; nor had tliey father or mother ; but certain per- 
 sons of mortal mould have by degrees attained to such excellence of 
 nature and such Bodhynydna, as to have been gifted with divine 
 wisdom, and to have taught the Bodld-charyn and Buddhamdr- 
 (ja, and these were seven, named: Vipasya, Sikhi, Viswa-Bhu, 
 Karkutchand, Kanakamuni, Kasyapa, Sakya Sinha. 
 
 In the Satya-yuga were three: Vipasya, who was bom in 
 Vindumati Nagar, in the Jiouse of Vinduman Raja ; Sikhf, in 
 UWnu Desa; and Visvabhu, in Amipamd Di'sa, in the house of a 
 Kshatriya: in the Tretdyiiga, two persons became i^wtW//"* ; one 
 
()9 
 
 Karkltciiaxd, in Ksheindvati Xagar, iu the house of a Braliinan; 
 the other Kanaka Muxi, in Siihhdvati Xagar, in the house of a 
 Brahman : and in the Dicapar-ynga, one person named Kasyapa, 
 iu Vdrdnasi Xagar, iu tlie house of a Brahman : and in the Kali- 
 yuga, Sakya, then c;dled Sarvartha Siddha (^see note 25), in 
 the house of Sddhodana Raja, a Sdkyavansi, in the city of Ka- 
 pdJvastii, wliich is near Gangdsdgar, became Buddhas. Besides 
 tliese seven, there are many illustrious persons ; but none equal to 
 the^e. The particular history of tliese seven, and of other Bud- 
 dhasy is written in the LalUa Jlstara. (See note 25.) 
 
 Question XI. 
 How many Avatdras of Buddhas have there been, according to 
 the Lamas ? 
 
 Answer. 
 They agree witli us in the vrorship of the seven Buddhas, the 
 ditiereuce in our notions being extremely small ; but the Lamas go 
 further than tliis, and contend that themselves aye Avatdras. I 
 have heard from my father, that, in liis tuue, there were tive Lanaas 
 esteemed divine : the names of three of them I have forgotten, but 
 the remaining two are called Suamurpa and Karxlapa. 
 
 Question XII. 
 Do the Lamas worship the Avatdras recognized by the ^Ve- 
 wdrs f 
 
 Ansirer. 
 The Lamas are orthodox BuddJiamdrgis, and even carry their 
 ortliodoxy to a greater extent than we do. Insomuch, that it is 
 si\id, that Saxkara Acharta, .Sj r«--V<j ri/i, having destroyed the 
 worship of Biddha and the scriptures contiiining its doctrine in 
 Ilindust'han, civme to Xepaul, where also he effected much mis- 
 chief ; and then proceedeil to Bhote. There he had a conference 
 with the grand Lama. The Liuua, who never b;\thes, and after 
 natural evacuations does not use topic;U ablution, disgusted him to 
 
70 
 
 that degree, that he commenced reviling the Lama. The Lauia 
 replied, " I keep my inside pure, although my outside be impure ; 
 while you carefully purify yourself without, but are filthy within :" 
 and at the same time he drew out his whole entrails, and shewed 
 them to Sankara ; and then replaced them again. He then de- 
 manded an answer of Sankara. Sankara, by virtue of his yd'^a, 
 ascended into the heavens ; the Lama perceiving the shadow of 
 Sankara's body on the ground, fixed a knife in the place of the 
 shadow; Sankara directly fell upon the knife, which pierced his 
 throat and killed him instantly. Such is the legend or tale that 
 prevails, and thus we account for the fact ; the Buddhamdrgi prac- 
 tice of Bhote is purer, and its scriptures more numerous, than 
 ours. 
 
 Question XIII. 
 What is the name of your sacred writings, and who is their 
 author ? 
 
 Ansiver. 
 "We have nine Purdnas, called " the nine Dharmas." (See note 
 26.) A Purdna is a narrative or historical work, containing a 
 description of the rites and ceremonies of Buddhism, and tlie 
 lives of our chief Tathdgatas. The first Dharma is called Prajna 
 Paramita, and contains 8,000 slocas. This is a Nijdya Sdstra, or 
 work of a scientific character, capable of being understood only 
 by men of science ; the second is named Ganda Vyuha, of 12,000 
 slocas, which contains the history of Sudhana Kumara, who 
 made sixty-four persons his gurus, from whom he acquired 
 Bodhijndim ; the third, is the Samddhi Raja, of 3,000 slocas, in 
 which the nature and value oijapa and tapas are explained ; the 
 fourth is the Lancdvatdr, of 3,000 slocas, in which is written how 
 Ravana, lord of Lanca, having gone to Malayagiri mountain, and 
 there heard the history of the Buddhas from Sakya Sinha, ob- 
 tained ^o^f/Z/Z/^awa. The fifth, which is called Tafhdgata Guhya, 
 is not to be found in Nepaul ; the sixth, is the Sat Dharma Punda- 
 r'lkd, which contains an account of the method of building a 
 
71 
 
 chmtija or liitddha-mandal, and the mode and fruits of worshipping 
 it. (^Chaitya* is the exclusive name of a temple dedicated to 
 A'di-Buddha or to the Pancha Dhydni Buddha, and whatever 
 temple is erected to Sakya, or other Mdnushi Buddhas, is called 
 ^nhar ;) the seventh, is the Lalita Vistdra, of 7,000 slocas, 
 which contains the history of tlie several mcarnations of Sakya 
 SiNHA Bhagavan, and an accomit of liis perfections in virtue and 
 knowledge, with some notices of other Buddhas. The eighth, is 
 the Suvarna Prabhd, containing, in 1,500 slocas, an account of 
 Saraswati, Lakshmi and Prithivi; how they lauded Sakya 
 SiNHA Bhagavan ; and how he, in return, gave each of them what 
 she desired. The ninth, is the Das'a Bhumt'swara, of 2,000 slocas, 
 containing an account of the ten Bhuvanas of Buddha. All 
 these Purdnas we received from Sakya Sinha, and esteem them 
 our primitive scriptures, because before the time of Sakya our 
 religion was not reduced to writing, but retained in memory ; the 
 disadvantages of which latter method being evident to Sakya, he 
 secured oiu" institutes by writing them. Besides these Piirunas, 
 we received Tantras and Dhdranis from Sakya Sinha. Tantra is 
 the name of those books in which Mantras and Yantras are writ- 
 ten, explanatory of both of which we have very many works. 
 Three of them are famous : first, Mdyd Jdl, of 16,000 slocas ; 
 second, Kala Chakra, of 6,000 ; third, Sambhu Udaya, of 1,000. 
 The Dhdranis were extracted from the Tantras, and are similar 
 in nature to the Guhya, or mysterious rites, of the Siva-Mdrgis. A 
 Dhdrani is never less than eight slocas, or more than five hundred ; 
 in the beginning and middle of which are written the " Vija Man- 
 tra,^^ and at the end, the " Thai Stotra," or the Mahdtmya, i. e. 
 what desire may be accomplished or what business acliieved by 
 the perusal of that Dhdrani ; such, for example, as obtaining chil- 
 dren — advantage over an enemy — rain — or merely the approba- 
 tion of Buddha. There are probably a thousand Dhdranis. 
 
 • Besides these chaiti/as and the Vih irs, the Nepaulese have common tem- 
 ples, dedicated equally to the Diiminores of the Baudd/ius, and to all the dei- 
 ties of the Siiivas. 
 
Question XIV. 
 What is the cause of good and evil ? 
 
 Answer. 
 When Padma-Pani, having become Tri-gun-AHmaka, that is, 
 having assumed the form of Satya-gun, Raja-gun, and Tama- 
 GUN, created Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesa ; then from Satya- 
 gun, arose spontaneously {Swab/idvaka), punya or virtue, and 
 from Tama-gun, papa or evil, and from Raja-gun, the mean of 
 the two, which is neither all good nor all evil : for these three 
 gunas are of such a quality that good acts, mixed acts, and bad 
 acts, necessarily flow from them. Each of these karmas or classes 
 of actions is divided into ten species, so tliat papa is of ten kinds ; 
 first (see note 27) murder ; second, robbery ; third, adulter)', 
 which are called kdyaka or bodily, i. e. derived from Kaya ; fourth, 
 lying ; fifth, secret slander ; sixth, reviling ; seventh, reporting 
 such words between two persons as excite them to quarrels, and 
 these four papas are called Vdchaka, i. e. derived from speech ; 
 eighth, coveting another's goods ; ninth, malice, and tenth, disbe- 
 lief of the scriptures and immorality ; and these three are called 
 mdnasi, i. e. derived from manas (the mind). The ten actions op- 
 posite to these are good actions : and the ten actions, composed, 
 half and half, of these two sorts, are mixed actions. 
 
 Question XV. 
 Wliat is the motive of your good acts — the love of God — the 
 fear of God — or the desiring of prospering m the world ? 
 
 Answer. 
 The primary motive for doing well, and worshipping Buddha, 
 according to the scriptures, is the hope of obtaining Mukii and 
 Moksha, becoming Nirvdna, and being freed from transmigrations: 
 these exalted blessings cannot be had without tlie love of God ; 
 therefore they, who make themselves accepted by God, are the true 
 saints, and are rarelv found ; and between tliem and Buddha 
 
73 
 
 there is no difference, because they will eventually become Bud- 
 dhas, and will obtain Nirvdtfa Pada, i. e. mukti (absorption), and 
 t\\eiTJy6ti will be absorbed into theji/dti of Buddha ; and to this 
 degree Sakya and the others of the " Sapta- Buddha" (see note 
 28) have arrived, and we call them Buddhas, because, whoever has 
 reached this state is, in our creed, a Buddha. Those persons 
 who do good from the fear of hell, and avoid evil from the desire 
 of prospering in the world, are likewise rarely found, and their 
 degree is much above that of the class of sinners. Their sufferings in 
 Naraha will be therefore lessened ; but they will be constrained to 
 suffer several transmigrations, and endure pain and pleasure in 
 this world, till they obtain Mukti and Moksha. 
 
 Question XVI. 
 Will you answer, in the world to come, to A'di-Buddha for 
 your acts in this world, or to whom will you answer ? and what 
 rewards for good, and pains for evil, will you reap in the next 
 world ? 
 
 Answer. 
 How can the wicked arrive at Buddha ? (see note 29.) Their 
 wicked deeds will hurry them away to Naraha ; and the good, 
 will, by virtue of their good acts, be transported to the Bhuvanas 
 of Buddha, and will not be there interrogated at all ; and those 
 who have sometimes done good and sometimes evil, are destined 
 to a series of births and deaths on earth, and the account of their 
 actions is kept by Yama Raja. 
 
 Question XVII. 
 Do you believe in the metempsychosis ? 
 
 Answer. 
 
 Yes. For it is written in the Jdtaka Mala, and also in the 
 
 Lalita Vistdra, that Sakya, after having transmigrated through 
 
 five hundred and one bodies, obtained Nirvdna Pada or Mukti 
 
 in the last body ; but so long as we cannot acquire diukti, so long 
 
 J 
 
^4 
 
 We rtiust pass through births and deaths on earth. Some acquire 
 Moksha after the first birth, some after the seventy-seventh, and 
 some after innumerable births. It is no where MTitten that 
 Moksha is to be obtained after a prescribed number of births ; but 
 every man must atone for the sins of each birth by a proportionate 
 number of future births, and v?hen the sins of the body are en- 
 tirely pm-ified and absolved, he will obtain absorption into A'di- 
 
 BUDDHA. 
 
 Question XVIII. 
 What and from whence are the Newars, from Hindust'han or 
 Bhote ? (see note 30,) and what is the word Newar, the name 
 of a country or a people ? 
 
 Anstoer. 
 The natives of the valley of Nepaul are Newars. In Sanscrit, 
 the country is called Naipala, and the inhabitants Naipdli ; and 
 the words neivdr and newdri are vulgarisms arising from the mu- 
 tation of p to V, and 1 to r." Thus too the word Bandya, the 
 name of the Buddhamdrgi sect (because its followers make 
 bandana, i. e. salutation and reverence to the proficients in 
 Bodhijndna), is metamorphosed by ignorance into Bdnra, a word 
 which has no meaning. 
 
 Question XIX. 
 Do the Newars foUow the doctrine of caste or not ? 
 
 Anstver. 
 As inhabitants of one country they are one — but in regard to 
 caste, they are diverse. 
 
 Question XX. 
 How many castes are there amongst the Bdnras ? 
 
 Anstver, 
 Bdnra, according to the true reading, is Bandi/a, as explained 
 above. According to our Furdnas, whoever has adopted the tenets 
 
75 
 
 of Buddha, and has cut off the lock from the crown of his headj 
 of whatever tribe or nation Ke be, becomes thereby a Bandya (see 
 note 31). The Bhotiyas, for example, are Bandy as because they 
 follow the tenets of Buddha, and have no lock on their heads. 
 The Bandyas are divided into two classes ; those who follow the 
 Vdhya-charya, and those who adopt the Abhyantara-charya — 
 words equivalent to the Grihastha dsram and Vairdgi dsram of 
 the Brahmanas. The first class is denominated Bhikshu ; th« 
 second, Vajra A'chdrya. The Bhikshu cannot marry ; but tlie 
 Vajra Achdrya is a family man. The latter is sometimes called, 
 in the vernacular tongue of the Newars, Gubhdl, which is not a 
 Sanscrit word. Besides this distinction into monastic and secular 
 orders, the Bandyas are again divided, according to tlie scriptures, 
 into five classes: first, Arhan ; second, Bhikshu; third, Srdwaka; 
 fourth, Chailaka ; fifth, Vajra Achdrya. The Arhan is he who 
 is perfect himself, and can give perfection to others : who eats 
 what is offered to him, but never asks for any thing. The Bhikshu, 
 is he who assumes a staff and beggar's dish (khikshari and pinda 
 pdtra), sustains himself by alms, and devotes his attention solely to 
 the contemplation (dhydna) of A'di-Buddha, without ever inter- 
 meddling with worldly affairs. The Srdwaka is he who devotes 
 himself to hearing the Bauddha scriptures read or reading them 
 to others ; these are his sole occupations, and he is sustained by 
 the small presents of his audiences. The Chailaka is he who 
 contents himself with such a portion of clothes {chilaka) as bare- 
 ly suffices to cover his nakedness, rejecting every thing more as 
 superfluous. The Bhikshu and the Chailaka very nearly resem- 
 ble each other, and both (and the Arhan also) are bound to prac- 
 tice celibacy. The Vajra Achdrya is he who has a wife and cliil- 
 dren, and devotes himself to the active ministry of Buddhism. Such 
 is the account of the five classes found in the scriptures ; but there 
 are no traces of them in Nepaul. No one follows the rules of that 
 class to wliich he nominally belongs. Among the Bhotiyas there 
 are many Bhikshus, who never marry ; and the Bhotiya Lanms are 
 properly Arhans. But all the Xepaulese Buddhamdrgis are mar- 
 ried men, who pursue the business of the world, and seldom tliink 
 
 J 2 
 
76 
 
 of the injunctions of their religion. The Tantras and Dharanis, 
 which ouglit to be read for their own salvation, they read only for 
 the increase of their stipend and from a greedy desire of money. 
 This division into five classes is according to the scriptures ; but 
 there is a popular division according to Vihdrs, and these Vihdrs 
 being very numerous, the separate congregations of the Banclyas, 
 have been thus greatly multiplied. In Patau alone there are fif- 
 teen Vihdrs. A temple to A'di-Buddha, or to the five Dhyani" 
 Biiddhas, called a Chaitya, is utterly distinct from the Vihdr, and 
 of tlie form of a sheaf of Dhdnya. But the temples of Sakya 
 and the other of the " Sapta Buddha Mdnushi" as well as those 
 of other chief saints and leaders of Buddhism are called Vihdrs. 
 The names of the fifteen Vihdrs of Patau are as follows : Tdnkal- 
 Vihdr, Td- Vihdr, Hah- Vihdr, Bhu- Vihdr, Haran- Varna-Mahd- 
 Vihdr,Rudra- Varna-Mahd- Vihdr, Bhikshu- Vihdr, Sakya- Vihdr, 
 Guhya- Vihdr, Shi- Vihdr, Dhom- Vihdr, Un- Vihdr, &c. (see note 
 32.) In short, if any Bandya die, and his son erect a temple in his 
 name, such structure may be called such an one's (after his name) 
 Vihdr. With this distinction, however, that a temple to an emi- 
 nent saint is denominated Mahd- Vihdr — one to an ordinary mor- 
 tal, simply Vihdr. 
 
 NOTES. 
 ( 1 ) Here a sloca of the Samhhu Purdna is quoted in the ori- 
 ginal paper ; and it was my first intention to have repeated it on 
 the margin of the translation ; but, upon reflection, I believe it 
 will be better to observe, that the Samhhu Puruna is a work pe- 
 culiar to Nepaul. Many other Bauddha scriptures, however, which 
 are not local, and are of high authority, symbolize the forming 
 and changing powers of nature by the letters of the alphabet ; and 
 ascribe the pre-eminence among these letters to o, v, and ni — ^mak- 
 ing the mystic syllable 6m, which is not less reverenced by Baud- 
 dhas than by Brdhmanas. A, the Bauddhas say, is the Vija 
 Mantra of the person Buddha ; U, the Vija Mantra of the per- 
 son Dhabma ; and M, that of the person Sanga — and these 
 three persons form the Buddhist Triad. 
 
77 
 
 Tlie Bauddhas, however, differ in their mode of classing the 
 three persons. According \b the Aishwarikas, the male, Buddha, 
 the symbol of generative power, is the first member ; the female, 
 Dharma, the type of productive power, is the second ; and 
 Sang A, their son, is the third, and represents actual creative pow- 
 er, or an active creator and ruler, deriving his origin from the 
 union of the essences of Buddha and Dharma. Sanga, accord- 
 ing to all the schools, though a member, is an inferior member, of 
 the triad. 
 
 (2) Another sloca is here quoted ; but it will not justify the 
 language of the text, in which there is some confusion of the 
 opposite doctrines of the Aishicarikas and Swabhdvikas. In the 
 triad of the latter, the female, Dharma (also called Prajna), the 
 type of productive power, is the first member ; Up ay a, or Buddha, 
 the symbol of generative power, the second ; and Sanga the 
 third ; their son as before, and the active author of creation, 
 or rather the tj^De of that spontaneous creation, which results ne- 
 cessarily from the union of the two principles of nature before- 
 mentioned. 
 
 Buddha and Prajna united become Updya Prajna ; or vice 
 versa, according to the school, and never as in the text. (For some 
 further remarks upon these chief objects oi Bamldha worship, see 
 Notes 12 and 29.) 
 
 I take this early opportunity to remark that candid criticism 
 will compare, and not contrast, the statements made in Notes 10, 
 12, 17, 20, and 29, especially with reference to the Swabhdvika 
 doctrine. (See Note 16.) 
 
 (3) The deduction of the five Dhydni Biiddhas, and the five 
 Dhydni Bodhisatwas, from A'di-Buddha, according to the Aish- 
 warika Bauddhas, will be stated farther on. It is a celestial or 
 divine creation, and is here improperly mixed with the generative 
 creations, theistic and atheistic, of various doctors. 
 
 (4) See Note 23. 
 
 (5) The sloca quoted is from the Pvjd Kdnd, which is a mere 
 manual of worship, of recent origin, and probably local to Xepaul. 
 It professes, however, to be a faithful compilation from the Guna- 
 
78 
 
 Karanda Vyuha, and Karanda Vyiilia. The latter of these is a 
 work of respectable authoritj', and contains the following partial jus- 
 tification of the language of the Piijd Kdnd. (Sakya, speaking to his 
 disciple Sarvani Varana Vishkambhi, says,) " In the very dis- 
 tant times of Vipasya Buddha I was born as the son of Suganda 
 MuKHA, a merchant : in that birth I heard from Vipasyi the fol- 
 lowing account of the qualities of Aryavalokiteshwari (Padma 
 Pani.) The sun proceeded from one of his eyes : and from the 
 other, the moon ; from his forehead Mahadeva ; from between 
 his shoulders, Brahma ; from his chest, Vishnu ; from his teeth, 
 Sabasvati ; from his mouth, Vayu ; from, his feet, Prithvi ; from 
 his navel, Varuna." So many deities issued from Aryavaxo- 
 kiteshwara's body. This passage is expanded in the Guna-Kd- 
 rand Vydha, wherein it is added, that when Aryavalokitesh- 
 WARA had created Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesa, they stood 
 before him, and he said to the first, " be thou the lord of Satyagu- 
 na and create ;" and to the second, " be thou the lord of Ra- 
 jaguna and preserve ;" and to the third, " be thou the lord of 
 Tamaguna and destroy." The Guna-Kdranda Vyiiha, is how- 
 ever a mere amplification of the Karanda Vyuha, and of much 
 less authority. In a passage of the Saraka Dhdra — which is. 
 not one of the sacred -writings of Nepaul, but a work of high 
 authority, written by Sarvajna Mitrapada, a Bauddha ascetic 
 of Cashmeer — the Hindu deities are made to issue from the 
 body of the supreme Prajna just as, according to the Karanda 
 Vyuha, they proceed from that of Padma Pani. 
 
 (6) The authority for these ten mansions is the Dasa Bhu- 
 meshwara, one of the nine great works spoken of in the answer 
 to the thirteenth question ; and wliich treats professedly of the 
 subject. The thirteen mansions are, however, mentioned in sun- 
 dry works of high authority ; and the thirteen grades of the su- 
 perior part of the Chaitya (or proper Bauddha temple) are typical 
 of the thirteen celestial mansions alluded to in the text. The most 
 essential part of the Chaitya is the solid hemisphere ; but the vast 
 majority of Chaityas in Nepaul have the hemisphere surmounted 
 by a pyramid or cone, called Chi'ird Mani, and invariably divided 
 into thirteen gradea. 
 
79 
 
 (7) All this, as well as wliat follows, is a mere transcript from 
 the Bralimanical writings'. There is, nevertheless, authority for 
 it in the Bauddlia scriptures. The Bauddhas seem to have adopt- 
 ed without hesitation the cosmography and chronology of the 
 Brahmans, and also a large part of their pantheon. They freely 
 confess to have done so at this day. The favourite Brahmanical 
 deities accepted by the Buddhists are, of males : Maha Kala, In- 
 DRA, Ganesa, Hanuman, and the triad. Of females : Lakshmi 
 and Sarasvati. The Hindu triad are considered by the Buddhists 
 as the mere servants of the Buddhas and Bddhisatwas, and only 
 entitled to such reverence as may seem fit to be paid to faithful 
 servants of so high masters. Of the origin of these deities, accord- 
 ing to the Bauddha books, I have already given one account, and 
 referred to another. The notions of the three gunas and of the crea- 
 tion, &c. by the Brahmanic triad as the delegates of the Bodhi- 
 sativas, I look upon to be modern inventions. According to ge- 
 nuine Buddhism, the Bodhisatioas are, each in his turn, the active 
 agents of the creation and government of the world. 
 
 (8) An important historical person, and the apparent introducer 
 of Buddhism into Nepaul. (See note 30). 
 
 (9) This is a most curious legend. I have not yet seen the 
 Tantra whence it professes to be extracted, and suspect that the 
 legend was stolen from our Bible, by some inhabitant of Nepaul, 
 who had gathered a confused idea of the Mosaic history of the ori- 
 gin and fall of mankind from the Jesuit missionaries, formerly re- 
 sident in this valley ; or perhaps the legend in question was deriv- 
 ed from some of those various corrupt versions of the biblical 
 story which have been current among the Jews and Moslems of 
 Asia for many centuries. 
 
 (10) This limited reply is the fault of my friend and not of his 
 books. Matter is called Prakritti by the Buddhists, as well as by 
 the Brahmans. The Swabhdvika school of Bauddha philosophy 
 (apparently the oldest school) seems to have considered matter as 
 the sole entity, to have ascribed to it all the attributes of deity, 
 and to have assigned to it two modalities ; one termed nirvritti, 
 and the other pravritti. (See note 12.) To speak more precisely, 
 
80 
 
 the above is rather the doctrine of the Prajniha Swahhavikas than 
 of the simple Swabhdvikas : for the former unitize the active and 
 intelligent powers of nature, the latter do not unitize them ; and 
 prefer to all other symbols of those dispersed powers of nature the 
 letters of the alphabet generally, and without much regard to the 
 pre-eminence of a, u, and m. Indeed, it is probable that the 
 mystic syllable Aum is altogether a comparatively recent importa- 
 tion into Buddhism. The Lotos is a very favourite type of crea- 
 tive power with all t\\e Bauddhas ; and accordingly representations 
 of it occur in a thousand places, and in as many forms in the 
 Baiiddha sculptures and architecture ; for which, see the drawings 
 which accompany this sketch, passim. 
 
 (11) The sloca quoted is from a modern little manual of Pujd. I 
 have not seen any adequate original authority ; but the Aishwdrika 
 Buddhists, who maintained an eternal, infinite, intellectual A'di- 
 BuDDHA, in all probability made the human soul an emanation 
 from him ; and considered Moksha a remanation to him. 
 
 (12) The Swabhdvikas, the name assumed by one of the four 
 schools of Bauddha philosophy, and apparently the oldest, are di- 
 vided into two sects ; one called Swabhdvikas simply, the other 
 Prdjnika Swabhdvikas. The former maintain that an eternal re- 
 volution of entity and non-entity is the system of nature, or of 
 matter, which alone exists. The Prdjnikas deify matter as the 
 sole substance, and give it two modes, the abstract and the con- 
 crete : in the former, they unitize the active and intelligent powers 
 held to be inherent in matter, and make this unit deity. Such is 
 the abstract or proper mode, which is unity, immutability, rest, 
 bliss. The second is the contingent or concrete mode, or that of 
 actual, visible, nature. To this mode belong action, mvJtiplicity, 
 change, pain. It begins by the energies of matter passing from 
 their proper and eternal state of rest into their contingent and 
 transitory state of action ; and ends when those energies resume 
 their proper modality. The proper mode is called nirvritti ; the 
 contingent mode pravritti. The powers of matter cannot be des- 
 cribed in their proper state of abstraction and unity. In the lat- 
 ter state, all the order and beautv of nature are images of their 
 
81! 
 
 quality : they are also symbolized by the Vuni, and personified as 
 a female divinity called A'di-Prajna and A'di-Dharma. Man's 
 summum honum is to pass from the transmigrations incident to the 
 state of pravritti into the eternal rest or bliss of nirvritti. The 
 Triadic doctrine of all the schools is referable solely to pravritti. 
 In the state of nirvritti, with some of the Aishwdrikas, Buddha 
 represents intellectual essence and the then sole entity ; with 
 others of the Aishwdrikas Dhahma, or material essence exists 
 biunely with Buddha in nirvritti, the two being in that state one. 
 With the Prajnikas Pbajna, in the state of nirvritti, is the sum- 
 mum et solum nume7i,DivaNatura — the sum of all the intellectual 
 and physical forces of matter, considered as the sole entity, and 
 held to exist in the state of nirvritti abstracted from palpable mar 
 terrnXsubstatice, eternally, unchangeably, and essentially one. When 
 this essential principle of matter passes into the siaie of pravritti, 
 Buddha, the type of active power, first proceeds from it and then 
 associates with it, and from that association results the actual vi- 
 sible world. The principle is feigned to be k female, first the 
 mother, and then the wife, of the male Buddha. (For a glimpse 
 at the esoteric sense of these aenigraas, see note 29.) 
 
 (13) The work cited is of secondary authority; but the mode 
 of reasoning exhibited in the text is to be found in all Bauddha 
 works which treat of the Swabhdvika doctrine. 
 
 (14) This is the name of the Theistic school of the Bauddha 
 philosophers. The Sambliu Parana 'An(!i Guna-Kdranda Vyuha 
 contain the least obscure enunciation of Theism — and these books 
 belong to Nepaul. Other Bauddha scriptures, however, which 
 are not local, contain abmidant expressions capable of a Theistic in- 
 terpretation. Even those Bauddha philosophers who have insist- 
 ed that matter is the sole entity, have ever magnified the wisdom 
 and power of nature : and doing so, they have reduced the differ- 
 ence of theism and atheism abnost to a nominal one : so, at lejist, 
 they frequently affirm. 
 
 The great defect of all the schools is the want of Providence 
 i\nd of dominion in their causa causarum, though the comparatively 
 
 K 
 
82 
 
 recent Kdrmikas and Ydtnikas appear to have attempted to reme- 
 dy this defect. (See the followhig note.) 
 
 (15) Of two of the four scliools of Bauddha philosophy, name- 
 ly, the Stvabhdvika and Aishwdrika, 1 liave already said a few 
 words : the two remaining schools are denominated the Knrmika 
 and Ydtnika — ^from the words Karma, meaning moral action ; and 
 Yat7ia, signifying intellectual force, skilful effort. The proper 
 topics of these two schools seem to me to be confined to the phe- 
 nomena of human nature — its free-will, its sense of right and 
 wrong, and its mental power. To tlie wisdom of Swauhava, or 
 Prajna, or A'di-Buddha, the Bauddhas, both Swabhdvikas smd 
 Aishwarikas, liad assigned that eternal necessary connexion of vir- 
 tue and felicity in which tliey alike believed. It remained for the 
 Kdrmikas and Ydtnikas to discuss how each m6S.\vAx\si\. free-wiUed 
 man might most surely hope to realize that connexion in regard 
 to himself; whether by the just conduct of his understanding, or 
 by the proper cultivation of his moral sense ? And the Ydtnikas 
 seem to have decided in favour of the former mode ; the Kdrmi' 
 has, in favour of the latter. ' Having settled these points, it was 
 easy for the Ydtnikas and Kdrmikas to exalt tlieir systems by link- 
 ing them to tlie throne of the causa causarum — to which they 
 would be the more readily impelled, in order to remove from 
 their faith the obloquy so justly attaching to the ancient Prdjnika, 
 and even to the Aishwarika school, because of the want of Pro- 
 vidence and of Dominion in their first cause. That the Kdrmikas 
 and Ydtnikas originally limited tliemselves to tlie phenomena of 
 human nature, I think probable, from the circumstances tliat, out 
 of some forty slocas which I have had collected to illustrate the 
 doctrines of these schools, scarcely one goes beyond the point of 
 whether man's felicity is secured by virtue or by intellect ? And 
 that, when these schools go further (as I have the evidence of two 
 quotations from their books that tht'y sometimes do), the trespass- 
 ing on ground foreign to their systems seems obvious ; thus in 
 the Divya Avaddn, Sakya says, "from the union of Upaya and 
 Pra.tna arose manas — the lord of the senses ; and from manas 
 or mind proceeded good and evil ;" and this union of Upaya and 
 
83 
 
 i'rajna is then declared to be a Karma. And in the same work, in 
 regard to the Ydtnika doctrine, it is said, " Ishwara (/. e. A'di- 
 Buddha) produced YATXAfrom Prajna, and tlie cause of j!;ravrj//j 
 and nirvritti is Yatna ; and all the difficulties that occur in the 
 affairs of this world or of the next are rendered easy by Yatna." 
 Impersonality and quiescence were the objections probably made 
 to the first cause of the Prdjnikas and Aishwarikas ; and it was to 
 remove these objections that the more recent Kdrmikas and Yat- 
 nikas feigned conscious moral agency {Karma), and conscious in- 
 tellectual agency ( Yatna) to have been with the causa causaritm 
 (whether material or immaterial) from the beginning. Of all the 
 schools, the Kdrmikas and Ydtnikas alone seem to have been 
 duly sensible of man's free-will, and God's moral attributes. The 
 Kdrmika confession of faith is, '■'■ Purva janma Kritang Karma tad 
 Daivyam iti Kathyate," which may be very well translated by our 
 noble adage, " conduct is fate." Such sentiments of human na- 
 ture naturally inclined them to the belief of immaterial existences, 
 and accordingly they will be found to attach themselves in theo- 
 logy chiefly to the Aishivarika school. 
 
 (16) This is the divine creation alluded to in the third note. 
 The eternal, infinite and intellectual A'di-Blddha possesses, as 
 proper to his own essence, five sorts of wisdom. From these he, 
 by five separate acts of Dhydn, created the five Dhydni Buddhas, 
 to whom he gave the virtue of t\\Atji}dna whence each derived 
 his origin. These five Dhydni Buddhas again created, each of 
 them, a Dhydni Bodhisatwa by the joint efficacy of they'/mw. tl-- 
 ceived from A'i>i-Buddha, and of an act of his own Dhydn. 
 
 The five Dhydni Buddhas are, like A'di-Buddha, quiescent — 
 and the active work of creation and rule is devolved on the 
 Bodhisatwas. This creation by Dhydn is eminently characteristic 
 of Buddhism — but whose Dhydn possesses creative power ? that 
 of an eternal A'di-Buddiia, say the Aishwarikas of the Sdmbhii 
 Piirana — that of any Buddha, even a Mdnushi or mortal Buddha, 
 say the Swabhdvikas. The Bauddhas have no other notion of 
 creation (than that by Dhydn), which is not generative. 
 
 (17) These terras are common to all the schools of 7?f/w/W/m 
 
 K 2 
 
84 
 
 philosophy ; with the Aishivankas, nirvritti is the state in which 
 mind exists independent of matter ; pravritti, the state in which 
 it exists while mixed with matter. With the simple Swabhdvihas 
 the former term seems to import non-entity ; the latter, entity. 
 With the Prdjnika Swabhdvikas, the former term signifies the 
 state in which the active and intellectual power of matter exists 
 abstractedly from visible nature ; the latter, imports the manner 
 or state in which the same power exists in connexion with visi- 
 ble nature. The 3l6ksha of the first is absorption into A'di- 
 BuDDHA ; of the second, absorption into Shunya ; of the third, 
 identification with Prajna. In a word, nirvritti means abstrac- 
 tion, SiXidi pravritti, concretion — from nirvdn is formed nirvritti, but 
 pravritti has no pravdn. 
 
 (18) If so, I am afraid few BofUddhas can be called wise. The 
 doctrine of the text in this place is that of the AishwaHkas, set 
 off to the best advantage : the doctrine incidentally objected is to 
 that of the Swabhdvikas and Prdjnikas. Sir W. Jones assures 
 us that the Hindus " consider creation (I should here prefer the 
 word change) rather as an energy than as a work." This re- 
 mark is yet more true in regard to the old Baiiddha •philosophers: 
 and the mooted point with them is, ivhat energy creates ? an ener- 
 gy mtrinsic in some archetypal state of matter, or ea-trinsic ? 
 The old Bauddha philosophers seem to have insisted that there is 
 no sufficient evidence of immaterial entity. But, what is truly 
 remarkable, some of them, at least, have united with that dogma 
 a belief in moral and intellectual operations ; nor is there one 
 tenet so diagnostic of Buddhism as that which insists that man is 
 capable of extending his moral and intellectual faculties to injinity. 
 True it is, as Mr. Colebrooke has remarked, that the Hindu phi- 
 losophy recognizes this dogma — coldly recognizes it, and that is 
 all : whereas, the Bauddhas have pursued it into its most extrava- 
 gant consequences, and made it the corner-stone of their faith 
 and practice. (See note 29.) 
 
 (19) I have not yet found that these Dhydni Buddhas of the 
 Theistic school do any thing. They seem to be mere personifica- 
 tions, according to a Theistic theory, of the active and intellectual 
 
85 
 
 powers of nature — and lience are called Panch Bliula, Fanch In- 
 driya^ and Panch A'yatcm-A'kdr. 
 
 It may seem contrary to tliis notion of tlie quiescence of the 
 five Dhydni Buddhas, that, according at least to some Nepaid 
 works, each of them has a Sakti. Vairochana's is Vajra-Dha- 
 teshwari ; Akshobhya's, Lochcmd ; Ratna Sambhava's, Md- 
 mukhi ; Amitabha's, Pdndard ; Amogha Siddha's, Tdrd. But 
 I apprehend that these Buddha- Sakties are peculiar to Nepaul ; and 
 though I have found their names, I have not found that they do 
 any thing. 
 
 There is indeed a secret and filthy system of Buddhas and 
 Buddha- Sakties, in which the ladies act a conspicuous part ; and 
 according to which, A'di-Buddha is styled Yogambara ; and A'di- 
 Dharma, Jndn-Eshwari. But this system has only been recent- 
 ly revealed to me, and I cannot say more of it at present. 
 
 (20) According to the Aishicarikas : the Sicabhdvikas say, into 
 Akdsh and Shunyatd ; the Prdjnihas, into A'di-Prajna. The Swa- 
 bhdvika doctrine of Shunyatd is the darkest corner of their meta- 
 physical labyrinth. It cannot mean strictly nothingness, since 
 tliere are seven degrees of Shunyatd, whereof the first is Akdsh : 
 and Akdsh is so far from being deemed nothingness that it is again 
 and again said to be the only real substance. Language sinks un- 
 der the expression of the Bauddha abstractions ; and by their 
 Shunyatd I understand sometimes the place, and sometimes the 
 form, in which the infinitely attenuated elements of all things ex- 
 ist in their state of separation from the palpable system of na- 
 ture. 
 
 N. B. The images of all the seven great Mdnushi Buddhas, re- 
 ferred to in the answer to the 7th question, are exactly similar to 
 that of Sakya Sinha, the seventh of them. This image very 
 nearly resembles that of Akshobhya, the second Dhydni Buddha. 
 The differences are found only in the supporters, and in the cog- 
 nizances (chinas.) When coloured there is a more remarkable 
 diagnosis, Akshobhya being blue, and Sakya and the other six 
 Mdnushis yellow. 
 
 (21) The Samhhu PK/awa says, 7«aw(/<?i/crf in Nepaul in the 
 
86 
 
 furm of flams (Jifotl rfipri.) According to the same vork, A'di- 
 Dhahma's (or Pkajna's) manifestation in Nepaul is in the form 
 of water {jal snn'ipa.) 
 
 (22) This is the true solution of a circumstance which has caus- 
 ed much idle speculation : though the notion is, no doubt, an odd 
 one for a sect which insists on tonsure! 
 
 (23) These are Padma Pani's names in his character of active 
 creator and governor of the j)rese)tt world. Three Dliyani Bodhi- 
 satioas preceded him in that character, and one (the fifth) re- 
 mains to follow him. 
 
 (24) I have already stated that these deities, conformably with 
 the quiescent genius of Buddhism, do nothing ; they are merely 
 the medium tlirough which creative power is communicated to 
 the Bodhisaticas from Adi-Buddha. It is the Bodhisatwas alone 
 who exercise that power, one at a time, and each in his turn. It 
 is a ludicrous instance of Bauddha contempt for action, that some 
 recent WTiters have made a fourth delegation of active power to 
 the three gods of the Hindu Triad. 
 
 (25) Until he attained bodhijndna ; and even then, while yet 
 lingering in the flesh, he got the name of Sakya Sinha. This 
 name has caused some speculation, on the asserted ground of its 
 not being Indian. The Bauddha scriptures differ as to the city 
 in which Sakya was born ; but all the places named are Indian. 
 They also say that the Shakvansa was an Indian race or family ; 
 as was the Gdtamavansa, in which also Sakya was once born. 
 
 (25 bis) This must be received with some allowance. The 
 Lalita Vistdrd gives ample details of Sakya's numberless births 
 and acts, but is nearly silent as to the origin or actions of his six 
 great predecessors : and the like is true of many other Bmtddha 
 scriptures. 
 
 (26) These works are regularly worshipped in Nepaul as the 
 " Nava Dharma" They are chiefly of a narrative kind. The 
 most important work of tlie speculative kind now extant in Ne- 
 paul is the Raksha Bhagavati, consisting of no less than 125,000 
 slocas. This is a work of philosophy rather than of religion, 
 and its spirit is sceptical to the very verge of pyrrhonism. The 
 
87 
 
 Bauddhas of Nepaul hold it in the highest esteem, and I have 
 sent three copies of it to Calcutta. Its arrangement, at least, and 
 reduction to writing, are attributed (as are those of all the other 
 Bauddha scriptures) to Sakya Sinha. Whatever the Buddhas 
 have said, {sugutai desita) is an object of worship with the Baud- 
 dhas. Sakya having collected these words of the Buddhas, and 
 secured them in a written form, they are now worshipped under 
 the names Sutra and Dharma. The aggregation of nine Dhar- 
 mas is for ritual purposes ; but why the nine specified works have 
 been selected to be thus peculiarly honoured I cannot say. They 
 are probably the oldest and most authentic scriptures existing in 
 Nepaul, though this conjecture is certainly opposed to the rever- 
 ence expressed for the liaksha Bhagavati, by the Buddhists. 
 That work (as already stated) is of vast extent, containing no less 
 than 125,000 slocas, divided into five equal parts or A/<a«rfs, which 
 are known by the names of the five Pdramitas and the five Rak' 
 shas. 
 
 (27) The three first sins should be rendered, all destruction of 
 life, all taking without right, and all sexual commerce whatever. 
 The ten are the cardinal sins of Buddhism, and will bear a very 
 favourable comparison with the five cardinal sins of Brahman- 
 ism. 
 
 (28) The Buddhas mentioned in the Bauddha scriptures are 
 innumerable. Many of them, however, are evident non-entities 
 in regard to history. Even the Buddhas of mortal mould are 
 vastly luimerous, and of various degrees of power and rank. 
 These degrees are three, entitled, Pratyeka, Srdvaka, and Maha 
 Ydnika. Sakya Sinha is often said to be the seventh and last 
 Mdnushi Buddha who has yet reached the supreme grade of the 
 Mahd Ydnika. In the Lalita Vistdra, there is a formal enumera- 
 tion of the perfections in knowledge and virtue reqiusite for at- 
 taining to each of these three grades — a monstrously impractica- 
 ble and impious array of human perfectibility! The three grades 
 are known by the collective name of " Tri Jdna," or " Tri 
 Ydna:' 
 
 (2D) Genuine Buddhism never seems to contemplate any mea- 
 
88 
 
 sLires of acceptance with the deity ; but, overleaping the barrier 
 between finite and infinite mind, urges its followers to aspire by 
 their own efforts to that divine perfectibility of which it teaches 
 that man is capable, and by attaining which man becomes God — 
 and thus is explained both the quiescence of the imaginary celes- 
 tial, and the plenary omnipotence of the real Mdnushi Buddhas 
 — thus too we must account for the fact, that genuine Buddhism 
 has no priesthood : the saint despises the priest ; the saint scorns 
 the aid of mediators, whether on earth or in heaven : " conquer 
 (exclaims the adept or Buddha to the novice or Bodhi- Satwa) — 
 conquer the importimities of the body, urge your mind to the 
 meditation of abstraction, and you shaU, in time, discover the 
 great secret (Prajna) of nature ; know this, and you become, on 
 the instant, whatever priests have feigned of Godhead — you become 
 identified with Prajna, the sum of aU the power and all the wis- 
 dom which sustain and govern the world, and which, as they are 
 manifested out of matter, must belong solely to matter; not indeed 
 in the gross and palpable state of pravritti, but in the archetypal and 
 pure state of nirvritti. Put off therefore the vile, pravriitika neces- 
 sities of the body, and the no less vile affections of the mind ; urge 
 your thoughts into pure abstraction {Dhydii), and then, as assuredly 
 you can, so assuredly you shall, attain to the wisdom of a Buddha 
 {Bodhijiiari), and become associated with the eternal unity and rest 
 of nirvrittir Such, I believe, is the esoteric doctrine of the rrcij- 
 nikas — that of the Swabhdvikas is nearly allied to it, but more ti- 
 mid and sceptical ; they too magnify the wisdom and power of 
 nature so abundantly diffused throughout pravritti, but they 
 seem not to unitize that wisdom and power in the state of nirvritti, 
 and incline to conceive of yiirvritti, as of a state of things concern- 
 ing Avhich nothing can be predicated ; but which, even though it 
 be nothingness {Shunyatd), is at least a blissful rest to man, other- 
 wise doomed to an eternity of transmigrations through all forms 
 of visible nature : and while the Swabhdvikas thus underrated the 
 nirvritti of the Prdjnikas, it is probable that they compensated 
 themselves by magnifying, more than the Prdjnikas did, that/>r«- 
 vrittika omnipotence of whicli the wise man (Buddha) is capable, 
 
89 
 
 even upon earth. It has been already stated that the second per- 
 son of the Prajnika Triafi is denominated Bcddha and Upaya ; 
 of which terms the esoteric sense is this : Every man possesses in 
 his understanding, when properly cultivated according to the rules 
 of Buddhism, the means or expedient ( Upaya) of discovering the 
 supreme wisdom of nature i^Prajnd), and of realizing, by tliis 
 discovery in his own person, a plenary omnipotence or divinity! 
 which begins even while he yet lingers in the flesh (in pravritti) ; 
 but which is not fully accomplished till he passes, by the body's 
 decay, into the eternal state of tiirvritd. 
 
 And as the wisdom of man is, in its origin, but an effluence of 
 the Supreme wisdom (Prajna) of nature, so is it perfected by a 
 refluence to its source, but without loss of individuality : whence 
 Prajjia is feigned in the exoteric system to be both the mother 
 and the wife of all the Biiddhas, '■'■janani sarva Buddha" and 
 " Jin-sdndari ;" for the efllux is typified by a birth, and the reflux 
 by a marriage. 
 
 The Buddha is the adept in the wisdom of Buddhism (Bodhi- 
 jndn) whose first duty, so long as he remains on earth, is to com- 
 mimicate his wisdom to those who are willing to receive it. These 
 >villing learners are the " Bodhisatwas," so called from their hearts 
 being inclined to the wisdom of Buddhism, and " Sangas," from 
 tlieir companionship with one-another, and with their Buddha or 
 teacher, in the Vihdrs or ccenobitical establishments. 
 
 And such is the esoteric interpretation of the tliird (and infe- 
 rior) member of the Prajnika Triad. The Bodhisatwa or Sanga 
 continues to be such until he has surmounted the very last grade 
 of that vast and laborious ascent by which he is instructed that 
 he can " scale the heavens," and pluck, immortal wisdom from its 
 resplendent source : which acliievement performed, he becomes a 
 Buddha, that is, an Omniscient Being, and a Tathdgata — a title 
 implying the accomplishment of that gradual increase in Misdom 
 by which man becomes a Buddha. These doctrines are ver)' ob- 
 sciu-ely indicated in tlie Bauddha scriptures, whose words have 
 another more obvious <ind very different sense; nor, but for the 
 ambition of the commentators to exhibit their learning, would it be 
 
 L 
 
90 
 
 easj' to gcither the esoteric sense of the words of most of the origi- 
 nal scriptures. I never was more surprised than when my old 
 friend recently (after a six years' acquaintance) brought to me, 
 and explained, a valuable comment upon a passage in tlie Prajna 
 Pdramita. Let me add in this place, that I desire all searchers 
 after the doctrine of Bodhijndn to look into the Bauddha scrip- 
 tures, and judge for themselves ; and to remember, meanwhile, 
 that I am not a Sanscrit scholar, and am indebted for all I have 
 gathered from the books of the Buddliists to the mediation of 
 my old Bauddha friend, and of my Pundit. 
 
 (30) Their physiognomy, their language, their architecture, 
 civil and religious, their notions in regard to women, and several 
 less important traits in their manners and customs, seem to decide 
 that the origin of the greater part of the Newars must be assign- 
 ed to the north : and in the Sambhu Purdna, a Bauddha teacher 
 named Man j-Ghosii, and Manj-Nath and Manjusri, is stated to 
 ■have led a colony into Nepaul from China ; to have cleared Nepaul 
 of the waters which then covered it ; to have made the country ha- 
 bitable ; to have built a temple to Jyoti-rup-A'di-Buddha ; and 
 established Dharmakar (whom he brought with him) as first Raja 
 of Nepaul. But I nevertheless suppose (upon the authority of tra- 
 dition) that Nepaul received some colonists from India ; and that 
 some of the earliest propagators of Buddhism in Nepaul came to the 
 vaUey direct from India. Be that as it may, the Indian origin of 
 Nepaulese Buddhism (whether it reached the valley direct, or via 
 Bhote or China) seems to be unquestionable from the fact that all 
 the great Saugata scriptures of Nepaul are written in the Sanscrit 
 language. From the gradual decay of literature and of a know- 
 ledge of Sanscrit among the Newars has resulted the practice, 
 now very common, of translating ritual works into the vernacular 
 tongue ; and also the usage of adding to the original Sanscrit of 
 such works comments in the vulgar language. The great scrip- 
 tures however have never been subjected to the former process ; 
 seldom to the latter ; for owing to Sanscrit having always been 
 considered by the Buddhists of Nepaul the language of literature, 
 they have neglected to cultivate their vernacular tongue ; nor does 
 
there exist to this day a dictionary or grammar of the Newari lan- 
 guage. 
 
 (31) Of course therefore the Bauddhas of Nepaul have not 
 properly any diversity of caste ; that is, any indelible distinction of 
 ranks derived from birth, and necessarily carried to the grave. 
 Genuine Buddhism proclaims the equality of all followers of Bud- 
 dha — seems to deny to them the privilege of pursuing worldly avo- 
 cations, and abhors the distinction of clergy and laity. All proper 
 Bauddhas are Bandyas ; and all Bandyas are equal as brethren 
 in the faith. They are properly all ascetics — some solitary, mostly 
 ccenobitical. Their convents are called FiAar*. The rule of these 
 Vihdrs is a rule of freedom ; and the door of every Vihdr is al- 
 ways open, both to the entrance of new comers, and to the depar- 
 ture of such of their old inmates as are tired of their vows. Each 
 Vihdr has a titular superior, whose authority over his brethren de- 
 pends only on their voluntary deference to his superior learning or 
 piety. Women are held equally worthy of admission with men, 
 and each sex has its Vihdrs. 
 
 The old BauddJia scriptures enumerate four sorts of Bandyas, 
 named Arhan, Bhikshu, Srdvaka and Chailaka, who are correctly 
 described in the text ; and from that description it wiU be seen 
 that there is no essential distinction between them, the Arhan. 
 being only segregated from the rest by his superior proficiency in. 
 BddhiJHan. Of these the proper institutes of Buddhism, there 
 remains hardly a trace in Nepaul. The very names of the Arhan 
 and Chailaka have passed away — the names, and the names only, 
 of the other two exist ; and out of the gradual, and now total, 
 disuse of monastic institutes, an exclusive minister of the altar, de- 
 nominated Vajra Acharya, has derived his name, office, and exist- 
 ence in Nepaul, not only without sanction from the Bauddha scrip- 
 tures, but in direct opposition to their spirit and tendency. Nepaul 
 is still covered with Vihdrs; but these ample and comfortable abodes 
 have long resounded with the hum of industry and the plea- 
 sant voices of women and children. The superior ministry of 
 religion is now solely in the hands of the Bandyas, entitled, Vaj- 
 ra- Acharya in Sanscrit ; Gdbhdl in Newari : tlic inferior ministn', 
 
 L 2 
 
92 
 
 SMch Bhikshus as still follow religion as a lucrative and learned pro- 
 fession, are competent to discharge. And these professions of the 
 Vajra A^chdrya, and of the Bhikshu, have become by usage here- 
 ditary, as have all other avocations and pursuits, whether civil or 
 religious, in Nepaul. And as in the modern corrupt Buddhism 
 of Nepaul tliere are exclusive ministers of religion or priests, so are 
 there many Bauddhas who retain the lock on the crown of the head, 
 and are not Bandyas. These improper Bmtddhasare called Udds: 
 they never dwell in the Vihdrs, look up to the Bandyas with a rever- 
 ential respect derived from the misapplication of certain ancient 
 tenets, and follow those trades and avocations which are compara- 
 tively disreputable (among which is foreign commerce) ; while 
 the Bandyas, who have abandoned the profession of religion, 
 practise those crafts which are most esteemed. Agriculture is 
 equally open to both ; but is, in fact, chiefly followed by the Udds, 
 who have thus become, in course of time, more numerous than 
 the Bandyas, notwithstanding the early abandonment by the 
 Bandyas of those ascetical practices which their faith enjoins, the 
 resort of the greater part of them to the active business of the 
 world, and their usurpation of all the liberal, and three-fourths 
 of the mechanical arts of their country ; for the Bandyas have 
 the exclusive inheritance of thirty-six professions and trades ; the 
 Udds, that of seven trades only. The Vajra Achdrya and Bhik- 
 shu are the religious guides and priests of both Bandyas and Udds. 
 All Bandyas, whatever be the profession or trade they hereditarily 
 exercise, are still equal ; they intermarry, and communicate in all 
 the social offices of life — and the like is true of aU Udds — but between 
 the one class and the other, growing superstition has erected an 
 insuperable barrier. To the above remarks it may be well to add, 
 that Buddhists, of some one or other of the above denominations, 
 comprise the vast majority of the Newar race, and that the minor- 
 ity, are Saivas ; but in a sense peculiar to themselves, and with 
 which my subject does not entitle me here to meddle. 
 
 (83) The names are almost all barbarous ; that is, not derived 
 from Sanscrit, but from Newari. I have not thought it worth 
 while to enumerate any more of tliese examples. The Vihnr is 
 
98 
 
 built round a large quadrangle, or open square, two stories high ; 
 tlie arcliitecture is Chiuescr Chaitya properly means a temple of 
 Buddha, and Fi/mr an abode of cocnobiticaiyo//oi<?<?r5 of Buddha. 
 In the open square in the midst of every Vihdr, is placed a Chait- 
 ya — but those words always bear the senses here attached to 
 them ; and Vihdr can never be construed temple — it is a convent, 
 or monastery, or religious house, but never templum Dei vel 
 BuDDHiE. At the base of the hemisphere of every Nepaul Chaitya 
 are placed the images of the Dhyani Buddhas. The Chaitya 
 has often been blended with sundry structures, more or less ap- 
 propriate to Buddhism. 
 
 To conclude : with respect to the notes — that portion of this 
 sketch, which is my own — no one can be more sensible than I am 
 that the first half contains a sad jumble of cloudy metaphysics. 
 How far the sin of this indistinctness is mine, and how for that 
 of my original authorities, I cannot pretend to decide ; but am 
 ready to take a large share of it to myself. In regard to this, 
 the most speculative part of Buddhism, it is sufficient happiness 
 for me to have discovered and placed w^ithin the reach of my 
 countrymen the materials for more accurate investigation, by 
 those who have leisure, patience, and a knowledge of languages 
 for the undertaking ; and who, with competent talents, will be 
 kind enough to afford the world the benefit of so irksome an ex- 
 ercise of them. 
 
 But I trust that the latter half of the notes, which embraces 
 topics more practical and more within the range of the favourite 
 pursuits of my leisure, will not be found wanting in distinctness ; 
 and I can venture confidently to warrant the accuracy of the in- 
 formation contained in it. 
 
94 
 
 No. III. 
 
 QUOTATIONS FROM ORIGINAL SANSCRIT AUTHORITIES IN PROOF 
 AND ILLUSTRATION OF MR. HODGSON's SKETCH OF BUDDHISM.. 
 
 (Printed from the Bengal Asiatic Journal, Nos. 49 and 50, A. D. 1836.) 
 
 Preface. 
 
 Several distinguished orientalists having, whibt they applauded 
 the novelty and importance of the information conveyed by my 
 Sketch of Buddhism,* called upon me for proofs, I have been in- 
 duced to prepare for publication the following translation of sig- 
 nificant passages from the ancient books of the Saugatas, which 
 still are extant in Nepaul in the original Sanscrit. 
 
 These extracts were made for me (whilst I was collecting the 
 worksf in question) some years ago by Amirta Nanda Bandya, 
 the most learned Buddhist then, or now, living in this country ; 
 they formed the materials from which chiefly I drew my sketch ; 
 and they would have been long since communicated to the public, 
 had the translator felt sufficiently confident of his powers, or suf- 
 ficiently assured that enlightened Europeans could be brought to 
 tolerate the ' ingens indigestaque moles' of these * original autho- 
 rities ;' which however, in the present instance, are original in a 
 far higher and better sense than those of De Koros, or even of 
 
 * Transactions of the Royal Asiatic Society of London ;— necnon. Transac- 
 tions of Bengal Society, vol. xvi. 
 
 f The collection comprises, besides 60 volumes in Sanscrit, procured in A^e- 
 patd, the very names of which had previously been unknown, some 250 vo- 
 lumes, in the language of Tibet, which were obtained from Lnssa and Digar- 
 chi. But for the existence of the latter at Calcutta, Mr. De Koros's attain- 
 ments in Tibetan lore had been comparatively useless. Tlie former or Sans- 
 crit books of Nepaul are the a^thwities relied on in this paper. Since the first 
 collection was made in Nepaul^ very many new works in the Sanscrit language 
 have been discovered and are yet daily under discovery. The probability now 
 is, that tlie entire Kahgyur and Stangynr may be recovered, in the original 
 language. The whole series has been obtained in that of Tibet, 327 large 
 volumes. 
 
95 
 
 Upham. Without stopping to question whether the sages who 
 formed the Bauddha system of philosophy and religion used Sans- 
 ■ci'it or high Prdcrit, or both, or seeking to determine the conse- 
 quent pretension of Mr. Upham's authorities to be considered 
 original,* it may be safely said, that those of Mr. De Koros 
 can support no claims of the kind. 
 
 The native works which the latter gentleman relies on are 
 avowedly Tibetan translations of my Sanscrit originals, and wIk)- 
 ever will duly reflect upon the dark and profound abstractions, 
 and the infinite-simally-multiplied and microscopically-distin- 
 guished personifications of Buddhism, may well doubt whether the 
 language of Tibet does or can adequately sustain the weight that 
 has been laid upon it. 
 
 Sanscrit, like its cognate Greek, may be characterised as a speech 
 " capable of giving a soul to the objects of sense, and body to the 
 abstractions of metaphysics." But, as the Tibetan language can 
 have no pretensions to a like power, those who are aware that the 
 Saugatas taxed the whole powers of the Sanscrit to embody in 
 
 * These authorities however, even if allowed to be original, appear to con- 
 sist entirely of childish legends. I allude to the three published volumes. The 
 received hypothesis, viz. that the philosophers of Ayudhya and Magadha, 
 (the acknowledged founders of Buddhism^ postponed the use of Sanscrit 
 to that of Pracrit, in the original exposition of their subtle system ap- 
 pears to me as absurd as it does probable that their successors, as Mission- 
 aries, resorted to Pracrit versions of the original Sanscrit authorities, in propa- 
 gating the system in the remotest parts of the continent and in Ceylon. On 
 this ground, I presume the Pracrit works of Ceylon and Ava to be translations, 
 not originals: — a presumption so reasonable that nothing but the production 
 from Ceylon or Ava of original Pracrit works, comparable in importance with 
 the Sanscrit books discovered in Nepaul, will suffice to shake it in my mind. 
 Sir W. Jones I believe to be the author of the assertion, that the Bi/rfrfAis^s 
 committed their system to high Pracrit or Pali ; and so long at least as there 
 were no Sanscrit works of the sect forthcoming, the presumption was not wholly 
 unreasonable. It is, however, so now. And Sir W. Jones was not unaware 
 that Magadha or Bihar was the original head-quarters of Buddhism, nor that 
 the best Sanscrit lexicon extant was the work of a Bauddha ; nor that the 
 Brahmans themselves acknowledged the pre emiuent literary merits of their 
 heterodox adversaries. 
 
 But for his BrahmanicalVvdS therefore, Sir AVilliam might have come at the 
 truth, that the Raiiddhn philosophers employed the classical language. 
 
&6 
 
 words tlieir system, will eautiously reserve, I apprehend, for the 
 Bauddha books still extant in the classical language of India, the 
 title of original authorities. From such works, which, though now 
 found only in Nepaulj were composed in the plains of India before 
 the dispersion of the sect, I have drawn the accompanying extracts ; 
 and though the merits of the " doing into English" may be small 
 indeed, they wiU yet, I hope, be borne up by the paramount and 
 (as I suspect) unique authority and oi'iginality of my " original 
 authorities," a phrase which, by the way, hits been somewhat in- 
 vidiously, as weU as laxly used and applied in certain quarters. 
 
 It is still, I observe, questioned amongst us, whether JBrah- 
 manism or Buddhism be the more ancient creed, as well as whe- 
 ther the latter be of Indian or extra Indian growth. The Bud- 
 dhists themselves have no doubts upon either point. Tliey un- 
 hesitatingly concede the palm of superior antiquity to their rivals 
 alid persecutors, the Brdhmans ; nor do they in any part of the 
 world hesitate in pointing to India as the cradle of their faith. 
 
 Formerly we miglit be pardoned for building fine-spun theories 
 of exotic origin of Buddhism upon the Afi'ican locks of Buddha's 
 images : but surely it is now somewhat too late,* in the face of 
 the abundant direct evidence which we possess, against the exo- 
 tic theory, to go in quest of presumptions to the time'-out-of-mind 
 illiterate Scythians, in order to give to them the glory of origin- 
 ating a system built upon the most subtle philosophy, and all the 
 copious original records of which are inshrined in Sanscrit,^ a 
 language which, whencesoever primevaUy derived, had been, 
 when Buddhism appeared, for ages proper to the Indian continent. 
 
 The Buddhists make no serious pretensions to a very high an- 
 tiquity : never hint at an extra Indian origin. 
 
 * Recent discoveries make it more and more certain, tliat the cave temples of 
 the Western Coast and its vicinity, are exclusively Bauddha. Every part of 
 India is illustrated by splendid remains of Buddliisni, 
 
 f The difference between high Pracrit and Sanscrit, could not affect this 
 question, though it were conceded that the founders of Buddhism used the 
 foi-iner and not the lalter-a concession however, which should not be facilely 
 made, and to whicli I wholly di.'niur. 
 
97 
 
 Sakya SiNiiA is, avowedly, a Ksketriya ; and, if his six prede- 
 cessors had really any historical existence, the books which affirm 
 it, affirm too, that all the six were of Brahmanical or Kshetriyd 
 lineage. Saitgata books treating on the subject of caste never call 
 in question the antique fact of a fourfold division of the Hindu 
 people, but only give a more liberal interpretation to it than the 
 current Brahmanical one of their day.* The Chinese, the Mon- 
 gols, the Tibetans, the Indo-Chinese, the Ceylonese and other 
 Indian Islanders, all point to India as the father-land of their 
 creed. The records of Buddhism in Nepaul and in Tibet, in both 
 of which coimtries the people and their mother-tongues are of 
 the Mongol stock, are still either Sanscrit or avowed translations 
 from it by Indian pandits. Nor is there a single record or monu-, 
 ment of this faith in existence, which bears intrinsic or extrinsic 
 evidence of an extra Indian origin, "j" 
 
 The speculations of a writer of Sir W. Jones's day (Mr. 
 Joinville), tendirtg to prove, argmnentatively, from the charac- 
 ters of Buddhism and Brdhmanism, the superior antiquity of the 
 former, have been lately revived (see Asiatic Journal, No. CLX.) 
 with applause. But besides that fine drawn presumptions are 
 idle in the face of such a mass of direct evidence as we now pos- 
 sess, the reasonings of Joinville appear to me altogether based 
 on errors of fact. Buddhism (to hazard a character in few words), 
 
 • See tlie Bauddha disputation on caste. Royal Asiatic Society's Trans- 
 actions. 
 
 + See Crawturd's remarks, on the purely Indian character of all the great 
 sculptural and architectural monuments of Buddhism in Java. Also Barrow's 
 remarks to the same effect in his travels in China. Tlie Chinese Fusd is 
 Visvarupi/a Prajna or the polyform type of Diva Natura. See Oriental Quar- 
 terly Magazine, No. xvi. pp. 218 — 222, for proofs of the fact that numberless 
 Bauddha remains have been mistaken for Brahmanical by our antiquaries, 
 and even by the natives. In the same work I have proved this in reference to 
 Chawfurd's Archipelago, Oriental Quarterly, No, xvi. pp. 232, 235, 
 
 Yet, no sooner had I shown, from originalmuthorities, how thoroughly Indian 
 Buddhism is, than it was immediately exclaimed, 'oh ! this is \epaulese. corrup- 
 tion ! these are merely popular grafts from Bruhmanism.' The very same charac- 
 ter belongs to the oldest monuments of Buddhism, extant in India and beyond 
 it ; and I have traced that character to the highest scriptural authorities. 
 
 M 
 
98 
 
 is monastic asceticism in morals, philosophical scepticism in religion ; 
 and whilst ecclesiastical history all over tlie world affords abun- 
 dant instances of such a state of things resulting from gross a- 
 buse of the religious sanction, that ample chronicle gives us no 
 one instance of it as a primitive system of belief. Here is a 
 legitimate inference from sound premises. But tliat Buddhism 
 was, in truth, a reform or heresy, and not an original system, can 
 be proved by the most abundant direct evidence both of friends 
 and of enemies. The oldest Saugata works incessantly allude to 
 the existing superstition as tlie Marcharya or way of the serpent, 
 contradistinguishing tlieir reformation thereof as the Boddhi-charya 
 or way of the wise; and the Brdhmanical impugners of those works 
 (who, upon so plain a fact, could not lie), invariably speak oi Bud- 
 dhism as a notorious heresy. 
 
 An inconsiderable section of the Saugatas alone, ever held the 
 bold doctrine of mortal soids : and the Swdbhdvika denial of a 
 creation of matter by the fiat of an absolutely immaterial being, 
 springs, not out of tlie obesity of barbarian dulness, but out of the 
 over refinement of philosophical ratiocination. Joinville's idea of 
 the speculative tenets of Buddhism, is utterly erroneous. Many 
 of them are bad indeed : but they are of philosophy all compact 
 profoundly and painfully subtle, sceptical too, rather than atheisti- 
 cally dogmatic. 
 
 At tlie risk of being somewhat miscellaneous in this preface, I 
 must allude to another jioint. The lamented Abel Remusat sent 
 me, just before he died, a copy of his essay on the Saugata doc- 
 trine of the Triad ; and JVLr. Upham, I find, has deduced from 
 Remusat's interpretation of that doctrine, the inference (which 
 he supports by reference to sundry expressions in the sacred books 
 of Ceylon), that I am in error in denying that Buddhism, in its 
 first, and most characteristic form, admits tlie distinction of Clerus 
 et Laicus. It is difficult expressly to define that distinction ; but 
 it may be seen in all its breatlth in Brahmanism and in Poperj' ; 
 whilst in Islamisra, and in the most enthusiastic of the Chris- 
 tian sects, which sprung out of the Reformation, it is wholly lost. 
 
99 
 
 According to my view, Apostolic Christianitj' recognised it not ;* 
 the congregation of the faithful, the Church, was a society of peers, 
 of brethren in the faith, all essentially equal, in gifts, as in place 
 and character. On earth, there were no indispensable mediators, 
 no exclusive professional ones ; and such alone I understand to be 
 priests. Again, genuine monachism all over the world, I hold to 
 be, in its own nature, essentially opposed to the distinction of clergy- 
 man and layman, though we all know that monastic institutions no 
 sooner are rendered matters of public law and of extensive popu- 
 lar prevalence, than, ex vi necessitatis, the distinction in question 
 is superinduced upon them, by the major part of the monks lai- 
 cising, and the rest becoming clergy.^ There are limits to the 
 number of those whom the public can support in idleness : and 
 whoso would eat the bread of the public must perform some duty 
 to the public. Yet who can doubt that tlie true monk, whe- 
 ther coenobite or solitary, is he who abandons the world to save 
 his oicH soul ; as the true clergyman is he who mixes with the 
 world to save the souls of others ? The latter in respect to the 
 people or laics has a distinctive function, and, it may be also 
 an exclusive one : the former has no function at all. Amongst 
 entirely monastic sects, then, the exclusive character of priest is 
 objectless and absurd : and who that has glanced an eye over 
 ecclesiastical history knows not that in proportion as sects are en- 
 thusiastic, they reject and hate, (though nothing tainted with 
 monachism) the exclusive pretensions of the clergy ! Whoever 
 has been able to go along with me in the above reflections can need 
 only to be told that primitive Buddhism was entirely monastic, and 
 
 • I would not be understood to lay stress on this opinon, wiiidi is merely ad- 
 duced to illustrate my argument. 
 
 f History informs us tluit, soon after monachism sui)ervened upon our holy 
 and eminently social religion, there were in Egypt as many monks almost as 
 peasants. Some of these monks necessarily laicised, and the rest became clergy. 
 The community of the (iouiins and several others, of strictly ascctical origin 
 now in India, exhibit the same necessary change after the sects had become 
 numerously followed. 
 
 M 2 
 
100 
 
 of an unboundedly enthusiastical genius,* to be satisfied that it did 
 not recognise the distinction in question. But if, being suspicious 
 of the validity of argumentative inferences, he demand of me sim- 
 ple facts, here they are. In the Sata Sahasrika, Prajna Paramitd, 
 or Racha Bhagavati, and also in the nine Dharmas (the oldest and 
 highest written authorities), it is affirmed more or less directly, or is 
 clearly deducible from the context, in a thousand passages (for the 
 subject is not expressly treated), that the only true followers of 
 Buddha are monks, the majority being coenobites, the rest, soli- 
 taries. The fuUest enumeration of these followers {Bhikshu 
 Srdvaka or Srdmana, Chailaka, and Arhata or Arhana or Arhanf a) 
 proves them to have been all monks, tonsured, subject to the usu^ 
 al vows, (nature teaching to all mankind that wealth, women and 
 power, are the grand tempters,) resident in monasteries ( Vihdr) 
 or in deserts, and essentially peers, though of course acknowledging 
 the claims of superior wisdom and piety. The true church, the 
 congregation of the faithful, is constantly said to consist of such 
 only ; and I am greatly mistaken indeed if the church in this 
 sense be sj^nonymous with the clergy ; or, if the primitive church 
 of Buddha recognized an absolutely distinct body such as we (i. e. 
 Catholics, Lutherans,' and Kirkmen) ordinarily mean when we 
 speak of the latter. The first mention of an exclusive, professional 
 active, minister of religion, or priest, in the Bauddha books, is in 
 those of a comparatively recent date, and not of scriptural authori- 
 ty. Therein the Vajra Achdrya (for so he is called) first appears 
 arrayed with the ordinary attributes of a priest. But his charac- 
 ter is anomalous, as is that of every thing about him ; and the 
 learned Bauddhas of Nepaul at the present day universally admit 
 the falling off from the true faith. We have in these books, 
 Bhilishus, Srdvakas, Chailakas, and Sdkya Vansikas,^ bound by 
 
 ♦ Its distinguishing doctrine is that finite mind can be enlarged to infinite; 
 all the schools uphold this towering tenet, postponing all others to it. As for 
 the scepticism of the Swabhrtvikas relative to those transcendent marvels, 
 creation and providence, it is sufficient to prove its remoteness from •' flat 
 Atheism," simply to point to the noexistence of the cardinal tenet first named. 
 
 I An inscription utCaWi identifies the splendid Salibahana with the head of tlia 
 
101 
 
 their primitive riUes for ten days (in memory of the olden time) 
 and then released from them ; tonsured, yet married ; ostensibly 
 monks, but really citizens of the world. 
 
 From any of the above, the Vajra Achdrya, is drawn indiscri- 
 minately ; he keeps the keys of the no longer open treasury ; and 
 he is surrounded with untonsured ioWowevs, who now present them- 
 selves for the first time. I pretend not to trace with historical 
 nicety all tlie changes which marked the progress of Buddhism 
 as a public institute and creed of millions up to the period of the 
 dispersion : but I am well aware, that the primitive doctrines 
 were not, because they could not be, rigidly adhered to, when what 
 I hold to have been at first the closet speculation of some philoso- 
 phers, had become the dominant creed of large kingdoms. That 
 the latter character was, however, assumed by Buddhism in the 
 plains of India, long before the dispersion, seems certain ; and, as 
 many persons may urge that the thing in question is the domi- 
 nant public institute, not the closet speculation, and that whatever 
 discipline prevailed before the dispersion must be held for primi- 
 tive and orthodox, I can only observe that the ancient books of 
 the Saugatas, whilst they glance at such changes as I have advert- 
 ed to, do so in the language of censure ; and that upon the whole, 
 I still strongly incline to the opinion that genuine or primitive 
 Buddhism (so I cautiously phrased it, originally) rejected the dis- 
 tinction of Clerus et Laicus ; that the use of the word priest by 
 Upham, is generally inaccurate; and that the Sangha of the 
 
 Saka tribe, which is that of Sakya Sinha. The Sahija- Fansihas, or people of 
 the race of Sakya, appeared in Xepaul as refugees from Brahman bigotry, some 
 time after Buddhism had been planted in these hills. Saki/a is universally 
 allowed to have been the son of king Suddhadana, sovereign of Magadha, or 
 Bihar. He is said to have been born in the " Asthan of Kapila Muni" at 
 Ganga Sugar, according to some ; in Oude, as others say. His birth place 
 was not necessarily within his father's kingdom. He may have been born when 
 his father was on a pilgrimage to the shrine of the Saint Kapila. Sakya 
 died, according to my authorities, in Assam, and leltone son named 15a hula 
 BiiADiiA. The Sakas were Kshetriyas of the solar line, according to Bauddha 
 authorities: nor is it any proof of the contrary that they appear not in the 
 Brahmanical genealogies. See note in the sequel. 
 
102 
 
 Buddfdst triad ought to have been invariably rendered by Remusat 
 into 'congregation of the faithful' or 'church,' and never into 
 'clergy' or 'priesthood.' Remusat indeed seems to consider 
 ( Observations, 28-9, and 32), these phrases as synonymous ; and 
 yet the question which their discrimination involves is one which, 
 in respect to our own religion, has been fiercely agitated for hun- 
 dreds of years ; and still, by the very shades of that discrimina- 
 tion, chiefly marks the subsisting distinction between the various 
 Churches of Christ ! 
 
 Following the authority he has relied on, Mr. Upham was at 
 liberty, therefore, to adopt a sense which would consist with 7ny 
 interpretation of phrases such as he alluded to, and which, of 
 course, I found copiously scattered over the works I consulted. 
 
 I always rendered them advisedly into English, so as to exclude 
 the idea of a priesthood, because I had previously satisfied myself, 
 by separate inquiry and reflection^ that that cardinal tenet was re- 
 pugnant to the genius of the creed, and repudiated by its primi- 
 tive teachers. This important point may have been wrongly de- 
 termined by me ; but assuredly the determination of it upon such 
 grounds as Mr. Upiiam's is perfectly futile. Such words as 
 Arhanta and Bandya, (which, by tlie way, are the correct forms 
 of the Burmese Rahatitn and the Chinese Bonze,) no more neces- 
 sarily mean, priest, clergy, than do the Latin, fideles and milites, 
 as applied to Christianity ; and as for the word Sangha, it is 
 indisputable that it does not mean literally priest,* and that it 
 does mean literally congregation. 
 
 If, as Remusat and Upham appear to insist is the case, every 
 monastic follower of Buddha be a priest, then Bandya or 
 Bonze] must be rendered into English by the word ' clergyman.' 
 
 * Observations, p. 92. 
 
 t The possible meuning of this word has employed in vain the sagacity of 
 sundry critics. In its proper form of Bandya, it is pure Sanscrit, signifying a 
 person entitled to reverence, and is derived from Bandana. 
 
 Equally curious and instructive is it to find in tiie Sanscrit records of Bud- 
 dhism the solution of so many enigmas collected by travellers-from all parts of 
 Asia ; e grege, Ei.phinstonk's mound is a genuine Cliaitya, and its proper name 
 
103 
 
 But there will still remain as much difference between Bandya 
 and Sangha jis, in Christiaii estimation, between an ordinary par- 
 son of the present day, and one of the inspired primitive professors. 
 Of old, the spirit descended upon all alike ; and Sangha was this 
 hallowed and gifted congregation. But the glory has passed 
 away, and the term been long sanctified and set apart. So has, 
 in part, and for similar reasons, the word Arhata. But Bandya, 
 as a generic title, and Bhikshu, Srdvaka, and Chailaka, as speci- 
 fic ones, are still every-day names of every-day people, priests, if it 
 must be so, but as I conceive, ascetics or monks merely. In the 
 thick night of ignorance and superstition which still envelopes 
 Tibet, the people fancy they yet behold Arhatas in the persons of 
 their divine Lamas. No such imagination however possesses the 
 heads of the followers of Buddha in Nepaul, Ceylon, or extra 
 Gangetic India ; though in the last mentioned country the name 
 Arhata is popularly applied to the modern order of the clergy, an order 
 growing there, as in Nejjaid, (if my opinions be sound) out of that 
 deviation from tlie primitive genius and type of the system which 
 resulted necessarily from its popular diffusion as the rule of life and 
 practice of whole nations. 
 
 In conclusion I would observe, that, in my apprehension, 
 Remus at's interpretation of the various senses of the Triadic doc- 
 trine is neither very complete, nor very accurate. In a religious 
 point of view, by the first member is understood the founder of 
 
 is Manikalaya, or the place of the precious relic. The mound is a tomb temple. 
 The ' tumuli eorum Christi altaria' of the poet, is more true of Buddhism than 
 even of the most perverted model of Christianity ; the cause being probably the 
 same, originally, in reference to both creeds, viz, persecution and martyrdom, 
 with consequent divine honours to the suflFerers. The Bauddhas, however, have 
 in this matter gone a step further in the descending scale of representative 
 adoration than the Catholics; for they worship the mere image of that structure 
 which is devoted to the inshrining of tlie relics of their saints ; they worship 
 the architectural model or form of the Chaitya, 
 
 The Chaitya of Sambhunath in Nepaul is affirmed to cover Jyoti rupya 
 SwAYAMBHU, self-existent, in the form of flame : nor was there ever any thing ex- 
 clusive of theism in the connection of tomb and temple ; for Chaityas were always 
 dedicated to the Celestial Buddhas, not only in Nepaul, but in the plains of India, 
 as the Chaityas of Sanchi, of Gya, and of Baff, demonstrate. The Dhyani 
 Buddhas appear in the oldtst monuments of the continent and islands. 
 
104 
 
 the creed, and all who, following his steps, have reached the full 
 rank of a Malta Ydnika Buddha ; by the second, the law or scrip- 
 tures of the sect ; and by the third, the congregation of the faith- 
 ful, or primiti\'e church, or body of original disciples, or even, any 
 and every assemblage of true, i. e. of conventual ascetical observers 
 of the laAv, past or present. 
 
 In a philosopliical light, the precedence of Buddha or of 
 Dharma indicates the tlieistic or atheistic school. With the for- 
 mer, Buddha is intellectual essence,* the efficient cause of all, and 
 underived. Dharma is material essence,f the plastic cause, and 
 underived, a co-equal by unity with Buddha ; or else the plastic 
 cause, as before, but dependent and derived from Buddha. 
 Sanyha is derived from, and compounded of, Buddha and Dharma, 
 is their collective energy in the state of action ; the immediate 
 operative cause of creation, its type or its agent.| With the latter 
 or atheistic schools, Dharma is Diva natura, matter as the sole 
 entity, invested with intrinsic activity and intelligence, the effici- 
 ent and material cause of all. 
 
 Buddha is derivative from Dharma, is the active and intelligent 
 force of nature, first put off from it and then operating upon it. 
 Sangha is the result of that operation ; is embryotic creation, the 
 type and sum of all specific forms, which are spontaneously evolv- 
 ed from the union of Buddha with Dharma.^ The above are 
 the principal distinctions, others there are which I cannot venture 
 here to dwell on. 
 
 With regard to Remusat's remark, " on voit que les trois noms 
 sont places sur le meme niveau, comme les trois representations dea 
 
 * Bodhanatmaka iti Buddha, ' the intellectual essence is Buddha.' 
 
 f Dharanatmaka iti Dharma, ' the holding, sustaining or containing sub- 
 stance is Dharma.' Again, Prakritesivari iti I'rajua, ' the material goddess is 
 Prajna,' one of the names of Dharma. The word Prajna is compounded of the 
 intensive prefix pj-a, and jnyana wisdom, or /«</, to know. It imports the 
 supreme wisdom of nature. Dharma is the universal substratum, is that which 
 supports all form and quality in the versatile world. 
 
 \ Samudaijatmika iti Suugha, ' the multitudinous essence is Sanpha .•' mul- 
 titude is the diagnosis of the versatile universe, as unity is of that of abstrac- 
 tion. 
 
 § Frajnaupaytinakuiig Jagguta. 
 
105 
 
 meme etres dans les planches de M. Hodgson avec cette difference 
 que sur celles-ei, Sanga est a droite, et Dharma kgauche,^^ I may 
 just add, that the placing of Sangha to the right is a merely ritual 
 technicality, conformable to iheptijd of the Dakshindchdrs* and that 
 all the philosophers and religionists are agreed in postponing 
 Sangha to Dharma, 
 
 I possess very many drawings exhibiting the arrangement men- 
 tioned by Remusat ; but all subservient to mere ritual purposes 
 and consequently worthy of no serious attention. The MatantarOy 
 or variorum text of the Pujaris of the present day, displays an in- 
 finite variety of formula,f illustrated by corresponding sculptural 
 and pictorial devices, embodied in those works, and transferred 
 from them to the walls and interior of temples existing all over 
 the valley of Nepaul. 
 
 QUOTATIONS. 
 
 The Sivdbhavika Doctrine. 
 
 1. All tilings are governed or perfected by Sioabhdva ;\ I too 
 am governed by Swabhava. {Ashta Sahastika.) 
 
 2. It is proper for the worshipper at the time of worship to reflect 
 tluis: I am jVirlipt,^ and the object o£ my \vors\n\) is I\^irlipt ; 
 I am that God (Iswara) to whom I address myself. Thus meditat- 
 ing, the worshipper should make />?{/« to all the celestials : for exam- 
 ple, to Vajra Satwa Buddha, let him pay his adorations, first, by 
 recollecting that all things with their Vija Mantras came from 
 Swabhdva in this order: — from the vija^ of the letter Y, air; from 
 that of the letter R, fire ; from that of the letter V, or B, water, 
 
 * The theistic sects so call themselves, styling their opposites, the Swabliavi- 
 kas and Prajnikas, Vamuchars. The Pauranikas, too, often designate the Taii- 
 trihas by the latter name, which is equivalent to left-handed. 
 
 f See the classified enumeration of the principal objects of fiai<(/(//<a worship 
 appended to this paper. Appendix B. 
 
 I Swa, own, and hhava, nature. IdiosjTicrasis. 
 § Intact and intangible, independent. 
 
 II Koot, radix, seed. 
 
 N 
 
106 
 
 and from that of the letter L, earth ; and from that of the lettei* 
 S, Mount Sumeru. On the summit of Sumer is a lotos of precious 
 stones, and above the lotos, a moon crescent, upon which sits, 
 supremely exalted, Vajra Satwa. And as all (other) things 
 proceed from Swabhdva, so also does Vajra Satwa, thence called 
 the self-existent.* {Pitjd hand.) 
 
 3. All things and beings (in the versatile universe) which are 
 alike perishable, false as a dream, treacherous as a mirage, pro- 
 ceed, according to some, from Swahhdva (natui'e) and according 
 to others, from God, (Iswara ;) and hence it is said, that Swabhdva 
 and Iswara are essentially one, differing only in name.f (Ashta 
 SaJiasrika.) 
 
 4. At the general dissolution of all things, the four elements 
 shall be absorbed in Sdmjdkar-Akdsh (sheer space) in this order : 
 Earth in water, water in fire, fire in air, and air in Akdsh, and 
 Akdsh in Sunydta, and Sunyata in TatJiatd,\ and Tatliata in 
 Buddha, (which Mahd Sunydta\^ and Buddha in Bhdvana, and 
 Bhdvana in Swabhdva. And when existence is again involved, 
 each shall in the inverse order, progress fi'om the other. From 
 that Swabhdva, which communicates its property of infinity to 
 Akdsh proceeded into being, in Akdsh the letter A. and the 
 rest of the letters ; and from the letters, Adi Buddha || and the 
 other Buddhas ; and from the Buddhas, the Bodhi- Satwas, and 
 from them the five elements, with their Vija Mantras. Such is 
 the Swabhdvika Sansdr ; which Sansdr (universe) constantly re- 
 
 * This may teach us caution in the interpretation of terms. I understand the 
 dogma to announce, that infinite intelligence is as much a part of the system of 
 nature as finite. The mystic allusion to the alphabet imports nothing more than 
 its being the indispensable instrument and means of knowledge or wisdom, 
 which the Buddhists believe man has the capacity of perfecting up to the stand- 
 ard of infinity. 
 
 f See note on No, 3, on the Yatnika sj'stem. 
 
 \ Tathata, says the comment, is Satya Juyan ; and Bhavana is Bhava or 
 Satta, i. e. sheer entity. 
 
 § See note on quobition 1 of the section A'di-Buddhn. 
 
 II Here again T might repeat the caution and remark at quotition 2. I have 
 elsewhere observed, that Stcab/uuika texts, diiJerently interpreted, forai the ba- 
 sis 
 
107 
 
 volves between Pravritti amdi Nirvritti, like a potter's wheel. (i>/- 
 vya Avudan.) 
 
 5. Mahd Si'mydta is, according to some, Sivabhava, and ac- 
 cording to others, Iswara ; it is like the ethereal expance, and self- 
 sustained. In that Mdhd Sunydta, the letter A, wliicli the Vija 
 Mantra of Upaya,* and the chief of all the Vija Mantras of the 
 letters, became manifest. (Rucka Bhdgavati.) 
 
 6. Some say creation is from God : if so, what is the use of 
 Yatna or of Karma ?\ That which made all things, will preserve 
 and destroy them ; that which governs Nirvritti, governs Pravritti 
 also. {^Buddha Charitrakdvya.) 
 
 7. The sandal tree freely communicates its fragrance to him 
 who tears off its bark. Who is not delighted \vith its odour ? It is 
 from Swabhdva. {Kalpalata.) 
 
 8. The elephant's cub, if he find not leafless and thorny creep- 
 ers in the green wood, becomes thin. The crow avoids the ripe 
 mango.| The cause is still Swabhdva. (Do.) 
 
 9. Wlio sharpened the thorn ? Who gave their varied forms, 
 colours, and habits to the deer kind, and to the birds ? Swablidvu! 
 It is not according to the will (ichchha) of any ; and if there be 
 no desire or intention, there can be no in tender or designer. § 
 (^Buddha Charitru.) 
 
 sis of the Aiswarika doctrine, as well as that the Buddhas of the Su-ahhnvikns, 
 who derive their capacity of identifying themselves with the first cause from na- 
 ture, which is that cause, are as largely gifted as the B iiddhas of the Alswarikas, 
 deriving the same capacity from A'di-Buddha, who is that cause. See remarks 
 on Remusat apud Journal of Bengal Asiatic Society, Nos, 32, 33, and 34. 
 
 * Upaija, the expedient, the energy of nature in a state of activity. See the 
 note on No. 6, of the section A'di- Sanghu. 
 
 f See the note on quotation 9 of this head. Yatna and Karma may here be 
 rendered by intellect and morality. 
 
 I These are assumed facts in Natural History ; but not correct. 
 
 § Here is plainly announced that denial of self-consciousness or personality in 
 the causa causarum which constitutes the great defect of the Swabhaviku philo- 
 sophy : and if this denial amount to atheism, the Swahhavikas are, for the most 
 part, atheists ; their denial also of a moral ruler of the universe being a necessary 
 sequel to it. Excepting, however, a small and mean sect of them, they all affirm 
 eternal necessary, entity j nor do any of them reject the soul's existence bevond 
 
 N 2 
 
108 
 
 10. The conch, which is worthy of all praise, bright as the 
 moon, rated first among excellent things, and which is benevolent 
 to all sentient beings, though it be itself insensate, yields its me- 
 lodious music, purely by reason of Swabhdva. {Kalpaluta.) 
 
 1 1. That hands and feet, and belly and back, and head, in fine, 
 organs of whatever kind, are found in the womb, the wise have 
 attributed to Swabhdva; and the union of the soul or life (A'tma) 
 with body, is also Swabhdva. {Buddha Charitra Kdvya.) 
 
 1 2. From Swabhdva (nature) all things proceeded ; by SwaJihd- 
 va all things are preserved. All their difterences of structure and of 
 habits are from Swabhdva : and from Swabhdva comes their des- 
 truction. All things are regulated (suddha) by Swabhdva. Swa- 
 bhdva is known as the Supreme. {Pujd hand, — from the Rucha 
 Bhdgavati, where the substance is found in simdry passages.) 
 
 13. Ahdsh \% »S^«'a6/ia«'?Aa, because it is established, governed, 
 perfected (suddha) by its own force or nature. All things are ab- 
 sorbed in it : it is uncreated or eternal ; it is revealed by its own 
 force ; it is the essence (A'tnia*) of creation, preservation, and 
 destruction ; it is the essence of the five elements ; it is infinite ; 
 it is intellectual essence (Bodhandtmika). The five colours are 
 proper to it ; and the five Buddhas ; and the letters. It is Sun- 
 ydta ; self-supported ; omnipresent : to its essence belong both 
 Pravritti and Nirvritti. This Akdsh, which is omnipresent, and 
 essentially intellectual,! because infinite things are absorbed into 
 
 the grave, or the doctrine of atonement. Still Newton's is, upon the whole, the 
 right judgment, ' Deus sine providentia et dominie nihil est nisi fatum et natura,' 
 The Swahhavika attempts to deify nature are but a sad confusion of cause and ef- 
 fect. Btit, in a serious religiouspointof view, I fail to perceive any superiority pos- 
 sessed by the immaterial pantheism of Brahmans over the material pantheism of 
 the Btiddhists. Metempsychosis and absorption are common to both. 
 
 * One comment on the comment says, A'tma here means sthan or alaya, i. e. 
 the uhi of creation, &c; 
 
 f Akash is here understood as synonymous with Swiyata, that is, as the ele- 
 mental state of all things, the imiversal ubi and modus of primal entity, in a 
 state of abstraction from all specific forms : and it is worthy of note, that amidst 
 these primal principles, intelligence has admission. It is therefore affirmed to be 
 a necessary end, or eternal portion of the system of nature, though separated from 
 
 self- 
 
109 
 
 it, is declared to be infinite. From the infinite nature of this 
 Akdsh were" produced all moving things, each in its own time, 
 in due procession from another, and with its proper difference 
 of form and habits. From the secret nature of Akdsh proceeded 
 likewise, together with the Vij Mantra of each one, air with 
 its own mobility ; and from air, fire with its own heat ; and from 
 fire, water with its intrinsical coldness ; and from water, earth 
 with its own proper solidity or heaviness ; and from earth. Mount 
 Sumeru with its own substance of gold, or with its own sustain- 
 ing power (Dhdtwdtmika) ; and jfrom Sum<;ru, all the various 
 kinds of trees and vegetables ; and from them, all the variety of 
 colours, shapes, flavours, and fragrances, in leaves, flowers, and 
 fruits. Each derived its essential property (as of fire to burn) 
 from itself ; and the order of its procession into existence from the 
 one precedent, by virtue of Swabhdva, operating in time. The 
 several manners of going peculiar to the six classes of animate 
 beings (four-legged, two-legged, &c.) and their several modes of 
 birth, (oviparous, &c.*) all proceeded from Swabhdva. From the 
 Swabhdva of each mansion or habitat {Wiavaua) resulted the 
 differences existing between the several abodes of all the six or- 
 ders of animate beings. The existence of the foetus in the womb 
 proceeds from the Swabhdva of the miion of male and female ; 
 
 self-consciousness or personality. In the same manner, Prajim, the sum of all 
 things, Diva natura, is declared to be eternal, and essentially intelligent, though 
 a material principle. 
 
 • By etcaitera, understand always (more Brahmanorum). That Buddhism 
 forms an integral part of the Indian philosophy is sufficiently proved by the 
 multitude of terms and classifications common to it, and to Brahmanism. 
 The theogony and cosmogony of the latter are expressly those of the former, 
 with sundry additions only, which serve to prove the posteriority of date, and 
 schismatical secession, of the Buddhists. M, Cousin, in his course of philoso- 
 phy, notices the absence of a sceptical school amongst the Indian philosophers. 
 Buddhism, when fully explained, will supply the desideratum; and I would 
 here notice the precipitation with which we are now constantly drawing gene- 
 ral conclusions relative to the scope of Indian speculation, from a knowledge of 
 the Brahmanical writings only— writings equalled or surpassed in number 
 and value by those of the Buddhists, Jains, and other dissenters from the exist- 
 ing orthodox system of Vyasa and Sankarn Acharya. 
 
no 
 
 and its gradual growth and assumption of flesh, bones, skin, and 
 organs, is caused by the joint energy of tlie Swabhdva of the foetus, 
 and that of time, or the Swabhdva of the foetus, operating in time. 
 The procession of all things from birth, through gradual increase, 
 to maturity, and thence, through gradual decay, to death, results 
 spontaneously from the natui'e of each being ; as do the diiferen- 
 ces appropriated to the faculties of the senses and of the mind, 
 and to those external things and internal, which are perceived by 
 them. Speech and sustenance from dressed food in mankind, and 
 the want of speech and the eating of grass in quadrupeds, together 
 with the birth of birds from eggs, of insects from sweat, and of the 
 Gods {Devatas) without parentage of any sort : all these marvels 
 proceed from Swabhdva. (Comment on the Pi(jd hand, quotation 
 12.) 
 
 The AiswAKiKA System. 
 
 1. The self-existent God is the siun of perfections, infinite, 
 eternal, without members or passions ; one with all things (in 
 Pravritti), and separate from aU things (in Nirvritti), infiniformed 
 and formless, the essence oi Pravritti and of Nirvritti.'* (Swayam- 
 bhu Pur ana. ^ 
 
 2. He whose image is Sdiiydta, who is like a cypher or point, 
 infinite, unsustained (in Nirvritti), and sustained (in Pravritti), 
 whose essence is Nirvritti, of whom all things are forms (in Pra- 
 vritti,) and who is yet formless (in Nirvritti), who is the IswarOy 
 the first intellectual essence, the A\li-Bnddha, was revealed by his 
 own will. This self-existent is he whom all know as the only true 
 Being ; and, though the state of Nirvritti be his proper and en- 
 during state, yet, for the sake of Pravritti, (creation), having be- 
 come Pancha-jnydadlmika, he produced the five Baddhas thus ; 
 from Suvi-suddha-dharma-dhdtuja, jnydn, Vairo chana, the su- 
 premely wise, from whom proceed the element of earth, the sight, 
 
 * Pravritti, the versatile universe ; Nirvritti, its opposite, this world and the 
 next. Pravritti is compounded of Pra, an intensitive, and vritti, action, 
 occupation, from the root vu, to blow as the wind; iVoy/v/ft, of iVir, a priva- 
 tive, and vritti, as before. 
 
Ill 
 
 and colours ; and from Adarshana-jnydn, AhsJiobkya, from whom 
 proceed the dement of water, the faculty of hearing, and all sounds ; 
 and from Pratyavekshana-jnydn, Ratna Sambhava, from whom 
 proceed the element of fire, the sense of smell, and all odours ; 
 and from Samta-jnydn, Amitdhha, from whom proceed the ele- 
 ment of air, the sense of taste, and all savours ; and from Krilya- 
 nushtha-jnydn, Amogha Siddha, from whom proceed the element 
 of ether, the faculty of touch, and all the sensible properties of 
 outward things dependent thereon. All these five Buddhas are 
 Pravritti kdmang, or the authors of creation. They possess the 
 five jtiyans, the five colours, the five mudras, and the five vehicles.* 
 The five elements, five senses, and five respective objects of sense, 
 are forms of them.f And these five Buddhas each produced 
 a Bodhi- Salwa, (for the detail, see Asiatic Society's Transactions, 
 vol. xvi.) The five Bodhi- Satwas are Srishtikdmang, or the 
 immediate agents of creation ; and each, in his turn, having be- 
 come Sarvaguna, (invested with all qualities, or invested with the 
 three gunas,) produced all things by his fiat. (Comment on 
 quot. 1.) 
 
 3. All things existent (in the versatile universe) proceed from 
 some cause (Jietii) : that cause is the Tathdgata\ (^A'di- Buddha) ; 
 and that which is the cause of (versatile) existence is the cause 
 
 • See Appendix A. 
 
 \ The five Dhyani Buddhas are said to be Fancha Bhuta, Pancha Indriya, 
 and Pancha Ayatan altar. Hence my conjecture that they are mere personi- 
 fications, according to a theistic theory of the phscnomena of the sensible 
 world. The 6th Dhyani Buddha is, in like manner, the icon and source of the 
 6th sense, and its object, or Manasa and Dharma, i. c. the sentient principle, 
 soul of the senses, or internal sense, and moral and intellectual pha;uomena. 
 In the above passage, however, the association of the five elements is not the 
 most accredited one, which (for example) associates hearing and sounds to 
 Akash. 
 
 I This important word is compounded of Tatha, thus, and gala, gone or got, 
 and is explained in three ways. 1st, thus got or obtained, viz. the rank of a 
 Tathagala, obtained by observance of the rules prescribed for the acquisition of 
 perfect wisdom, of which acquisition, total cessation of births is the efficient 
 consequence, 2nd, thus gone, viz. the mundane existence of the Tathagata, gone 
 
 30 
 
112 
 
 of the cessation or extinction of ail (such) existence : so said 
 Sakya Smha. (^Bhadra Kcdpavadan.) 
 
 4., Body is compounded of the five elements : soul, which 
 tmimates it, is an emanation from the self-existent. (^Swayamhhu 
 purdna.) 
 
 5. Those who have suffered many torments in this Ufe, and 
 have even burned in hell, shall, if they piously serve the Tri Ratna 
 (or Triad), escape from the evils of both. (Avaddii Kalpalata.) 
 
 6. SuBANDU (a Raja of Benares) was childless. He devoted 
 
 so as never to return, mortal births having been closed, and Nirvritti obtained, by 
 perfection of knowledge. 3rd, gone in the same manner as it or they ( birth or 
 births) came; the sceptical and necessitarian conclusion of those who held that 
 both metempsychosis and absorption are beyond our intellect (as objects of know- 
 ledge), and independent of our eifoi-ts (as objects of desire and aversion — as con- 
 tingencies to which we are liable); and that that which causes births, causes 
 likewise (proprio vigore) the ultimate cessation of them. The epithet Tatha- 
 gata, therefore, can only be applied to A'di- Buddha, the self-existent, who is 
 never incarnated, in a figurative, or at least a restricted, sense; — cessation of 
 human births being the essence of what it implies. I have seen the question 
 and answer, ' M'hat is the Tuthagata? It does not come again,' proposed and 
 solved by the liahsha Bliaguvati, in the very spirit and almost in the woi'ds of 
 the Vedus. One of a thousand proofs that have occurred to me how thoroughly 
 Indian Buddhism is. Tathugata, thus gone, or gone as he came, as applied 
 to A'di- Buddha, alludes to his voluntary secession from the versatile world into 
 that of abstraction, of which no mortal can predicate, more than that his depar- 
 ture and his advent are alike simple results of his volition. Some authors sub- 
 stitute this interpretation, exclusively applicable to A'di- Buddha, iov the third 
 sceptical and general interpretation above given. The synonyrae Sugata, or 
 'well gone, for ever quit of versatile existence,' yet further illustrates the ordina- 
 ry meaning of the word Tuthagata, as well as the ultimate scope and genius of 
 the Buddhist religion, of which the end is, freedom from metempsychosis ; and 
 the means, perfect and absolute enlightenment of the understanding, and conse- 
 quent discovery of the grand secret of nature. What that grand secret, that ul- 
 timate truth, that single reality, is, whether all is God, or God is all, seems to be 
 the sole propositum of the oriental philosophic religionists, who have all alike 
 sought to discover it by taking the high priori road. That God is all, appears to 
 be the prevalent and dogmatic determination of the Brahmanists ; that all is God, 
 the preferential but sceptical solution of the Buddhists ; and, in a large view, I 
 believe it would be difficult to indicate any further essential difference between 
 their theoretic systems, both, as I conceive, the unquestionable growth of the In- 
 dian soil, and both founded upon transcendental speculations, conducted in the 
 very same style and manner. 
 
113 
 
 himself to the worship of Iswara {Adi Buddha ;) and by the 
 grace of Iswara a sugar-cane was produced from his sem^n, from 
 wliich a son was born to him. The race* remains to this day, 
 and is called Iksiiava Aku. (Avaddn Kalpalatd.) 
 
 7. When all was void, perfect void, {Sunya, Mahd Sunya) 
 the triliteral syllable Aum became manifest, the first created, the 
 ineffably splendid, surrounded by all the radical letters ( Vijd Ak- 
 shara), as by a necklace. In that Aii^n, he who is present in all 
 things, formless and passionless, and who possesses the Tri Rat- 
 na, was produced by his own will. To him I make adoration. 
 {Swayatnbhu purdnd). 
 
 The Karmika System. 
 
 1. From the union of Upaya and Prajnd,] arose Manas, the 
 lord of the senses, and from Manas proceeded the ten virtues and 
 the ten vices ; so said Sdkya Sinha. {Divya Avadan.) 
 
 2. The being of all things is derived from belief, reliance, (pra- 
 tyaya,) in this order : from false knowledge, delusive impression ; 
 from delusive impression, general notions ; from them, particulars ; 
 from them, the six seats (or outward objects) of the senses ; from 
 them, contact ; from it, definite sensation and perception ; from it, 
 thirst or desire ; from it, embryotic (physical) existence ; from it, 
 birth or actual physical existence ; from it, all the distinctions of 
 genus and species among animate things ; from them, decay and 
 death, after the manner and period peculiar to each. Such is the 
 procession of all things into existence from Avidya, or delusion : 
 and in the inverse order to that of their procession, they retrograde 
 into non-existence. And the egress and regress are both Karmas, 
 
 * That of Snkyn Sinha, and said by the Biildkisls to belong to the solar 
 line of Indian Princes. Nor is it any pi'oof of the contrary, that the Pauranika 
 genealogies exhibit no trace of this race. Those genealogies have been altered 
 again and again, to suit current prejudices or partialities. The Brahmans who 
 obliterated throughout India every vestige of the splendid and extensive literature 
 of the BudJhns, would have little scruple in expunging from their own sacred 
 books the royal lineage of the great founder of Buddhism, 
 
 f See the note on quotation 6 of the section A'di Sunyha. Also the note on 
 quotation 1 of the Yatuika system. 
 
 o 
 
114 
 
 wherefore tliis system is called Kdrmika, (Sdkj/a to his disciples 
 in the Racha Bhagavati.) 
 
 3. The existence of the versatile world is derived sheerly from 
 fancy or imagination, or belief in its reality ; and this false notion 
 is the first Karma of Manas, or first act of the sentient principle, 
 as yet unindividualized ? and unembodied. This belief of the 
 unembodied sentient principle in the reality of a mirage is attended 
 with a longing after it, and a conviction of its worth and reality ; 
 which longing is called Sanscar, and constitutes the second Karma 
 of Manas. When Sanscar becomes excessive, incipient indivi- 
 dual, consciousness arises (third Karma) ; then proceeds an organis- 
 ed and definite, but archetypal body, the seat of that conscious- 
 ness, (fourth Karma) ; from the last results the existence of [the 
 six sensible and cognizable properties of] natural* objects, moral 
 and physical, (fifth Karma.) When the archetypally embodied 
 sentient principle comes to exercise itself on these properties of 
 things, then definite perception or knowledge is produced, as that 
 this is wliite, the other, black ; this is right, the other -svTongy 
 (sixth Karma.) Thence ai'ises desh'e or worldly affection in the ar- 
 chetj-pal body, (seventh Karma,) which leads to corporeal concep- 
 tion, (eighth,) and that to physical birth, (ninth.) From birth re- 
 sult the varieties of genus and species distinguishing animated 
 
 * So I render, after much inquiry, the Shad Ayatati, or six seats of the senses 
 external and internal ; and which are in detail as follows : Rupa, Sat-da, Ganda^ 
 Rasa, Sparsa, Dliarma. There is an obvious difficulty as to Sparsa, and some 
 also as to JJharma. The whole category of the Ayatans expresses outward things : 
 and after much investigation, I gather, that under Rupa is comprised not only 
 colour, but form too, so far as its discrimination (or, in Karmika terms, its exist- 
 ence) depends on sight ; and that all other u«specified properties of body are re- 
 ferred to Sparsa, which therefore includes not only temperature, roughness, and 
 smoothness, and hardness, and its opposite, but also gravity, and even extended 
 figure, though not extension in the abstract. 
 
 Here we have not merely the secondary or sensible properties of matter, but also 
 the primary ones ; and, as the existtnct of the Ayatans or outward objects perceived, 
 is said to be derived from the ludriyas, (or from Manas, which is their collective 
 cner:ry. ) in other words, to be derived from the sheer exercise of the percipient pow- 
 ers the Karmika system amounts to idealism. Nor is there any difficulty thence aris- 
 ing in reference to the Karmika doctrine, which clearly affirms that theorj- by its de- 
 rivation 
 
H5 
 
 nature, (tenth Karma,) and thence come decay and death in the 
 time and maHuer peculiar to each, (eleventh and final Karma.) 
 Such is the evolution of aU things in Pravritti; opposed to which 
 is Nirvritti, and the recurrence of Nirvritti is the sheer conse- 
 quence of the abandonment of all absurd ideas respecting the 
 reality and stability of Pravritti, or, which is the same thing, the 
 abandonment of Avidi/a: for, when Avidya is relinquished or 
 overcome, Sanscdra and all the rest of the Karmas or acts of the 
 sentient principle, vanish with it ; and also, of course, all mun- 
 dane things and existences, which are thence only derived. Now, 
 therefore, we see that Pravritti or the versatile Avorld is the con- 
 sequence of affection for a shadow, m the belief that it is a sub- 
 stance ; and Nirvritti is the consequence of an abandonment of all 
 such affection and belief. And Pravritti and Nirvritti, which 
 divide the universe, are Karmas; wherefore the system is called 
 Kdrmika. (Comment on Quotation 2.) 
 
 4. Since the world is produced by the Karma of Manas, or 
 
 rivation of all things from Pnit u a y a (^heXM), or from Avidya (ignorance). But the 
 Indriyas and Aycttans,\y\t\\ their necessary connexion, (and, possibly, also, the mak- 
 ing Avidya the source of all thintrs, ) belong likewise to one section at least of the 
 Sw'ibh'ivihn school ; and, in re.'ard to it, it will require a nice hand to exhibit this 
 Berkleyan notion existing co-ordinately with the leading tenet of the Swubhuvikas. 
 In the way of explanation I may observe, first, that the denial of material entity 
 involved in the Indriya and Ayatan theory (as in that of Avidya) respects solely 
 the versatile world of Pravritti, or of specific forms merely, and does not touch 
 the Nirvrittiha state of formative powers and of primal substances, to which lat- 
 ter, in that condition, the qualities of gravity, and even of extended figure, in 
 any sense cognizable by human faculties, are denied, at the same time, that the 
 real and even eternal existence of those substances, in that state, is affirmed. 
 
 Second, ihowxh Dharma, the sixth Ayatan, be rendered by virtue, the appropri- 
 ated object of the internal sense, it must be remembered, that most of the 
 6'?ro!)/iay/Aas, whilst they deny a moral ruler of the universe, affirm the existence 
 of morality as a part of the system of nature. Others again (the minority) of the 
 Swahhavihas reject the sixth Indriya, and sixth Ayatan, and, with them, the 
 sixth Uhyani Buddha, or Vujra Satwa, who, by the way. is the Magnus Apollo 
 of the Tantrikas, a sect the mj^tic and obscene character of whose ritual is 
 redeemed by its unusually explicit enunciation and acknowledgment of a " God 
 above all " 
 
 The published explanations of the procession of all things from Avidya appear 
 to me irreconcilably to conflict with the ideal basis of the theory. 
 
 O 2 
 
116 
 
 sheer act of the sentient principle, it is therefore called Karmika. 
 The manner of procession of all things into existence is thus. 
 From the union of Upaya and of Prajna, Manas proceeded ; and 
 irova 3Ianas,Avidy a ;sa\^ from Avidya, Sanscdr ; and from /S'anscar, 
 Vijnydna; and from Vijuydna, Ndmarupa; and from Ndmarupa, 
 the Shad Ayatan ;* andfrom them, Vedana ; and from it, Trishna ; 
 and from it, Upaddn; and from it, Bhava; and from it, Jati ; and 
 from it, Jaramara/ia. Andirom Jdtirupya Manas,{i. e. the sentient 
 principle in organized animate beings) emanated the ten virtues 
 and ten vices. And as men's words and deeds partake of the 
 character of the one or the other, is their lot disposed, felicity be- 
 ing inseparably boimd to virtue, and misery to vice, by the very 
 nature of Karma. 
 
 Such is the procession of all things into existence from Manas 
 through Avidya; and when Avidya ceases, all the rest cease 
 with it. Now, since Avidyd is a false knowledge, and is also the 
 medium of all mundane existence, when it ceases, the world 
 vanishes ; and Manas, relieved from its illusion, is absorbed into 
 Updya Prajna.^ Pravritti is the state of things under the influ- 
 ence oiAindyd ; and the cessation oi Avidyd is jVirvritti : Prdvrittl 
 and Nirvritti are both Karmas. (Another comment on Quot. 2.) 
 
 5. The actions of a man's former births constitute his des- 
 tiny. J {Puny a paroda.) 
 
 6. He who has received from nature such wisdom as to read 
 
 * i. e. colour, odour, savour, sound, the properties dependent on toucl», 
 (which are hardness, and its opposite, temperature, roughness and smoothness, 
 and also I believe gravity and extended figure,) and lastly, right and wrong. 
 They are called the seats of the six senses, tlie five ordinary, and one internal. 
 In this quotation I have purposely retained the original terms. Their import 
 may be gathered from the immediately preceding quotations and note, which 
 the curious may compare with Mr. Colebuookk's explication. See his paper 
 on the Baudilhu philosophy, apud Trans. Roy. As. Socy. quarto vol. 
 
 f The Vamacharas say, -into Prajna Upaya : see note on quotation 6 of the 
 section A'di Sanyha. 
 
 i Duii'i/a, identified with J'di BuJdhu by the thcistic, and with Fate, by the 
 atheistic doctuis. The precisu equivalent of the maxim itself is our ' conduct 
 is fate.' 
 
117 
 
 his own heart, and those of all others, even he cannot erase the 
 cliaracters which Vidhdtri* has written on his forehead. {Avadau 
 Kalpalatd.) 
 
 7. As the faithful servant walks behind his master when he 
 walks, and stands behind him when he stands, so every animate 
 being is bound in the chains of Karma. (Ditto.) 
 
 8. Karma accompanies every one, every where, every instant, 
 through the forest, and across the ocean, and over the highest 
 mountains, into the heaven of Indra^ and into Pdtdla (hell) ; and 
 no power can stay it. (Ditto.) 
 
 9. Kanax,, son of king Asoka, because in one birth he pluck- 
 ed out the golden eyes from a Chaitya,^ had his own eyes plucked 
 out in the next ; and because he in that birth bestowed a pair of 
 golden eyes on a Chaitya, received himself in the succeeding birth 
 eyes of unequalled splendour. {Avadan Kalpalatd.) 
 
 10. Sakya Sinha's son, named Ra'hula Bhadra, remained 
 six years in the womb of his mother Yasodra. The pain and 
 anxiety of mother and son were caused by the Karmas of their 
 former births. (Ditto.) 
 
 11. Although I had required {Sdkya speaks of himself) a 
 perfect body, still, even in this body, defect again appeared ; because 
 I had yet to expiate a small residue of the sins of former births. 
 {Lallita Vistara.) 
 
 • Bramha, but here understood to be Karma. 
 
 f Chai/i/a is the name of the tomb temples or relic-consecrated churches of 
 the Buddhists, The essential part of the structure is the lower hemisphere : 
 above this a square basement or Toran always supports the acutely conical or 
 pyramidal superstructure, and on all four sides of that basement two eyes are 
 placed. Wherever the lower hemispliere is found, is indisputable evidence of 
 Buddhism, e. g. ' the topes' of Manihalaya and of Peshawar, In niches at 
 the base of the hemisphere are frequently enshrined four of the five I'/ryu/a' 
 Buddhas, one opposite to each cardinal point. Akshohhya occupies the eastern 
 niche; liatna so/zifc/jai-u, the southern ; ^;ni<ut/ja, the western, and Amoghasid- 
 dha, the northern. Vairochana, the first Dhyuni Buddha, is supposed to occupy 
 the centre, invisibly. Sometimes, however, he appears viiibly, being placed at 
 the right-hand of Aksliobhya. 
 
118 
 
 The Yatnika System. 
 
 1. Iswara (A'di Buddha) produced Yatna fi'om Prajna ;* and 
 the cause of Pravrittl and Nirvritti is Yatna ; and all the difficul- 
 ties that occur in the affairs of this world and the next are vanquish- 
 ed by Yatna (or conscious intellectual effort.) {Divya Avadan.) 
 
 2. That above mentioned Iswara, by means of Yatna, produc- 
 ed the five Jnydns, whence sprang the five Buddhas. The five 
 Buddhas, in like manner, (i. e. by means of Yatna,) produced the 
 five Bodhi satwas : and they again, by the same means, created 
 the greater Devatds from their bodies, and the lesser ones, from 
 the hairs of their bodies. In like manner, Brahma created the 
 three Lokas\ and all moving and motionless things. Among 
 mortals, all difficulties are overcome by Yatna ; for example, tlaose 
 of the sea by ships, those of illness by medicine, those of travelling 
 by equipages — and want of paper, by prepared skin and bark of 
 trees. And as all our worldly obstacles are removed by Yatna, 
 so the wisdom which wins Nirvritti for us is the result of Yatna ; 
 because by it alone are charity and the rest of the virtues acquired. 
 Since therefore all the goods of this world and of the next depend 
 upon Yatna, Sakya Sinha wandered from region to region to 
 teach mankind that cardinal truth. (Comment on Quotation 1.) 
 
 3. That Adi Buddha, whom the Swabhdvikas call Sioabhdva, 
 and the Aiswdrikas, Iswara,\ produced a Bodhi satioa, who, 
 having migrated througli the three worlds, and through all six 
 forms of animate existence, and experienced the goods and evils 
 of every state of being, appeared, at last, as Sdkya Sinha, to teach 
 
 * This, as I conceive, is an attempt to remedy that cardinal defect of the old- 
 er Swahhavika school, v\z. the denial of personality, and conscious power and 
 wisdom in the first cause. To the same effect is the Karndka assertion, that 
 Manas proceeded from tlie union of Upaya and Prujua, Karma I understand 
 to mean conscious moral effort, and Yatna, conscious intellectual effort. Their 
 admission in respect to human nature implies it3/)cee<;jV/, as their assignation to 
 the divine nature implies its personality. 
 
 \ The celestial, terrene, and infernal divisions of the versatile universe. 
 
 \ Passag^es of this entirely pyrrhonic tenure incessantly recur in the oldest 
 and highest authorities of the Buddhists; hence the assertion of the preface that 
 Sugatism is rather sceptical than athelsticully dogmatic. 
 
119 
 
 mankind the real sources of happiness and misery, and the doc- 
 trines of th^ four schools of philosophy ;* and then, by means of 
 Yatna, having obtained Bodhi-jnydn, and having fulfilled all the 
 Pdramitds (transcendental virtues,) he at length became Nlrvdn. 
 {Divya Avaddn.) 
 
 4. Sakya Sinha, having emanated from that self-existent, 
 which, according to some, is Swabhdva, and according to others, 
 is Iswara, was produced for the purpose of preserving all crea- 
 tures. He first adopted the Pravritti Mdrga (secular character,) 
 and in several births exercised Yatna and Karma, reaping the 
 fruits of his actions in all the three woi'lds. He then exercised 
 Yatna and Karma in the Nlrvritti Mdrga (ascetical or monastic 
 character) essaying a release from this mortal coil, fulfilling the ten 
 virtues from the Satya to the Dwdpara Yuga, till at last, in the 
 Kali Yuga, ha^'ing completely freed himself from sublmiary cares, 
 having become a Bhikshuka,^ and gone to Buddh Gyd, he reject- 
 ed and reviled the Bnilimanical penance, did all sorts of true pe- 
 nance for six years under the tree of knowledge on banks of the 
 Niranjana river ; conquered the Namuddmara,\ obtained Bodhi- 
 jnydn, became the most perfect of the Buddhas, seated himself 
 among the Bodhi satwas, (Ananda ' Bhikshu^ and the rest,) grant- 
 ed Avisdom to the simple, fulfilled the desires of millions of peo- 
 ple, and gave Moksha^ to them and to himself. {Lallita Vistdra.) 
 
 5. A hare fell in with a tiger : by means of Yatna the hare 
 threw the tiger into a well. Hence it appears that Yatna prevails 
 over physical force, knowledge, and the Mantras. {Bhadra 
 Kalpavadan.) 
 
 * Expressly called in the comment the Sivabhavika, Aiswarika, Yittniku, 
 and Karmika systems. I find no authority in Saugata books for the Brabmi- 
 iiical nomenclature of the Bauddha philosophical schools. 
 
 f Mendicant: one of the four regular orders of the Bauddhas. See the 
 Preface. 
 
 \ A Daitya of Kanchanapura, personification of the principle of evil. 
 Bodliijnyan is the wisdom of Buddhism. Ananda was one of the firtt and ab- 
 lest of Sakya's disciples. The first code of Buddhism is attributed to him. 
 
 § Emancipation, absorption. 
 
120 
 
 6. Nara Sinha (Raja of Benares) was a monster of cruelty. 
 Satta Swama Raja, by means of Yatna, compelled him to deliver 
 up 100 Rajkumdrs, whom Nara Sinha had destined for a sacrifice 
 to the gods. {Bhadra Kalpavadan.) 
 
 7. SuDHANA KuMARA found a bcautiful daughter of a horse- 
 faced Raja named Druma. By means of Yatna he carried her off, 
 and kept her ; and was immortalized for the exploit. (^Sivayambhu 
 Pur ana.') 
 
 Adi Buddha. 
 
 1. Know that when, in the beginning, all was perfect void 
 {Maha simydta,*) and the five elements were not, then A^di Bud- 
 dha, the stainless, was revealed in the form of flame or light. 
 
 2. He in whom are the three gunas, who is the Maha Miirti 
 and the Visvarupa (form of all things,) became manifest : he is 
 the self-existent great Buddha, the A'di ndth, tlie Maheswara. 
 
 3. He is the cause of aU existences in the three worlds ; the 
 cause of their well being also. From his profound meditation 
 {Dht/dn,) the universe was produced by him. 
 
 4. He is the self-existent, the Isivara, the sura of perfections, 
 the infinite, void of members or passions : all things are types of 
 him, and yet lie was no type : he is the form of all things, and yet 
 formless. 
 
 * The doctrine of Sumjata is the darliest corner of the metaphysical laby- 
 rinth. 18 kinds of Sunyata are enumerated in the J?aAsAa J9A«^oyah'. I un- 
 derstand it to mean generally space, which some of our philosophers have held 
 to be plenum, others a vacuum. In the transcendental sense of the Buddhists, 
 it signifies not merely the universal ubi, but also the modus existendi of all 
 things in the state of quiescence and abstraction from phoenomenal being. The 
 Buddhists have eternised matter or nature in that state. The energy of 
 nature ever is, but is not ever exerted; and when not exerted, it is considered 
 to be void of all those qualities which necessarily imply perishableness. INIost 
 of the Buddhists deem (upon different grounds) all phoenomena to be as purely 
 illusory as do the Vedantists. The phoenomena of the latter are sheer energies 
 of God ; those of the former are sheer energies of Nature, deified and substitut- 
 ed for God. See note on quot. six of this section A\U Sangha, The Aisioa- 
 rikas put their A'di Buddha in place of the nature of the older Swabhavi- 
 fias. See Journal of As. Soc. No. 3.3, Art. 1 . 
 
121 
 
 o. He is without parts, shapeless, self-sustained, void of pain 
 and care, eternal and not eternal ;* him I salute. {Kdranda Vyiiha.) 
 
 6. Adi Buddha is without beginning. He is perfect, pure 
 within, the essence of the wisdom of thatness, or absolute truth. 
 He knows all the past. His words are ever the same. 
 
 7. He is without second. He is omnipresent. He is the Nai- 
 ratmya lion to the Kutirtha deer.f {Nam sangti.) 
 
 8. I make salutation to A'di Buddha, who is one and sole in 
 the universe ; who gives every one Bodhi-jnyan ; whose name is 
 Updya ; who became manifest in the greatest Sunydta, as the let- 
 ter A. Who is the Tathagata ; who is known only to those who have 
 attained the wisdom of absolute truth. (Ditto.) 
 
 9. As in the mirror we mortals see our forms reflected, so 
 A'di Buddha is known (in Pravritti) by the 32 lahshanas and 80 
 anuvinjanas, (Ditto.) 
 
 10. As the rainbow, by means of its five colours, forewarns 
 mortals of the coming weather, so does Adi Buddha admonish the 
 world of its good and evil actions by means of his five essential 
 colours. J (Ditto.) 
 
 11. Adi Buddha delights in making happy every sentient be- 
 ing ; he tenderly loves those who serve him. His majesty fills all 
 with reverence and awe. He is the assuager of pain and grief. 
 (Ditto.) 
 
 * One in Nirvritti ; the other in Pravritti ; and so of all the preceding con- 
 trasted epithets. Nirvritti is quiescence and abstraction : Pravritti, action 
 and concretion. All the schools admit these two modes, and thus solve the 
 difficulty of diflPerent propertips existing in cause and in effects. 
 
 f Comment says, that Nairatmya is ' Sarva Dharmanam nirabhas lakshan- 
 ang ;" and that Tirtha means Moksha, and Xa<?r</ia. any perversion of the 
 doctrine of Moksha, as to say it consists in absorption into jBrn/im .- and it 
 explains the whole thus, ' He thunders in the ears of all those who misinterpret 
 Moksha ; there is no true Moksha, but Sunyata. ' Another comment gives the 
 sense thus," dividing the sentence into two parts, ' There is no atma (life or 
 soul) without him : he alarms the wicked as the lion the deer.' The first com- 
 mentator is a Swohhavika ; the second, an Aiswarika one. 
 
 \ White, blue, yellow, red, and green, assigned to the five Dhyani Buddhas, 
 
 For a detail of the lakshanas, anuvinjanas, balas, basitas, &c. uf the neigh- 
 bouring quotations, see Appendix A. 
 
 P 
 
122 
 
 12. He is the possessor of the 10 virtues; the giver of the 
 10 virtues; tlie lord of the 10 heavens; lord of the Universe; 
 present in the 10 heavens. (Ditto.) 
 
 13. By reason of the \0 jnydns, his soul is enlightened. He 
 too is the enlightener of the 10 jnydns. He has 10 forms and 
 10 significations, and 10 strengths, and 10 hasitas. He is omni- 
 present, the chief of the Munis. (Ditto.) 
 
 14. He has five bodies, and ^ve jnydns, and five sights ; is 
 the mukat of the five Buddhas, w^ithout partner. (Ditto.) 
 
 15. He. is the creator of all the Buddhas: the chief of the 
 Bodhi sativas are cherished by him. He is the creator of Prajnd, 
 and of the world ; himself unmade. Aliter, he made the world by 
 the assistance of Prajnd ; himself unmade. He is the author of 
 virtue, the destroyer of aU things.* (Ditto.) 
 
 16. He is the essence of all essences. He is the Vajra-dtma. 
 He is the instantly-produced lord of the universe ; the creator of 
 Akdsk. He assumes the form of fire, by reason of the Prajnya- 
 rupi-jnydn, to consume the straw of ignorance. (Ditto.) 
 
 Adi Prajnd, or Dharma. 
 1. I salute that Prajnd Paramitd, who by reason of her orani- 
 science causes the tranquillity-seeking Srdvakas\ to obtain absorp- 
 tion ; who, by her knowledge of all the ways of action, causes each 
 to go in the path suited to his genius, of whom wise men have 
 said, that the external and internal diversities belonging to all 
 animate nature, as produced by her, who is the mother of 
 Buddha {^Buddha Mdtrd) of that Buddha to whose service all 
 the Srdvakas and Bodhi-satwas dedicate themselves. (Pancha- 
 vingsati Sahasrika.) 
 
 * The comment on tins passage is very full, and very curious, in as much as 
 it reduces many of these supreme deities to mere parts of speech. Here is the 
 summin]? up of tliQ comment: 'He (A'di Buddha) is the instructor of the 
 Buddhas and of the Bodhi-satwas. He is known by the knowledg-e of spiritual 
 ■wisdom. He is the creator and destroyer of alt things, the fountain of virtue.' 
 gpiritna} wisdoiti is stated to consist of SUa^ Samndhi, Prajna, Vimukhti, and 
 Jm/an ,, 
 
 f Nnvne of one of the ascetical order* of Bnddhi$ts. See Preface. 
 
123 
 
 2. First air, then fire, tlieii water, then earth,* and in the 
 centre of eaifh, Sum^ru, the sides of which are the residence of 
 the 33 millions of gods (Decatds,) and above tliese, upon a Lotos 
 of precious stones, sustaining the mansion of the moon (or a 
 moon-crescent) sits Prajnd Paraniitd, in the Lallila-dsan man- 
 ner;! Prajnd, the mother of all the gods {Prasu-bhagavatdng^) 
 and without beginning or end,(andd^ant.) {Bhadra Kalpavaddn.) 
 
 3. I make salutation to the Prajnd Devi, who is the Prajnd 
 Paramitd, the Prajnd rupa, the Nir rupa, and the universal mo- 
 ther. {Pujd kand.y 
 
 4. Thou Prajnd art, like Akdsh, intact and intangible ; thou 
 art above' all human wants ; thou art established by thy own 
 power. He who devoutly serves thee serves the Tathdgata also. 
 {Ashta Sahasrika.) 
 
 5. Thou mighty object of my worship I thou Prajnd, art the 
 sum of all good qualities ; and Buddha is the Gurii of the world. 
 The wise make no distinction between thee and Buddha. {Ashta 
 Sahasrika.) 
 
 6. O thou who art merciful to thy worshippers, the benevolent, 
 knowing thee to be the source of Bauddha excellence, attain per- 
 fect happiness by the worship of thee ! (Ditto.) 
 
 7. Those Buddhas who are merciful, and the Gurus of the 
 world, all such Buddluis are thy children. Thou art all good, 
 and the universal mother {Sakaljagat Pitd Mahi.) (Ditto.) 
 
 8. Every Buddha assembling his disciples instructs them 
 how from unity thou becomest multiformed and many named. 
 (Ditto.) 
 
 9. Thou comest not from any place, thou goest not to any 
 place. Do the wise nowhere find thee ?| (Ditto.) 
 
 • In this enumeration of material elements, Akash is omitted : but it i3 
 mentioned, and most emphatically, in quot. 4, as in the 50 other. places quoted. 
 In like manner, the five elements are frequently mentioned, without allusion to 
 the 6th, which however occurs in fit places. Omission of this sort is no denial, 
 
 f i. e. one leg tucked under the other, advanced and resting on the bow of 
 the moon-crescent. 
 
 \ The force of the question is this, the wise certainly find thee. 
 
 r 2 
 
124 
 
 10. The Buddhas, Pratyeka Buddhas, and Srdvakas,* have 
 all devoutly served thee. By thee alone is absorption obtained. 
 These are truths revealed in all Shdstras. (Ditto.) 
 
 11. What tongue can utter thy praises, thou of whose being 
 (or manifestation) there is no cause but thy owji will. No Purdna 
 hath revealed any attribute by which thou mayest certainly be 
 known. (Ditto.) 
 
 12. When all was Sunydta, Prdjnd Devi was revealed out 
 of Akdsh with the letter U ; Prdjnd, the mother of all the Btid- 
 dhas and Bodhi-satwas, in whose heart Dharma ever resides ; 
 Prdjnd, who is without the world and the world's wisdom, full of 
 the wisdom of absolute truth : the giver and the ikon of that 
 wisdom ; the ever living {Sanatani) ; the inscrutable ; the mother 
 oi Buddha. \ [Ptijd hand.) 
 
 13. O Prdjnd Devi ! thou art the mother (Janani) of all the 
 Buddhas, the grandmother of the Bodhi-satwas, and great grand- 
 mother of all (other) creatures! thou art the goddess (/««««.) 
 (Ditto.) 
 
 14. Thou, Sri Bhagavati Devi Prdjnd, art the sum of all the 
 sciences, the mother of all the Buddhas, the enlightener of Bodhi- 
 ^"«?/aM, the light of the universe ! {Gunakdranda Vyuha.) 
 
 15. The humbler of the pride oi Namuchi-mdra, and of all 
 proud ones : the giver of the quality of Satya ; the possessor of all 
 the sciences, the Lakshmi; the protector of all mortals, such is the 
 Dharma Ratna. (Ditto.) 
 
 16. All that the Buddhas have said, as contained in the Mahd 
 Ydna Sutra and the rest of the Sutras, is a[so Dharma Ratna.\. 
 (Ditto.) 
 
 • The Buddhas are of three grades: the hiy:hest is Maha Vana, the medial, 
 Pratyeka, and the lowest, Sravaka. These three grades are called collectively 
 the Tri- Yana, or three chariots, bearing their possessors to transcendental 
 glory. 
 
 f Sugatju, which the ('amachars render, ' of whom Buddha was born ;' the 
 Dakshinachars, ' born of Buddha, or goer to Buddha,' as wife to husband. 
 
 :J Hence tlie scriptures are worshipped as forms of A'di Dharma Sutra, 
 means literally thread (of discourse,) iiphurism. Sa/iya, like other Indian 
 
 sage?. 
 
125 
 
 17. Because Buddha sits on the brow, the splendour thence 
 derived to tlty form ilhiniinates all the ethereal expanse, and 
 sheds over the three worlds the light of a miUion of suns, the four 
 Devatds, Brahma, Vishmi, Mahesa, and Indra, are oppressed be- 
 neath thy feet, which is advanced in the Alir-Asan. O Arya Tdrd ! 
 he who shall meditate on thee in this form shall be relieved from 
 all future births. {Sarakd Dhard.*) 
 
 18. Thy manifestation, say some of the wise, is thus, from 
 the roots of the hairs of thy body sprang Akdsh, heaven, earth, 
 and hades, together with their inhabitants, the greater Devatds, 
 the lesser, the Daityas, the Siddhds, Gandharbas, and Nagds. So 
 too (from thy hairs,) wonderful to tell ! were produced the various 
 mansions of the Buddhas, together with the thousands of Buddhas 
 who occupy them.j From thy own being were formed aU mov- 
 ing and motionless things without exception. (Ditto.) 
 
 19. Salutation to Prdjnd Devi, from whom, in the form of 
 desire, the production of the world was excellently obtained, J 
 who is beautiful as the full moon, the mother of Adi Buddha, 
 {Jinindra Matra,) and wife of (the other) Buddha, who is 
 imperishable as adamant. {Sddhana Mala.) 
 
 sages, taught orally, and it is doubtful if he himself reduced his doctrines to a 
 written code, though the great scriptures of the sect are now generally attribut- 
 ed to him. Sutra is now the title of the books of highest authority among the 
 Bauddhas. 
 
 * Composed by Sarvajna Mitrapada of Kashmir, and in very high esteem, 
 though not of scriptural authority. 
 
 f These thousands of Buddhas of immortal mould are somewhat opposed to 
 the so called simplicity of Buddhism ! ! whatever were the primitive doctrines 
 of Sak'ja, it is certain that the system attributed to him, and now found in the 
 written authorities of the sect, is the very antipodes of simplicity. 
 
 \ DUarmadya-sangala Kanirupini, variously rendered, ' well got from the 
 rise of virtue,' ' well got from the rise or origin of the world ;' also as in text, 
 Dharmaddya, the source of all things, signifies likewise the Yoyii, of which the 
 type is a triangle. See 20. The triangle is a familiar symbol in temples of the 
 Buddha Saktis, and of the Triad. & The point in the midst represents ei- 
 ther A'di Buddha or A'di Prujna, according to the theistic or atheistic tenden- 
 cy of his opinions who uses it. Our commentator is of the Vamachar or Athe- 
 istic school, and such also is his text. 
 
126 
 
 20, That I'oni, from which the world was made manifest, is 
 the Trikondkar Yantra. In the midst of the Yantra or trikon 
 (triangle) is a Imidu (point, cypher): from that biiidii, A'di 
 Prdjnd revealed herself by her own will. From one side of the 
 triangle Adi Prdjnd produced Buddha, and from another side, 
 Dharma, and from the third side, Sangha. That A'di Prdjnd is 
 the mother of that Buddha who issued from the first side ; and 
 Dharma, who issued from -the second side, is the wife of the 
 Buddha of the first side, and the mother of the other Buddhas. 
 (Comment on quotation 19.) 
 
 21. Salutation to Prdjnd Pdramitd, the infinite, who, when 
 all was void, was revealed by her own will, out of the letter U. 
 Prdjnd, the Sakti of Upaya, the sustainer of all things, (Dhar- 
 7niki) the mother of the world, {Jagat-mdtra ;) the Dhydn-riipa, 
 the mother of the Buddhas. The modesty of women is a form 
 of her, and the prosperity of all earthly things. She is the wisdom 
 of mortals, and the ease, and the joy, and the emancipation, and 
 the knowledge. Prdjnd is present every where. ( Sddhana Mdla.) 
 
 Adi Sangha. 
 
 1 . That Amitabha, by virtue of his Samta-jnydn, created the 
 Bodhi-satwa named Padma-pdni, and committed to his hands the 
 lotos.* (^Gimakdranda Vydha.^ 
 
 2. From between his {Padma-pdni' s) shoulders sprang Brah- 
 ma ; from his forehead, Mahd Deva ; from his two eyes, the sun 
 
 * Type of creative power. A'mitabha is the 4th Dhyani or celestial Buddha: 
 Padina-paiii is his jEon and executive minister, radma-pani is the prceseus 
 Divus and creator of the existing system of worlds. Hence his identification 
 with the third member of ttie Triad. He is figured as a graceful youth, erect, 
 and bearing in eitlier hand a lotos and a jewel. The last circumstance expljjins 
 tlie meaning of tlie celebrated Shadahshari Mantra, or six-lettered invocation 
 of him, viz. Om ! Mane padme horn ! of which so many corrupt versions and more 
 corrupt interpretations have appeared from Chinese, Tibetan, Japanese, Mongo- 
 lese, and other sources. Tlie mantra in question is one of three, .addressed to the 
 several members of the Triad. But Wxt pra;sens Divus, whether he be Augustus 
 or Padma-pani, is every thing with the many. Hence the notoriety of this jnan- 
 tra, whilst the others are hardly ever heard of, and have thus remained unknown 
 to our travellers. 
 
127 
 
 and mouii ; t'roin his mouth, the air ; from his teeth, Saraswafi ; 
 from his belly, Variina ; from his knees, Lakshmi ; from his feet, 
 the earth ; from his navel, water ; from the roots of his hair, the 
 Indras and other Devatds. (Ditto.) 
 
 3. For the sake of obtaining Nirvritti, I devote myself to the 
 feet of Sangha, who, having assumed the three Gunas, created 
 the three worlds. {Pujd hand.) 
 
 4. He {Padma-pdni) is the possessor of Satya Dharma, the 
 Bodhi-satwa, the lord of the world, tlie Mahd-satwa, the master 
 of all the /)/<arwas. (^G unukdranda Vt/uJia.) 
 
 5. The lord of all worlds, (Sarvalokddhipa,) the Sri-mdn, the 
 Dharma Raja, the Loktswara, sprang from A'di-Buddha* {Jinat- 
 muja.) Such is he whom men know for the Sanyha Ratna. 
 (Ditto.) 
 
 6. From the union of the essences of Updya and of Prdjnd\ 
 proceeded the world, which is Sangha. 
 
 P. S. With regard to the consistency or otherwise of the view 
 of the subject taken in the sketch of Buddhism, with the general 
 tenor of the foregone quotations, I would observe, that the ideal 
 theory involved in the Prdjnika, Swabhdvikas, and in the Karmika 
 doctrines, was omitted by me in the sketch, from some then remain- 
 
 • From A'mitahha Buddha immediately : mediately from A'di Buddha. 
 
 f Such is the Aiswarika reading. The Prajnikas read ' from the union of 
 Prajna and. Upaya.' 
 
 ■With the former, Upaya is A'di Buddha, the efficient and plastic cause, or 
 only the former ; and Prajna is A'di Dharma, plastic cause, a biunity with 
 Buddha, or only a product. With the latter, Upaya is the energy of Prajna, 
 the universal material cause. 
 
 The original aphorism, as I believe, is, ' Prajnoupai/atmakanp jagata,' which 
 I thus translate ; ' From the universal material principle, in a state of activity, 
 proceeded the world.' This original Sufra has, however, undergone two trans- 
 formations to suit it to the respective doctrines of the Triadic Aiswarikas and of the 
 Karmikas. The version of the former is, Upayprajnamakang sangha, that of 
 the latter is, Upayprajnatmahang manasa. Of both, the I'paya is identical with 
 A'di Buddha, and the Prajna with A'lli Dharma. But the result— the 
 unsophisticated jngat of the Parjnikas, became A'di Sangha, a creator, with the 
 Aiswarikas ; and Manasa, the sentient principle in man, the first production, 
 and producer of all other things, with the Kannikas. Avidya, or the condition 
 
 of 
 
128 
 
 ing hesitation as to its real drift, as well as its connexion with those 
 schools, and no other. Upon this exclusive connexion I have still 
 some doubt. For the rest, I retain unchanged the opinions ex- 
 pressed in the sketch, that the Karmika and Ydtnika schools are 
 more recent than the others — that they owe their origin to attempts 
 to qualify the extravagant quietism of the primitive Swabhdvikas, 
 and even of the Aiswarikas — and that their contradistinguishing 
 mark is the preference given by them respectively to morals, or to 
 intellect, with a view to final beatitude. The assertion of the 
 Ashtasahasrika, that Swabhdva, or nature absolutely disposes of 
 us, not less than the assertion of others, that an immaterial aT)- 
 straction so disposes of us, very logically leads the author of the 
 Buddha Charitra to deny the use of virtue or intellect. To op- 
 pose these ancient notions was, I conceive, the especial object of 
 those who, by laying due stress on Karma and Yatna, gave rise 
 to the Karmika and Ydtnika schools. But that these latter enter- 
 tained such just and adequate notions of God's providence, or 
 man's free will, as we are familiar with, it is not necessary to sup- 
 pose, and is altogether improbable. None such they could enter- 
 tain if, as I believe, they adopted the more general principles of 
 their predecessors. The ideal theory or denial of the reality of the 
 versatile world, has, in some of its numerous phrases, a philosophi- 
 cal foundation ; but its prevalence and popularity among the 
 
 of mundane things and existences, is an illusion, alike with the Prajnikas and 
 ■with the Karmikas. But, whilst the former consider Avidya the universal affec- 
 tion of the material and immediate cause of all things whatever ; the latter re- 
 gard Avidya as an affection of manas merely, which they hold to be an immate- 
 rial principle and the mediate cause of all things else, A'di Buddha being their 
 final cause. The phaenomena of both are homogeneous and unreal : but the 
 Prajnikas derive them, directly, from a material source — the Karmihis, indirect- 
 ly, from an immaterial fount. Our sober European thoughts and languages can 
 scarcely cope with such extravagancies as these : but it would seem we must call 
 the one doctrine material, the other, immaterial, idealism. 
 
 The phaenomena of the Prajnikas are sheer energies of matter, those of the 
 Karmikas, are sheer (human) perceptions. The notions of the former rest on 
 general grounds— those of the latter, on particular ones, or (as it has been phras- 
 ed) upon the putting the world into a man's self; the Greek "panton metron 
 anthropos." 
 
129 
 
 Buddhists are ascribable principally to that enthusiastic contempt 
 of action for which these quietists are so remarkable. Their pas- 
 sionate love of abstractions is another prop of this theory. 
 
 APPENDIX A. 
 
 Detail of the principal attributes of A^di Buddha and of the 
 18 Sunyata. 
 
 The 32 Lakshana. 
 
 5. 
 6. 
 
 7. 
 8. 
 
 9- 
 10. 
 
 11. 
 12. 
 13. 
 14. 
 15. 
 
 f Chakrangkita pani pada , ,, 
 
 I talatd. 
 
 f Supratishthita pani pada 17. 
 
 I talata. 18. 
 
 f Jalabuddha Vajranguli 19. 
 
 ( pani pada talata. 20. 
 
 f Mridu tariina hasta pada 21. 
 
 1 talata. 22. 
 
 Sapto chandata. 23. 
 
 Dirghangulita. 24. 
 
 Ayata parsha nita. 25. 
 
 Rijii gatrata. 26. 
 
 U'stanga padata. 27. 
 
 U'rdhiinga romata. 28. 
 
 Ainaya Junghata. 29. 
 
 Paturii bahuta. 30. 
 
 Koshgata vasti gnhyata. 31. 
 
 Suvarna Varnatd. 32. 
 Sukla chavita. 
 
 ( Pradakshina Vartaika ro- 
 
 l mata. 
 
 U'rnalangkrita Mv'ikhata. 
 Singha purbardha Kayata. 
 Susambhita skandhata. 
 Chittantarangata. 
 Rasrasagrata. 
 Nyagradha parimandalata. 
 U'shnisha Siraskata. 
 Prabhuta Jihwata. 
 Prastambaratd. 
 Singha hanuta. 
 Sukla hanuta, 
 S^na dantati. 
 Hansa Vikranta gamita. 
 Avirala dantata. 
 Sama chatwa ringsat duntata. 
 Abhinila nettrata. 
 
 The 80 Vyatijana. 
 
 1. A'tamra nakluUa. 3. Tunga nakhata. 
 
 2. Snigdha nakhata. 4. Chittrangulita. 
 
 Q 
 
130 
 
 5. 
 
 Auupurvangiilita. 
 
 38. 
 
 Gambhira n^bhitd. 
 
 6. 
 
 G6dha Sirata. 
 
 39. 
 
 Pradakshina varta nibhita. 
 
 7. 
 8. 
 
 Niggrandhi Sirata. 
 Gudha gulphata. 
 
 40. 
 41. 
 
 Samant prasadikata. 
 Suclii samuda charata. 
 
 9. 
 10. 
 11. 
 12. 
 
 Abishama padata. 
 Singha Vikranta gamita. 
 Naga Vikranta gamita. 
 Hansa Vikranta gamita. 
 
 42. 
 43. 
 
 44. 
 
 Byapaga tailakal gatrata. 
 
 f Gandha sadrisa sukumara 
 
 i panita. 
 Snigdha pani Mkhita. 
 
 13. 
 
 Vrishabha vikranta gamita. 
 
 45. 
 
 Gambhira pani l^khita. 
 
 14. 
 
 Pradakshina gS^mit^. 
 
 46. 
 
 Ayta pani lekhita. 
 
 15. 
 16. 
 17. 
 
 Charu gamita. 
 Abakra gamita. 
 Brita gatratd. 
 
 47. 
 48. 
 49. 
 
 Natyaeta vachanata. 
 Bimba pritibimbosthta. 
 Mridu jihwata. 
 
 18. 
 
 Mrista gatrata. 
 
 50. 
 
 Tanu jihwata. 
 
 19. 
 20. 
 21. 
 22. 
 
 Anupurva gatrata. 
 SuchI gatrata. 
 Mridu gatrata. 
 Bistiddha gatrata. 
 
 51. 
 52. 
 
 53. 
 
 Megha garjita ghosata. 
 Rakta jihwata. 
 
 ( Madhura Charu manju 
 
 I Swurata. 
 
 23. 
 
 24. 
 
 ParipCirna Vyanjanata. 
 f Prathu charu mandala 
 1 ■ gatrata. 
 
 54. 
 55. 
 56. 
 
 Vritta dangstrata. 
 Tikshna dangstrata. 
 Sukla dangstrata. 
 
 25. 
 26. 
 27. 
 
 Sama kramata. 
 Bisuddha n6ttrata. 
 Sukumara gatrata. 
 
 57. 
 58. 
 59. 
 
 Sama dangstrata. 
 Anupurva dangstrata. 
 Tiinga nasikata. 
 
 28. 
 
 Adina gatrata. 
 
 60. 
 
 Shuchi nasikata. 
 
 29. 
 
 U'tsaha gatrata. 
 
 61. 
 
 Visala n^ttrata. 
 
 30. 
 
 Gambhira kukshata. 
 
 62. 
 
 Chittra pukshmata. 
 
 31. 
 
 Prasanna gatrata. - 
 
 63. 
 
 f Sita sita kamala dala 
 
 32. 
 33. 
 
 f Subibhaktanga pratyan- 
 1, gata. 
 Bitimira Sudliwa lakata. 
 
 , 64. 
 65. 
 
 1 nettrata. 
 Ay6t krikata. 
 S6kla bhrukata. 
 
 34. 
 35. 
 36. 
 
 Bitunga kuksliita. 
 Mrista kuksliita. 
 Abhya kuksliita. 
 
 66. 
 67. 
 68. 
 
 Susnigdha bhrukata. 
 Pin%ata bhuja latatd. 
 Sama karnata. 
 
 37. 
 
 Akshobha kuksliita. 
 
 69. 
 
 Anu])ahata karneudriata. 
 
131 
 
 To. Aparisthana lalatata. 
 
 71. Prithu lalatata, 
 
 72. Siiparipurnottamangata. 
 
 73. Bliramara sadrisa keshata. 
 
 74. Chittra keshata. 
 
 75. Guhya keshata* 
 
 76. Asangunita keshata. 
 
 77. Apurusha keshata. 
 
 78. Surabhi keshata. 
 
 79. Sribasta mukti kanangha. 
 f Vartula chinhita pani pa- 
 l da talata. 
 
 80. 
 
 
 
 The 5 
 
 Varana. 
 
 1. 
 
 2. 
 
 Sweta. 
 Nila. 
 
 
 
 4. Rakta. 
 
 5. Syama. 
 
 3. 
 
 Pita. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The 10 Pdramitd. 
 
 1. 
 
 Dana. 
 
 
 
 6. Prajna. 
 
 2. 
 
 Sila. 
 
 
 
 7. Upaya. 
 
 3. 
 
 Santi. 
 
 
 
 8. Bala. 
 
 4. 
 
 Virya. 
 
 
 
 9. Pranidhi. 
 
 5. 
 
 Dhyan. 
 
 
 
 10. Jnyan. 
 
 
 
 The 
 
 10 Bhitvana. 
 
 1. 
 
 PramCidhita. 
 
 
 
 6, Abhimukhi. 
 
 2. 
 
 Vimala. 
 
 
 
 7. Di'irangama. 
 
 3. 
 
 Prabhakari. . 
 
 
 
 8. Sadhumati. 
 
 4. 
 
 Archisluiiati. 
 
 
 
 9. Samanta prabha. 
 
 5. 
 
 Sudurjaya. 
 
 
 
 10. Dliarma megha. 
 
 1. Dukh'ha Jnyan. 
 
 2. Samudya Jnyan. 
 
 3. Nirodha Jnyan. 
 
 4. Marga Jnyan. 
 
 5. Dharma Jnyan. 
 
 1. Prithivy akara. 
 
 2. Jal akara. 
 
 3. Agny akara. 
 
 4. Vayu akira. 
 
 5. Akas akara. 
 
 The 10 Jnydnas. 
 
 6. Artha Jnyan. 
 
 7. Sambirthi Jnyan. 
 
 8. Parachitta Jnj^an. 
 
 9. Kshaya Jnyan. 
 10. Aniitpada Jnyan. 
 
 The 10 Akara. 
 
 6. Ak^sa nirodh akdra. 
 
 7. Vayu nirodh akara. 
 
 8. Agni nirodh akara. 
 
 9. Jala nirodh akara. 
 10. Prithivi nirodh akara. 
 
 Q 2 
 
132 
 
 1. Prdn artha. 
 
 2. Apan artha. 
 
 3. Saman artha. 
 
 4. Udan ^rtha. 
 
 5. Vyan ^rtha. 
 
 The 10 Artha. 
 
 6. Kiirm drtha. 
 
 7. Krikar artha. 
 
 8. Nag artha. 
 
 9. Deva ddt drtha. 
 10. Dhananjy drtha. 
 
 The 10 Bala. 
 
 1. Sthana sthana Jnyan bala. 
 
 2. Karma vipaka Jnyan bala. 
 
 3. Nanadliatii Jnyan bala. 
 
 4. Nand vimukti Jnyan bala. 
 
 5. Satandria prapara Jnyan 
 
 bala. 
 
 6. Sarvatragami pritipatti Jnyan 
 
 bala. 
 
 7. Dhyan, Vimaksha Sama- 
 
 dhi, Samapatti Sang- 
 kl^sh, Vyavadan Sthana 
 Jnyan bala. 
 
 8. Purva nivS,sa nusmriti 
 
 Jnyan bala. 
 
 9. Vyuttiitpatti Jnyan bala. 
 10, Asrabakshaya Jnyan bala. 
 
 1. Aynr basita. 
 
 2. Chitta basita. 
 
 3. Pariskara basita. 
 
 4. Dharma basita. 
 
 5. Abdhwi basita. 
 
 1. Dharma kaya. 
 
 2. Sambhoga kaya. 
 
 3. Nirmana kaya. 
 
 1. Mansa chakshu. 
 
 2. Dharma chakshu, 
 
 3. Prajnyan chakshu. 
 
 The 10 Basita. 
 
 6. Janma basita. 
 
 7. Adhimiikti basita. 
 
 8. PranidhS,na basita. 
 
 9. Karma basita. 
 10. Jnyan basita. 
 
 The 5 Kaya. 
 
 4. Maha Sukha kaya. 
 
 5. Jnyan kaya. 
 
 The 5 Chakshu. 
 
 4. Divya chakshu. 
 
 5. Buddha chakshu. 
 
 The 18 Sunyata. 
 
 5. Maha sunyata. 
 
 6. Paramartha sunyata. 
 Adhyatma Bahirdha sunyata. 7. Sanscrita sunyata. 
 Sunyata sunyata. 8. Asanscrita sunyata. 
 
 Adhyatma sunyata. 
 BahirdhS, sunyata. 
 
133 
 
 9. Atiyanta sunyata. 
 
 10. Aiidbarigra sunyata. 
 
 1 1 . Anavakara sunyata. 
 
 12. Prikriti sunyata. 
 
 13. Sarvadliarma sunyata. 
 
 Matantara 20 Sunyata 
 
 14. Salaksliana sunyata. 
 
 15. Anupalambha sunyata. 
 
 16. Abhava sunyata. 
 
 17. Siibhava sunyata. 
 
 18. Abhava Subhava sunyata. 
 
 19. Lakshana sunyata. 
 
 20. Alakshana sunyata. 
 
 APPENDIX B. 
 
 Classified enumeration of the principal objects of Banddha JVorship. 
 
 Ekamnaya, 
 
 TJpaya. 
 
 Adi-Buddha. 
 
 Maha-Vairochana. 
 
 Ekamnayi. 
 
 Prajna. 
 
 Praj na-paramita. 
 
 Dwayamnaya. 
 
 I. 2. 
 
 TJpaya. Prajna. < Root of theistic doctrine. 
 
 1. 2. 
 
 Prajna. Upaya. < Root of atheistic ditto. 
 Trayamnaya. 
 
 
 1. 2. 3. 
 
 
 Dharma. Buddha. Sangha. 
 
 
 2. 1. 3. 
 
 
 Sangha. Buddha. Dharma, 
 
 
 1. 2. 3. 
 
 
 Buddha. Dharma. Sangha. 
 
 
 Pancha-Buddhamnaya. 
 
 4. 2. 
 
 1. 3. 5. 
 
 mitabha. Akshobhya. 
 
 Vairochana. Ratnasambhava. Amoghasiddha. 
 
 
 Panclia- Prajnamnayi. 
 
 4. 2. 
 
 1. 3, 5. 
 
 Pandara. Lochana. 
 
 "Vajradhatwisvari. Mamaki. Tara. 
 
 
 Pancha- SanyJiamnaya. 
 
 4. 2. 
 
 1. 3. 5. 
 
 Padmapani. Vajrapani. Samantabhadra. Ratnapani. Viswapani. 
 
134 
 
 Bhrikuti-tara, 
 
 1, 
 
 Vairochana. 
 
 1. 
 
 Vajradhatwisvari. 
 
 1. 
 
 Samantabhadra. 
 
 1. 
 
 Sitatara. 
 
 4. 
 Amitabha, 
 
 4. 
 Tara. 
 
 Viswatara. 
 
 Amoghasiddha. 
 
 Tara. 
 
 Viswapani. 
 
 Visvatara. 
 
 5. 
 
 Akshobhya. 
 
 6. 
 
 Lochana. 
 
 Pancha- Smigha- Prajnamnayi, 
 
 2. 1. 3. 
 
 Ugratara. Sitatara Ratnatara. 
 
 Matantara- Pancha- B uddhamnay a, 
 
 2. 3. 4. 
 
 Akshobhya. Ratnasambhava. Amitabha. 
 
 Matantara- Pancha- PTajnamuayi. 
 
 2. 3. 4. 
 
 Lochana. Mamaki. Pandara. 
 
 Matantara- Pancha- Samjhamnaya. 
 2. 3. 4. 
 
 Vajrapani. Ratnapani. Padmapani. 
 Matantara- Pancha-Sangha- Prajnamnayi. 
 2. 3. 4. 
 
 Ugratar:!. Ratnatara. Bhrikutitara. 
 
 Matantara- Pancha- B uddhamnay a. 
 2. 1. 3. 
 
 Amoghasiddha. Vairochana. Ratnasambhava. 
 Matantara- Pancha- Prajnamnayi . 
 2. 1. 3. 
 
 Mamaki. Vajradhatwisvari. Pandara. 
 Shad- A^mnaya- Buddhah. 
 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 
 
 Vairochana. Akshobhya. Ratnasambhava. Amitabha. Amoghasiddha. Vajrasatwa. 
 Sh at- Prajnamnayi. 
 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 
 
 Vajradhatwisvari. Lochana. Mamaki. Pandara. Tara. Vajrasatwatmika. 
 Shat- Sanghamnaya. 
 1. ' 2. 3. 4. 6. 6. 
 
 Samantabhadra. Vajrapani. Ratnapani. Padmapani. Viswapani. Ghantapani. 
 Manushiya-Sapta-Buddhamnaya. 
 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 
 
 Vipasyi. Sikhi. Viswabha. Kakutsanda Kanakamuni. Kasyapa. Sakyasinha. 
 Matantara- Manush iyu- Sajjta- Bnddhamnaya. 
 6. 4. 2. 1. 3. 5. 7. 
 
 Kasyapa. Kakutsanda. Sikhi. Vipasyi. Viswabha. Kanakamuni. Sakyasinha. 
 Prajna- Miarita-Dhyani- Nava- Buddhamnaya. 
 2. 1. 3. 
 
 Akshobhya. Vairochana- Vajradhatwisvari. Ratnasambhava. 
 8. 6. 4. 5. 7. 9. 
 
 Pandara. Lochana. Amitabha. Amoghasiddha. Mamaki. Tara. 
 Dhyani- Nava- B uddhamnay a, 
 4. 2. 1. 3. 5, 
 
 Amitabha. Akshobhya. Vairochana. Ratnasambhava. Amoghasiddha, 
 8. 6. 7. 9. 
 
 Vajradharma. Vajrasatwa. Vajraraja. Vajrakamia. 
 
135 
 
 Dhyani- Na va- Prajnamnaiji. 
 4. *" 2. 1. 3. 5. 
 
 Pandara. Lochana. Vajradhatwisvari. Mamaki. T.ira. 
 8. 6. 7. 9. 
 
 Dhannavajrini. Vajrasatwatmika. Ratnavajrini. Karmavajrini. 
 
 Dhyani- Nava- Sanghamndyah. 
 4. 2. 1. 3. 5. 
 
 Padmapani. Vajrapani. Samantabhadra. Ratnapaai. Viswapani. 
 8. 6. 7. 9. 
 
 Dhavmapani. Ghantapani. Manipani. Karmapani. 
 Misrita-Nava-BuddUamnayanam ete Misrita-Nava- Saiighamnayuh^ 
 2. 1. 3. 
 
 Maitreya. Avalokiteswara. Gaganaganja. 
 6. 4. 6. 7. 
 
 Manjughosha. Samantabhadra. Vajrapani. Sarva-nivarana-vishkambhi. 
 8. 9. 
 
 Kshitigarbha. Khagarbha. 
 Mhrita- Nava- Btiddhamnayanam ete Nava- Dharmamnayah Faustakah Buddlia- 
 Dharma-sangha- Mand<de Piijanakrame etan Midam, 
 
 2. 1. 3. 
 
 Gandavyuha. Prajna-paramita. Dasabhumiswara. 
 6. 4. 5. 7. 
 
 Saddharmapundarika. Samadliiraja. Laiikavatara. Tathagataguhyaku. 
 8, 9. 
 
 Lalita-vistara. Suvarna-prabha. 
 Nava- Bod/tisalwa- Saiig/ia- Prajnamnn yah . 
 4. 2. 1. 3. 5. 
 
 Sitatara, Maitrayani. Bhrikutitara. Pushpatara. Ekajata. 
 
 8. 6. 7. 9. 
 
 Dipatara. Vagiswari. Dhupatara. Gandhatara. 
 
 Nava- Devi- Pnijuamnayi. 
 2. 1. 3. 8. 4. 
 
 Vajravidarini, Vasundhara. Ganapati-hridaya. Marichi. Ushnisha-vijaya. 
 5. 7. 8. 9. 
 
 Parnasavari. Grahamatrika. Pratyangira. Dhwajagrakeyuri. 
 
 Misrita- Nava- Dharma.nnay all. 
 
 4. 2. 1. 3. 5. 
 
 Pandara. Lochana. Vajradhatwlswari. fllamaki. Tara. 
 
 8. 6. 7. 9. 
 
 Pratyangira. Vajrasatwatmika. Vasundhara. Guhycswari. 
 
 Mavushiya-Nava- Buddhamnayah. 
 
 4. 2. 1. 3. 6. 
 
 Sikhi. Katnagarbha. Dipankara. Vipasyi. Viswabhu. 
 
 8. 6. 7. 9. 
 
 Kasyapa. Kakutsanda. Kanakamuni. SaVyasinha. 
 
136 
 
 Manushiya-Nava-Buddhamnayah, 
 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 
 
 Dipankara. Ratnagarbha. Vipasyi. Sikhi. Viswabhu. 
 
 6. 7. 8. 9. 
 
 Kakutsanda. Kanakamuni. Kasyapa. Sakyasinha. 
 
 Manushiya-Nava-Prajnamnayi. 
 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 
 
 Jwalavati. Lakshanavati. Vipasyanti. Sikhamalini. Viswadhara. 
 6. 7 8. 9. 
 
 Kakudvati. Kanthanamalini. Mahidhara. Yasodhara. 
 
 Nava- Bhikshu- Sanghamnayah. 
 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 
 
 Pradipeswara. Ratnaraja. Mahamati. Ratnadhara. A'kasaganja. 
 
 6. 7. 8. 9. 
 
 Sakalamangala. Kanakaraja. Dharmodara. Ananda. 
 
 Iti Sri-Ekamnayadi-Navanuiaya-Devatiih Samaptah. 
 N. B. The authority for these details is the Dharma Sangraha, or catalogue 
 raisonne of the terminology of Bauddha system of philosophy and religion. 
 
 No. IV. 
 
 EUROPEAN SPECULATIONS ON BUDDHISM. 
 
 (Printed from the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Nos. 32, 33, and 
 34, A. D. 1834.) 
 
 In the late M. Abel Remusat's review of my sketch of 
 Buddhism, (Journal des Savans, Mai, 1831,) with the perusal of 
 which I have just been favoured by Mr, J. Prinsep, there occurs 
 (p. 263) the following passage: "L'une des croyances les plus 
 importantes, et celle sur laquelle I'essai de M. Hodgson fournit 
 le moins de lumieres, est celle des avenemens ou incarnations 
 {avatdra). Le nom de Tathdgata (avenu*) qu'on donne a Sakia 
 n'est point expliqu6 dans son memoire ; et quant aux incar- 
 nations, le religieux dont les reponses ont fourni la substance 
 de ce memoire, ne semble pas en reconnoitre d'autres que celles 
 des sept Bouddhas, II est pourtant certain qu'on en compte une 
 
 * A radical mistake ; sec tlic sequel. 
 
137 
 
 infinite d'autres ; et les lamas du Tibet se considerent eux memes 
 comme autant de divinites incarnees pour le salut des horames." 
 
 I confess I am somewhat surprised by these observations, since 
 whatever degree of useful information relative to Buddhism my 
 essays in the Calcutta and London Transactions may furnish, 
 they profess iiot to give any, (save ex vi necessitatis) concerning 
 the ' veritable . nonsens' of the system. And in what light, I 
 pray you, is sober sense to regard " une infinite" of phantoms, 
 challenging belief in their historical existence as the founders and 
 propagators of a given code of laws ? The Lallila Vistara gravely 
 assigns oOo, or according to another copy, 550, avatars to Sakya 
 alone. Was I seriously to incline to- the task of collecting and 
 recording all that is attributed to these palpable nonentities'? or, 
 was it merely desired that I should explain the rationale of the 
 doctrine of incarnation ? If the latter only be the desideratum, 
 here is a summary recapitulation of what I thought I had alrea- 
 dy sufficiently explained. 
 
 The scale of Bauddha perfectibility has countless degrees, seve- 
 ral of which towards the summit express attributes really divine, 
 however short of the transcendental glory of a fathdgata in 
 nirvrilti. Nevertheless, these attributes appertain to persons subject 
 to mortal births and deaths, of wliich the series is as little limited 
 as is that scale of cumulative merits to which it expressly refers. 
 But, if the scale of increasing merits, with proportionate powers 
 in tlie occupiers of each grade, have almost infinite extent, and yet 
 mortal birtii cleave to every grade but the very highest, what 
 wonder that men-gods should be common ? or, that the appear- 
 ance again in the flesli, of beings, who are far more largely gifted 
 than the greatest of the devatas, sliould be called an avatar f 
 Such avatars, in all their successive mortal advents till they can 
 reach the estate of a tatJidgata, are the arhantas, and the bodhisat- 
 ivas, the prati/eka and the srdvaka-Buddhas. They are gods 
 and far more than gods; yet they were originally, and still quoad 
 birth and death are, mere men. When I stated that the divine 
 Lamas of Tibet are, in fact, arhantas; but that a very gross 
 superstition had wrested the just notion of the character of the lat- 
 
 R 
 
I3S~ 
 
 ter to its own use, I thought I had enabled every reader to forrfl 
 a clear idea of that marvel of human folly, the immortal mortals, 
 or present palpable divinities of Tibet ! How few and easy the 
 steps from a theory of human perfectibility, with an apparently 
 interminable metempsychosis, to a practical tenet such as the 
 Tibetans hold ! 
 
 But Remusat speaks of the incarnations of the tathdgatas : 
 this is a mistake, and a radical one. A tathdgata may be such 
 whilst yet lingering in the flesh of that mortal birth in which he 
 reached this supreme grade ; — and here, by the way, is another 
 very obvious foundation for the Tibetan extravagance — but when 
 once, by that body's decay, the tathdgata has passed into nirvriiti, 
 he can never be again incarnated. The only true and proper 
 Buddha is the Maha Ydnika or Tathdgata Buddha. Such are all 
 the ' sapta Buddha ; of whom it is abundantly certain that not 
 one ever was, or by the principles of the creed, could be, incar- 
 nated. Sakya's incarnations all belong to the period preceding 
 his becoming a Tathdgata, Absolute quietism is the enduring 
 state of a Tathdgata : and, had it been otherwise. Buddhism woidd 
 have been justly chargeable with a more stupendous absurdity 
 than that from which Remusat in vain essays to clear it. ' Plu- 
 sieurs absolus — plusieurs infinis' there are ; and they are bad 
 enough, though the absolute infinity be restricted to the fruition 
 of the subject. But the case would have been tenfold M'orse had 
 activity been ascribed to these beings ; for we should then have 
 had an unlimited nmnber of infinite ruling providences ! The infi- 
 nite of the Buddhists is 7iever incarnated ; nor the finite of the 
 Brahmans. Avatdrs are an essential and consistent part of Brahman- 
 ism — an unessential and inconsistent part of Buddhism : and there 
 is always this material difference between the avatar of the former 
 and of the latter, that whereas in the one it is an incarnation of 
 the supreme and infinite spirit, for recognised purposes of crea- 
 tion or rule ; in the other, it is an incarnation of a mere human 
 spirit — (however approximated by its own efforts to the infinite) 
 and for what purpose it is impossible to say, consistently with the 
 jyrincfj)les of the creed. I exclude here all consideration of the 
 
139 
 
 ^hyuni, or celestial Buddhas, because Remusat's reference is ex- 
 pressly to the seven mdnushi or human ones. 
 
 The word tathdgata is reduced to its elements, and explained 
 in three ways — 1st. thus gone, which means gone in such a man- 
 ner that he (the tathdgata) will never appear again ; births 
 having been closed by the attaiimaent of perfection. 2nd. thus got 
 or obtained, which is to say, (cessation of births) obtained, degree 
 by degree, in the manner described in the Bauddlia scriptures, 
 and by observance of the precepts therein laid down. 3rd. thus 
 gone, that is, gone as it (birth) came^^the pyrrhonic interpretation 
 of those who hold that doubt is the end, as well as beginning, of 
 msdom ; and that that which causes birth, causes likewise the 
 ultimate cessation of them, whether that ' final close' be consci- 
 ous immortality or virtual nothingness. Thus the epithet tathd- 
 gata, so far from meaning ' come' (avenu), and implying incarna- 
 tion, as Remusat supposed, signifies the direct contrary, or ' gone 
 for ever,' and expressly announces the impossibility of incarnation ; 
 and this according to all the schools, sceptical, theistic, and 
 atheistic. 
 
 I shall not, I suppose, be again asked for the incarnations of 
 the tathdgatas* Nor, I fancy, will any philosophical peruser of 
 tlie above etymology of this important word liave much hesita- 
 tion in refusing, on this ground alone, any portion of his serious 
 attention to the ' infinite' of Buddliist avatars, such as they really 
 are. To my mind they belong to the very same category of my- 
 thological shado^^'s with the infinity of distinct Buddhas, which 
 latter, when I first disclosed it as a fact in relation to the belief of 
 these sectaries, led me to warn my readers " to keep a steady eye 
 upon the authoritative assertion of the old scriptures, that Sakta 
 is the 7th and last of the Buddhas.'''^ 
 
 The purpose of my two essays on Buddhism was to seize and 
 render intelligible the leading and least absurd of the opinions and 
 practices of these religionists, in order to facilitate to my country- 
 
 * To the question, what is the talhugata, the most holy of Buddhist scriptures 
 returneth for answer, ' It does not come again, it does not come ajjain.' 
 f Asiatic Researches, vol, xvi. p. 445. 
 R 2 
 
140 
 
 men the study of an entirely new and difficult subject in those ori- 
 ginal Sanscrit authorities* which I had discovered and placed 
 within their reach, but no living interpreters of which, I knew, 
 were accessible to them, in Bengal or in Europe. 
 
 I had no purpose, nor have I, to meddle with the interminable 
 sheer absurdities of the Bauddha philosophy or religion ; and, had 
 I not been called upon for proofs of the numerous novel state- 
 ments my two essays contained, I should not probably have recur- 
 red at all to the topic. But sensible of the prevalent literary scep- 
 ticism of our day and race, I have answered that call, and furnish- 
 ed to the Royal Asiatic Society, a copious selection from those origi- 
 nal works which I had some years previously discovered the exist- 
 ence of in Nepaul. I trust that a further consideration of my two 
 published essays, as illustrated by the new paper just mentioned, 
 will suffice to remove from the minds of my continental readers 
 most of those doubts of Remusat, the solution of which does not 
 necessarily imply conversancy on my pai*t with details as absurd 
 as interminable. I cannot, however, be answerable for the mis- 
 takes of my commentators. One signal one, on the part of the 
 lamented author in question, I have just discussed : others of im- 
 portance I have adverted to elsewhere: and I shall here confine 
 myself to the mention of one more belonging to the review from 
 which I have quoted. In speaking of the classification of the people, 
 Remusat considers tlie vajra acharya to be laics ; which is so far 
 from being true that they and they alone constitute the clergy. 
 The bhikshuka can indeed perform some of the lower offices of re- 
 ligion : but the vajra acharya solely are competent to the discharge 
 of the higiier ; and, in point of fact, are the only real clergy. That 
 the distinction of clems et laicus in this creed is altogether an 
 anomaly, resulting from the decay of tlie primitive asceticism of 
 
 * Nearly 50 vols, in Sanscrit, and four times as many in the lanj^age of Ti- 
 bet, were sent by me to Calcutta between the years 1824 and 30. The former 
 had never been before heard of, nor the latter possessed, by Europeans. 
 
 [See the notices of the contents of the Tibetan works and their Sanscrit origi- 
 nals by M. CsoMA DE KoRos, and by Professor H. H. Wii.son in the 3rd vol. of 
 Gleanings, and 1st vol. of .Journal As. Soc. — Ed.] 
 
141 
 
 the sect, I have endeavoured to shew elsewhere, and cannot afford 
 room for repetition in this place. 
 
 The critics generally have been, I observe, prompt to adopt my 
 caution relative to local superstitions, as opposed to the original 
 creed of the Bauddhas. But they have carried their caution too far, 
 and by so doing, have cast a shade of doubt and suspicion over 
 things sufficiently entitled to exemption therefrom. Allow me, 
 then, to reverse the medal, and to shew the grounds upon which 
 a great degree of certainty and uniformity may always be presum- 
 ed to exist in reference to this creed, be it professed where it 
 may. 
 
 Buddhism arose in an age and country celebrated for literature ; 
 and the consequence was, that its doctrine and discipline were fix- 
 ed by means of one of the most perfect languages in the world 
 (Sanscrit), during, or immediately after, the age of its founder. 
 
 Nor, though furious bigots dispersed the sect, and attempted to 
 destroy its records, did tliey succeed in the latter attempt. The re- 
 fugees found, not only safety, but protection, and honor, in the //h7m<?- 
 diately adjacent countries, whither they safely conveyed most of 
 their books, and where those books still exist, either in the original 
 Sanscrit, or in most carefully-made translations from it. The Sata 
 Sahasrika, Prajna Paramita, and the nine Dharmas, discovered 
 by me in NepaiU, are as indisputably original evidence of Bud- 
 dhism as the Vedas and Purdfias are of Brahmanism. The Kahgxjxir 
 of Tibet has been proved to have been rendered into Tibetan 
 from Sanscrit, with pains and fidelity : and if the numerous books 
 of the Burmese and Ceylonese be not originals, it is certain that 
 they were translated in the earlier ages of Buddhism, and that 
 they were rendered into a language (high Prakrit) which, from its 
 close affinity to that of the original books of the sect, (Sanscrit,) 
 must have afforded the translators every facility in the prosecution 
 of their labours. 
 
 But if the Buddhists, whether of the continent or islands of In- 
 dia, or of the countries beyond the former, still possess and con- 
 sult the primitive scriptures of their faith, either in the original 
 language, or in careful translations, made in the best age of their 
 
142 
 
 church — wherefore, I would lain know, should European scholars, 
 from their study, incessantly prate about mere local rites and opi- 
 nions, constituting the substance of whatever is told to the intelli- 
 gent traveller by the present professors of this faith in diverse re- 
 gions — nay, constituting the substance of whatever he can glean 
 from their books ? In regard to Nepaul, it is just as absurd to in- 
 sinuate, that the Prajna Paramita, and the nine Dharmas were 
 composed in that country, and have exclusive reference to it, as 
 to say that the Hebrew Old, or Greek New, Testament was com- 
 posed in and for Italy, France, or Spain exclusively. Nor is it 
 much less absurd to affirm, that the Buddhism of one country is 
 essentially unlike the Buddhism of any and every other country 
 professing it, than it would be to allege the same of Christianity. 
 Questionless, in the general case, documentary is superior to 
 verbal evidence. But the superiority is not without limit : and 
 where, on the one hand, the books referred to by our closet stu- 
 dents are numerous and difficult, and respect an entirely new sub- 
 ject, whilst, on the other hand, our personal inquirers have time 
 and opportunity at command, and can question and cross-ques- 
 tion intelligent witnesses, the result of an appeal to the living ora- 
 cles will oft times prove as valuable as that of one to the dead. 
 
 Let the closet student, then, give reasonable faith to the travel- 
 ler, even upon this subject ; and, whatever may be the general 
 intellectual inferiority of the orientals of our day, or the plastic 
 facility of change peculiar to every form of polytheism, let him 
 not suppose that the living followei's of Buddha cannot be profit- 
 ably interrogated touching the creed they live and die in ; and, 
 above all, let him not presume that a religion fixed, at its earliest 
 period, by means of a noble written language, has no identity of 
 character in the several countries where it is now professed, not- 
 withstanding that that identity has been guarded, up to this day, 
 by the possession and use of original scriptures, or of faithful trans- 
 lations from them, which were made in the best age of this Church. 
 For myself, and with reference to the latter point, I can safely 
 say that my comparisons of the ej.7S//«^ Buddhism of Nepaul, with 
 that of Tibet, the Indo-Chinese nations, and Ceylon, as reported 
 
143 
 
 by our local^nquirers, as well as with that of ancient India itself, 
 as evidenced by the sculptures of Gya,* and of the cave temples 
 of Aurungabad, have satisfied me that this faith possesses as 
 much identity of character in all times and places as any other we 
 know, of equal antiquity and diffusion. f 
 
 P. S. — -Wliether Remusat's ' avenu' be understood loosely, as 
 meaning come, or strictly, as signifying come to pass, it will be 
 equally inadmissible as the interpretation of the word Tathdgata ; 
 because Tatliayata is designed expressly to announce that all rei- 
 teration and contingency whatever is barred with respect to tlie 
 
 • See the explanation of these sculptures by a Nepaulese Buddhist in the Quar- 
 terly Oriental Magazine, No. xiv. pp. 218, 222. 
 
 f As a proof of the close agreement of the Bauddha systems of different 
 countries, we may take this opportunity of quoting a private letter from Colo- 
 nel BuRNEY, relative to the 'Burmese Philosopher Prince,' Mekkhara Men, 
 the King of Ava's uncle. 
 
 "The prince has been reading with the greatest interest M. Csoma jif 
 KoROs's diflferent translations from the Tibet scriptures in your journal, and he 
 is most anxious to obtain the loan of some of the many Tibetan works, which 
 the Society is said to possess. He considers many of the Tibetan letters to be the 
 same as the Burmese, particularly the i,m,w,and7/. He is particularly anxious to 
 know if the monastery called Zedawuna still exists in Tibet, where according 
 to the Burmese books, Godajia dwelt a lonij time, and with his attendant A- 
 NANDA planted a bough which he had brought from the great /)j;)a/ tree, at Bud- 
 dha-Gaya. The prince is also anxious to know whether the people of Tibet 
 wear their hair as the Bui-mese do? how they dress, and how their priests 
 dress and live ? The city in which the monastery of Zedawuna stood, is called 
 in the Bunnese scriptures 7'Aa?/fo«/(/, and the prince ingeniously fancies, that 
 Tibet must be derived from that word. The Burmese have no s, and always use 
 their soft th, when they meet with that letter in Pali or foreign words— hence 
 probably Thatvotthi is from some Sanscrit name Sawot. I enclose a list of coun- 
 tries and cities mentioned in the Burmese writings, as the scene of Goba ma's 
 adventures, to which if the exact site and present designation of each can be 
 assigned from the Sanscrit or the Tibet authorities, it will confer an important 
 favour on Burmese literati." It is highly interesting to see the spirit of inquiry stir- 
 ring in the high places of this hitherto benighted nation. The information desir- 
 ed is already furnished, and as might be expected, the Burmese names prove to 
 be copied through the Prakrit or Pali, directly from the Sanscrit originals, in 
 this respect differing from the Tibetan, which are translations of the same 
 name Ed. 
 
144 
 
 beings so designated. They cannot corne ; nor can any thing 
 come to pass affecting them.* 
 
 And if it be objected, that the mere use oftlie word avenu, in 
 the past tense, does not necessarily imply such reiteration and 
 conditional futurity, I answer that Remusat clearly meant it to 
 convey these ideas, or what was the sense of calling on rae for the 
 successive incarnations of these avenus? It has been suggested to 
 me that absolu, used substantively, implies activity. Perhaps so, 
 in Parisian propriety of speech. But I use it merely as opposed 
 to relative with reference to mere mortals ; and I trust that the 
 affirmation — there are many absolutes, many infinites, who are 
 nevertheless inactive — may at least be distinctly understood. 1 
 have nothing to do Avith the reasonableness of the tenet so affirm- 
 ed or stated, being only a reporter. 
 
 No. \. 
 
 rUHTHER REMARKS ON M. REMUSAT's REVIEW OF BUDDHISM. 
 
 (Printed from the Journal of the B?ngal Asiatic Society, Xo. 33. 
 A. D. lS3-t.) 
 
 Adverting again to Remusat's Review in the Journal des Sa- 
 vans for May, 1831, I find myself charged Mith another omission 
 more important than tliat of all mention of the Avatars. It is no 
 less than the omission of all mention of any other Buddhas than 
 the seven celebrated Manushis. The passage in which this sin- 
 gular allegation is advanced is the following : " Les noms de ces 
 sept personnages(the ' Sapta Buddha') sont connus desChinois, et 
 ils en indiquent une infinite d'autrcs dont le Bouddhiste Nipalien 
 Jie parle pas'' 
 
 * Avenu signifies q^iod cvcnit, contirjit, that which hatli liappcned.— ( Z)/c<?on- 
 naire de Trevoux.) Tat/tac/ata ; taiha thus (what really isX S<^ta (known, ob. 
 tained.)— ("Wilso.n's Sans. Diet.) — LV. 
 
145 
 
 My Essay in tlie London Transactions was the complement and 
 continuation of that in the Calcutta Researches. Remusat was 
 equally well acquainted with both ; and, unless he would have had 
 me indulge in most useless repetition, he must have felt convinced 
 that the points enlarged on in the former essay would be treated 
 cursorily or omitted, in the latter. Why, then, did he not refer 
 to the Calcutta paper for what was wanting in the London one ? 
 LTnless I greatly deceive myself, I was the first person who shew- 
 ed clearly, and proved by extracts from original Sanscrit works, 
 that Buddhism recognises " une infinite" of Buddhas, — Dhyani 
 and Manushi, Praty^ka, Sr^vaka, and Mahd Ydnika. The sixteenth 
 volume of the Calcutta Transactions was published in 1828. In 
 that volume appeared my first essay, the substance of which had, 
 however, been in the hands of the Secretary nearly three years before 
 it was published.* In that voliune I gave an original list of nearly 
 150 BuddJias (p. 446, 449) : I observed that the Buddhas named in 
 the Buddhist scriptures were "as numerous as the grains of sand on 
 the banks of the Ganges ;" but that, as most of them were nonentities 
 in regard to chronology and history, the list actually furnished would 
 probably more than suffice to gratify rational curiosity ; on which ac- 
 count I suppressed another long list, drawn from the Samadhi Raja, 
 which teas then in my hands, (p. 444.) By fixing attention on that 
 cardinal dogma of sugatism, viz. that man can enlarge his facul- 
 ties to infinity, I enabled every inquirer to conclude with certainty 
 that the Buddhas had been multiplied ad libitum. By tracing 
 the connexion between the Arhantas and the Bodliisatwas ; be- 
 tween the latter again, and the Buddhas of the first, second, and 
 third degree of eminence and power ; I pointed out the distinct 
 steps by which the finite becomes confounded with the infinite, 
 
 • According to usage in that matter provided : a statement in which r request 
 the present Secretary will have the goodness to bear me out. 
 
 This delay was and is a necessary evil of the publication of an occasional vo- 
 lume of Researches. It was to obviate the inconvenience in some measure that 
 the present form of the Journal was adopted, but still this is inadequate to 
 the production of papers of any magnitude, as we fear Mr, Hodgson feels by 
 experience !— Ed. 
 
 S 
 
146 
 
 man with Buddha ; and I observed in conclusion that the ei^ithet 
 Tathagata, a sj^nonyme of Buddha, expressly pourtrays this tran^ 
 sition. (London Transactions, vol. ii. part i.) Facts and dates 
 are awkward opponents except to those, who, with Remusat's 
 compatriot, dismiss them with a ' tant pis pour les faits !' for 
 years before I published my first essay, I had been in possession 
 of hundreds of drawings, made from the Buddhist pictures and 
 sculptures with which this land is saturated, and which drawings 
 have not yet been published, owing to the delay incident to procur- 
 ing authentic explanations of them from original sources. KSS. 
 the gentlemen of the residency can testify to the truth of this as- 
 sertion ; and can tell those who would be wiser for the knowledge, 
 that it is often requisite to walk heedfully over the classic fields of 
 the valley of Nepaul, lest perchance you break your shins against 
 an image of a Buddha ! These images are to be met with every 
 where, and of all sizes and shapes, very many of them endowed 
 with a multiplicity of members sufficient to satisfy the teeming 
 fancy of any Brahman of Madhya Desa ! Start not, gentle reader, 
 for it is literally thus, and not otherwise. Buddhas with three 
 heads instead of one — six or ten arms in place of two ! The 
 necessity of reconciling these things with the so called first prin- 
 ciples of Buddhism,* may reasonably account for delay in the 
 production of my pictorial stores. Meantime, I caiuiot but smile 
 to find myself condoled with for my poverty when I am really, 
 and have been for ten years, accable des richesses ! One interest- 
 ing result only have I reached by means of these interminable 
 trifies ; and that is, strong presumptive proof that thfe cave temples 
 of Western India are the work of Buddhists solely, and that the 
 most apparently Braluuanical sculptures of those venerable fanes 
 are, in fact, Buddhist. A hint to this eflTect 1 gave so long ago as 
 1827, in the Quarterly Oriental Magazine, (No. XIV. p. 219 ;) 
 and can only afford room to remark in this place, that subsequent 
 research had tended strongly to confirm the impressions then de- 
 rived from my very learned old friend Amirta, Nanda. The 
 existence of an infinite number of Buddhas ; the existence of the 
 
 * See Erskine's Essays in the Bombay Transactions. 
 
147 
 
 whole Dhyani class of Buddhas ; the personality of the Triad : its 
 philosophical meaning; the classification and nomenclature of the 
 ascetical or true followers of this creed ; the distinction of its vari- 
 ous scliools of philosophy ; the peculiar tenets of each school, 
 faintly but rationally indicated ; the connexion of its philosophy 
 with its religion ; and, as the result of all these, the means of 
 speaking consistently upon the general subject,* are matters for 
 the knowledge of which, if Remusat be not wholly indebted to me 
 and my authorities, it is absolutely certain that I am wholly itnin- 
 debted to him and his ; for till he sent me, ten months ago, (I speak 
 of the date of receipt,) his essay on the Triad, I had never seen 
 one line of his, or any other continental writer's lucubrations on 
 Buddhism. 
 
 I have ventured to advance above that in the opinion of a learn- 
 ed friend, the Chinese and Mongolian works on Buddhism, from 
 which the continental savans have drawn the information they 
 possess on that topic, are not per se adequate to supply any very 
 intelligible views of the general subject. 
 
 As this is an assertion which it may seem desirable to support by 
 proof, allow me to propose the following. Remusat observes, 
 that a work of the Jirst order gives the subjoined sketch of the 
 Buddhist cosmogony. " Tons les etres etant contenus dans la tres 
 pure substance de la pensee, une idee surgit inopinement etprodui- 
 sit la fausse lumi&re ; Quand la fausse lumiere fut nee, le vide et 
 I'obscurit^ s'imposerent reciproquement des limites. Les formes 
 qui en resulterent etant indeterminees, il y eut agitation et mouve- 
 ment. De la naquit le tom-billon de vent qui contient les mondes. 
 L'intelligence lumineuse etoit le principe de solidity, d'ou naquit 
 la roue d'or qui soutient et protege la terre. Le contact mutuel 
 du vent et du metal produit le feu et la lumiere, qui sont les prin- 
 cipes des changemens et des modifications. La lumiere precieuse 
 engendre la liquidite qui bouillonne a la surface de la lumiere ig- 
 
 • A learned friend assures me that " a world of Chinese and Mongolian enig- 
 mas have been solved bj' means of your general and consistent outline of the 
 si/stem, but for which outline the said enigmas would have continued to defy all 
 the continental ffidipuses." 
 
 S 2 
 
148 
 
 u6e, d'ou provient le tourbillcn d'eau qui embrasse les mondes de 
 toute part." x 
 
 Now I ask, is there a man living, not familiar with the subject, 
 who can extract a particle of sense from the above passage ? And 
 are not such passages, produced in illustration of a novel theme, the 
 veriest obscurations thereof ? Bat let us see what can be made of 
 the enigma. This apercu cosmogonique of the Long-yan-king, is, 
 in fact, a description of the procession of the five elements, one from 
 another, and ultimately from Prajna, the universal material prin- 
 ciple, very nearly akin to the Pradhdn of the Kapila Sankhya. 
 This universal principle has two modes or states of being, one of 
 which is the proper, absolute, and enduring mode ; tlie other, the 
 contingent, relative, and transitory. 
 
 The former is abstraction from all effects, or quiescence: the latter 
 is concretion with all effects, or activity. When the intrinsic energy 
 of matter is exerted, effects exist ; when that energy relapses into re- 
 pose, they exist not. All worlds and beings composing tlie versatile 
 universe are cumulative effects; and though the so-called elements 
 composing them be evolved and revolved in a given manner, one from 
 and to another, and though each be distinguished by a given proper- 
 ty or properties, the distinctions, as well as the orderly evolution 
 and revolution, are mere results of the gradually increasing and 
 decreasing energy of nature in a state of activity.* Updya, or 'the 
 expedient,' is the name of this energy; — increase of it is increase of 
 phenomenal properties ; — decrease of it is decrease of phenomenal 
 properties. All phenomena are homogeneous and alike unreal ; 
 gravity and extended figure, no less so than colour or sound. 
 Extension in the abstract is not a phenomenon, nor belongs pro- 
 
 * Causes and effects, quoad the versatile world, cannot be truly alleged to ex- 
 ist. There is merely customary conjunction, and certain limited effects of prox- 
 imity in the precedent and subsequent, by virtue of the one true and universal 
 cause, viz, Prajna. With the primitive Swabhavikas cause is not unitised : 
 for the rest, their tenets are very much the same with those above explained in 
 the text, only their conclusions incline rather to scepticism than dogmatism. It 
 may also perhaps be doubted whether with the latter school, phenomena are un- 
 real as well as homogeneous. In the text, I would be understood to state the 
 tenets of the Prajnikas only. 
 
149 
 
 perly to the versatile world. The productive energy begins at a 
 minimum of intensity, and increasing to a maximum, thence de- 
 creases again to a minimum. Hence akdsh, the first product, has 
 but one quality or property ; air, the second, has two ; fire, the third, 
 has three ; water, the fourth, has four ; and earth, the fifth, has 
 five.* 
 
 These elements are evolved uniformly one from another in the 
 above manner, and are revolved uniformly in the inverse order. 
 
 Sunyatd, or the total abstraction of phenomenal properties, is 
 the result of the total suspension of nature's activity. It is the 
 ubi, and the modus, of the universal material principle in its pro- 
 per and enduring state of nlrvriti, or of rest. It is not nothing- 
 ness, except with the sceptical few. The opposite of Siinijata is 
 Avidf/a. Now, if we revert to the extract from the Long-yan- 
 king, and remember that la pens6e,f I'intelligence luminense,! and 
 la lumiere precieusef refer alike to Prajna the material princi- 
 ple of all things, (which is personified as a goddess by the religi- 
 onists,) we shall find nothing left to impede a distinct notion 
 of the author's meaning, beyond some metaphorical flourishes ana- 
 logous to that variety of descriptive epithets by which he has cha- 
 racterised the one universal principle. Tourbillon de vent, and 
 tourbillon d'eau, are the elements of air and of water, respectively ; 
 and le principe de solidite is the element of earth.- 
 
 " Tous les etres etant contenus dans la pure substance de Prajna 
 una id6e surgit inopinement et produisit la fausse lumiere :" — that 
 is, the universal material principle, or goddess Prajna, whilst exist- 
 ing in its, or her, true and proper state of abstraction and repose, 
 was suddenly disposed to activity, or impressed with delusive mun- 
 dane affection (Avidi/a.) '* Quand la fausse lumiere fut nee, le 
 
 * There is always cumulation of properties, but the number assigned to each 
 element is variously stated. 
 
 f Prajna is literally the supreme wisdom, videlicet, of nature. Light and flame 
 are ti/pes of this universal principle, in a state of activiti/. Nothing but extreme 
 confusion can result from translating these terms au pied de la lettre, and without 
 reference to their technical signification. That alone supremely governs both 
 the literal and metaphorical sense of words. 
 
150 
 
 vide et I'obscurit^ s'imposerent reciproquement des limites," The 
 result of this errant disposition to activity, or tliis mundane affec- 
 tion, was tliat the universal void was limited by the coming into 
 being of the first element, or akdsh, which, as the primary modifi- 
 cation of Sihu/atd (space), has scarcely any sensible properties. Such 
 is the meaning of the passage " les formes qui en residterent 
 6tant indetermin^es," immediately succeeding the last quotation. 
 Its sequel again, "il y eut agitation et mouvement," merely refers 
 to mobility being the cliaracteristic property of that element (air) 
 which is about to be produced. " De la naquit le tourbillon de 
 vent, qui contient les mondes." Tiience (i. e. from akdsh) pro- 
 ceeded the element of the circumambient air. " L'intelligence lu- 
 mineuse etoit le principe de solidite, d'ou naquit la roue d'or qui 
 soutient et protege la terre," Prajna in the form of light (her 
 pravrittika manifestation) was the principle of solidity, whence 
 proceeded the wheel of gold which sustains and protects the earth. 
 Solidity, the diagnostic quality of the element of earth, stands 
 for that element ; and the wheel of gold is mount Merii, the dis- 
 tinctive attribute of which is protecting and sustaining power : 
 this passage, tlierefore, simply announces the evolution of the 
 element of earth, with its mythological appendage, mount Meru. 
 But, according to all the authorities within my Icnowledge, earth 
 is the last evolved of the material elements. Nor did I ever meet 
 with an instance, such as here occurs, of the direct intervention 
 of the first cause (Prajfia) in the midst of this evolution of the 
 elements. " Le contact mutuel du vent et du metal prodiut le feu 
 et la lumiere, qui sont les principes des changemens," The mutu- 
 al contact of tlie elements of air and of earth produced fire and 
 light, which are the principles of change. This is intelligible, allow- 
 ance being made for palpable mistakes. I understand by it, mere- 
 ly the evolution out of the element of air of that of fire, of wliich 
 light is held to be a modification. To the igneous element is 
 ascribed the special property of heat, whicli is assumed by our 
 author as the principle of all clianges and transformations. Metal 
 for earth is an obvious misappreliension of Rkmusat's. Nor less 
 so is the false allocation of this element (earth) in tlie general evo- 
 lution of the five, and its introduction here. 
 
f 151 
 
 " La luniiere precieuse engendre la liquidity qui bouillonne ^ 
 la surface de la liimiere ign6e, d'on provient le tourbillon d'eau qui 
 embrasse les mondes." 
 
 Prajnci (iu the form of light) produces the liquidity which boils 
 on the surface of igneous light, whence proceeds the element of 
 water embracing the world. 
 
 This figurative nonsense, when reduced to plain prose, merely 
 announces the evolution of the element of water from that of fire. 
 Our terrestrial globe rests upon the waters like a boat, according 
 to the Buddhists ; and hence the allusion (embracing the world) 
 of the text. What is deserving of notice is the direct interference, 
 a second time, (and in respect to earth, a third time,) of the cau- 
 sa causans with the procession of the elements, one from another. 
 All my authorities are silent in regard to any such repeated and 
 direct agency ; wiiich amounts in flict, to creation properly so call- 
 ed — a tenet directly opposed to the fundamental doctrine of all the 
 Swabliavikas. Certain Buddhists hold the opinion, that all materi- 
 al substances in the versatile world have no existence independent 
 of human perception. But that the Chinese author quoted by Mr. 
 Remusat was one of these idealists, is by no means certain. His 
 more immediate object, in the passage quoted, evidently was, to 
 exhibit the procession of tlie five material elements, one from ano- 
 ther. To that I at present confine myself, merely observing of the 
 other notion, that what has been stated of the homogeneousness 
 and unreality of all phenomena, is not tantamount to an admission 
 of it. Tlie doctrine of Avidya, the mundane affection of the uni- 
 versal principle, is not necessarily the same with the doctrine 
 which makes the sentient principle inman the measure of allthings.* 
 Both may seem, in effect, to converge towards what we very 
 vaguely call idealism ; but there are many separate paths of in- 
 quiry by which that conclusion may be reached. 
 
 Nepaidy August, 1834. 
 
 • Manns, the sixth element, is the sentient principle in man. The Chinese 
 author mentions it not, unless the passage beginning " la mcme force," and im- 
 mediately following that I have quoted, was designed to announce its evolution. 
 That passage as it stands, however, docs not assert more than the homogeneous- 
 ness of this sixth element with the other five. 
 
152 
 
 No. VI. 
 
 REMARKS ON M. KEMUSAt's REVIEW OF BUDDHISM. 
 
 (Printed from the Journal of the Bengal Asiatic Society, No. 34, 
 A. D. 1834 ) 
 
 I resume my notice of Remusat's speculations on Buddhism in 
 the Journal des Savans. 
 
 He observes, " On ne seroit pas surpris de voir que, dans ce 
 systeme, la formation* et la destruction des mondes soient pre- 
 sentes comme les resultats d'une revolution perpetuelle et spon- 
 tan6e, sans fin et sans interruption ;" and afterwards remarks, " II 
 y a dans le fond meme des idees Bouddhiques une objection 
 contre I'eternit^ du monde que les theologiens de cette religion 
 ne semblent pas avoir prevue. Si tous les etres rentroient dans 
 le repos reel et definitif a I'instant que les ph6nomenes cesseroi- 
 ent et disparoitroient dans le sein de I'existence absolu, on con- 
 ^oit un terme ou tous les etres seroient devenus Buddha, et ou le 
 monde auroit cesse d'exister." 
 
 This Buddha, it is said, is " I'intelligence infinie, la cause sou- 
 veraine, dont la nature est un effet." 
 
 Now, if there be such a supreme immaterial cause of aU things, 
 what is the meaning of alleging that worlds and beings are spon- 
 taneously evolved and revolved? and, if these spontaneous opera- 
 tions of nature be expressly allowed to be incessant and e/idless, what 
 becomes of the apprehension that they sliould ever fail or cease ? 
 
 As to the real and definitive repose, and the absolute existence, 
 spoken of, they are as certainly and customarily predicated of 
 Diva natura by the Swabhavikas, as of God or Adi Buddha, by 
 the Aiswarikas ; to which two sects respectively the two opposite 
 opinions confounded by Remusat exclusively belong. 
 
 Again, " Tout est vide, tout est delusion, pour I'intelligence 
 
 * The question of formation is a very different one from that of continuance. 
 Yet Remusat would seem to have confounded the two. Sec the passage be- 
 ginning " Mais ce qui merite d'etre rcmarque." 
 
153 
 
 supreme (Adi Buddha, as before defined.) L'Avidya seul donne 
 
 aux choses du monde sensible una sorte de realite passagere et 
 
 purement phenomenal." Avidya, therefore, must, according to 
 
 this statement, be entirely dependant on tlie volition of the one 
 
 supreme immaterial cause: yet, immediately after, it is observed, 
 
 " on voit, k travers des brouillards d'un langage 6nigmatique,' 
 
 ressortir I'idee d'une double cause de tout ce qui existe, savoir 
 
 I'lntelligence supreme (Adi Buddha) etl'Avidya oumatiere." But 
 
 the fact is, that Avidya is not a material or plastic cause. It is 
 
 not a substance, but a mode-not a being, but an affection of a 
 
 bemg-not a cause, but an effect. Avidya, I repeat, is nothing 
 
 primarily causal or substantial: it is a phenomenon, or rather the 
 
 sum of phenomena; and it is "made of such stuff as dreams are." 
 
 In other words, plienomena are, according to this theory, utterly 
 
 unreal. The Avidyalists, therefore, are so far from belonging to 
 
 that set of philosophers who have inferred two distinct substances 
 
 and causes from the two distinct classes of phenomena existino- in 
 
 the world, that they entirely deny the justice of the premises" on 
 
 wliicii tluit inference is rested. 
 
 Remusat next observes, " Les effets materiels sont subordonn^s 
 aux eflfets psychologiques"-and in tlie very next page we hear that 
 " on appelle lois les rapports qui Kent les effets aux causes, tant 
 daus I'ordre physique que dans IWdre moral, ou, pour parler plus 
 exactement, dans I'ordre unique, qui constitue I'univers." 
 
 Now, if there be really but one class of phenomena in the world 
 It must be either the material, or tlie immaterial, class: conse- 
 quently, with those who hold tliis doctrine, the question of the 
 dependence or independence of mental upon physical phenomena, 
 must, in one essential sense, be a mere fli9on de parler. 4nd I 
 shall venture to assert, tliat with most of the Buddhists-whose 
 cardmal tenet is, that all phenomena are homoqeneous, whatever 
 they may think upon the fiu-ther question of their reality or un- 
 reahty— it is actually such. 
 
 It is, indeed, therefore necessary "joindre la notion d'esprit" 
 before these puzzles can be allowed to be altogether so difficult as 
 they seem, at leasf to be such as they seem ; and if mind or soul 
 
 T 
 
154 
 
 " have no name in the Chinese language," the reason of that at 
 least is obvious ; its existence is denied ; mind is only a peculiar 
 modification of matter ; et I'ordre unique de I'univers c'est I'ordre 
 physique ! Not 50 years since a man of genius in Europe declar- 
 ed that "the universal system does not consist of two princi- 
 ples so essentially different from one another as matter and spi- 
 rit ; but that the whole must be of some uniform composition ; so 
 that the material or immaterial part of tlie system is superflu- 
 ous." 
 
 This notion, unless 1 am mistaken, is to be found at the bot- 
 tom of most of the Indian systems of pliilosophy, Brahmanical and 
 Buddhist, connected with a rejection in some shape or other of 
 phenomenal reality, ifi order to get rid of the dijfficidty of different 
 j)roperties existing in the coj.ise {xohether mind or matter) and in 
 the effect * 
 
 The assertion that " material' effects are subordinate to psycho- 
 logical" is no otherwise a difficulty than as two absolutely distinct 
 substances, or two absolutely distinct classes of phenomena, are 
 assumed to have a real existence ; and I believe that there is scarce- 
 ly one school of Bauddlia philosophers which has not denied the 
 one or the otlier assumption ; and that the prevalent opinions in- 
 clude a denial of botli. All known phenomena may be ascribed 
 to mind or to matter without a palpable contradiction ; nor, with 
 the single exception of extent, is tliere a physical phenomenon 
 which does not seem to countenance the rejection of plienomenal 
 reality. Hence the doctrines of Avidya and of Maya ; and I would 
 ask those whose musings are in an impartial strain, whether the 
 Bauddha device be not as good a one as the Brahmanical, to 
 
 * Rejiusat desired to know how the Buddhists reconcile multiplicity with 
 unity, relative with absolute, imperfect with perfect, variable with eternal, na- 
 ture with intelligence ? 
 
 I answer ; by the hypothesis of two modes — one of quiescence, the other of 
 activity. But when he joins " I'esprit et la matiere" to the rest of his antitheses, 
 1 must beg leave to say the question is entirely altered, and must recommend 
 the captious to a consideration of the extract given in the text from a European 
 philosopher of eminence. Not that I have any sympathy with that extrava- 
 gance, but thiit I wish merely to state the case fairly for the Buddhists. 
 
loo 
 
 stave off a difficulty which tlie unaided wit of man is utterly un- 
 able to cope with ? 
 
 Questionless, it is not easy, if it be possible, to avoid the use 
 of words equivalent to material and psychological ; but the tenet 
 obviously involved in the formal subordination of one to the other 
 class of phenomena, whan placed beside the tenet, that all pheno- 
 mena are homogenous, at once renders the former a mere trick of 
 words, or creates an irreconcileable contradiction between the two 
 doctrines, and in fact Remusat has here again commingled tenets 
 held exclusively by quite distinct schools of Buddhist philosophy. 
 
 If I have been held accountable for some of the notions above 
 remarked on, I suspect that these my supposed opinions have 
 been opposed by something more substantial than " des arguties 
 mystiques." Remusat expressly says, " M. Hodgson a eu parfaite- 
 ment raison d' admettre, comme base du systeme entier, I'exis- 
 tence d'un seul etre souverainement parfait et intelligent, de 
 celui qu' il nomme Adi Buddha." Now, I must crave leave to 
 say that I never admitted any thing of the sort ; but, on the con- 
 trary, carefully pointed out that the 'systeme entier' consists of four 
 systems, all sufficiently different, and two of them, radically so 
 — viz. the Swabhuvika and the Aiswarika. It is most apparent to 
 me that Remusat has made a melange out of the doctrines of all 
 the ft)ur schools; and there are very sufficient indications in the 
 course of this essay that his principal authority was of the Swa- 
 bhavika sect. 
 
 In speaking of the two bodies of Buddha he remarks, that " le 
 veritable corps est identifi^ avec la science et la loi. La substance 
 meme est la science (Prajna.)" He had previously made the same 
 observation, " La loi m§me est son principe et sa nature." Now 
 those who are aware that Prajna (most idly translated law, sci- 
 ence, and so forth,) is the name of the great material cause,* can 
 
 * Prakritesivwi iti Priijna ,- and ag^ain, Dharanatmiku Hi Dharma. Dlinrmtt 
 is a synonjTiie of Prajna. Prajna, means Supreme Wisilom. Whose ? Nature's 
 — and Nature's, as the sole, or only as the plastic, cause. 
 
 So, again, Dharma means morality in the abstract, or the moral religious 
 
 code 
 T 2 
 
1.56 
 
 have no difficulty in reaching the conviction that the Buddhist 
 authority from whence this assertion was borrowed, — 'ofPrajna 
 being the very essence ; nature, and principle of Buddha,' — belong- 
 ed to tlie Swabhavika school, and would have laughed at the co- 
 ordinate doctrine of his translator, that Buddha is the sovereign 
 and sole cause, of whom nature (Prajna) is an effect. 
 
 The Swabhavika Buddhas, who derive their capacity of identi- 
 fying themselves with the Jirst cause from nature, which is that 
 cause, are as all accomplished as the Buddhas of the Aiswarikas, 
 who derive the same capacity from Adi Buddha, tvho is that cause. 
 
 In this express character of sovereign cause only, is the Adi 
 Buddha of the ' Aiswarikas distinguishable, amid the crowd of 
 Buddhas of all sorts; and such are the interminable subtleties of 
 the ' systeme entier' that he who shall not cai'efully mark this 
 cardinal point of primary causation, will find all others unavailing 
 to guide him unconfusedly through the various labyrinths of the 
 several schools. 
 
 Did Remusat never meet with passages like the following ? 
 
 " And as .aU other things and beings proceeded from Swabhava 
 or nature, so did Vajra, Satwa, Buddha, thence called the self- 
 existent." Even the Swabhavikas have their Dhyani Buddhas, aiid 
 their triad, including, of course, an Adi Buddha. Names therefore, 
 are of little weight ; and unmeasured epithets are so profusely scat- 
 tered on every hand that the practised alone can avoid their snare. 
 I did not admit a Theistic school, because I found a Buddha desig- 
 nated as Adi, or the first ; nor yet because I found him yclept, 
 infinite, omniscient, eternal, and so forth ; but because I found 
 him explicitly contradistinguished from nature, and systematically 
 expounded as the efficient cause of all. Nor should it be forgotten 
 that when I announced the fact of a Theistic sect of Buddhists, I 
 
 code of these religionists, or material cause, in either of the two senses hinted 
 at above ; or, lastly, material effects, viz. versatile worlds. These are points to 
 be settled by the context, and by the known tenets of the writer who uses the 
 one or other word : and when it is known that the very texts of tlie Swabha- 
 vikas, diflferently interpreted, have served for the basis of the Aiswarika doc- 
 trine, I presume no further caveto can be required. 
 
*- lo7 
 
 observed tliat this sect was, as compared with the Swabhavika, 
 both recent and confined. 
 
 If, in the course of this, and the three preceding letters, I have 
 spoken liarshly of Remusat's researches, let it be remembered, that 
 I conceive my labours to have been adopted without acknowledg- 
 ment, as well as my opinions to have been miserably distorted. I 
 have been most courteously told, that " the learned of Europe are 
 indebted to me for the name of Adi Buddha !" The inference is 
 palpable that that is the extent of the obligation. Such insidious 
 injustice compels me to avow in the face of the world my convic- 
 tion that, whatever the Chinese and Mongolian works on Bud- 
 dhism possessed by the French Savans may contain, no intelli- 
 gible views were thence derived of the general subject before my 
 essays appeared, or could have been afterwards, but for the lights 
 those essays afforded.* I had access to the original Sanscrit 
 scriptures of the Buddhists, and they were interpreted to me by 
 learned natives, whose hopes hereafter depended upon a just un- 
 derstanding of their contents. No wonder therefore, and little 
 merit, if I discovered very many things inscrutably hidden from 
 those who were reduced to consult barbarian translations from the 
 most refined and copious of languages upon the most subtle and 
 interminable of topics, and who had no living oracle ever at hand 
 to expound to them the dark signification of the written word — to 
 guide their first steps through the most labyrinthine of human 
 mazes, f 
 
 For the rest, and personally, there is biens^ance for bienseance, 
 and a sincere tear dropped over the untimely grave of the learned 
 Remusat. 
 
 * The case is altered materially now ; because my original authorities, which 
 stand far less in need of living interpreters, arc generally accessible. I have 
 placed them in the hands of my countrymen and of others, and shall be happy 
 to procure copies for any individual, or body of persons, in France, who may 
 desire to possess them. 
 
 f I beg to propose, as an experimentum crucis, the celebrated text — Ve Dhar- 
 manitija of the Sata Sanasrika. If the several theistic, atheistic, and sceptical 
 meanings wrapped up in these few words, can be reached through Chinese or 
 Mongolian translations uninterpreted by living authorities, I am content to con- 
 sider my argument worthless. 
 
lo.S 
 
 No. VII. 
 
 NOTE ON THE INSCRIPTION FUOM SARNATH. 
 
 (Pi-inted in the 40th No. of the Journal of the Bengal Asiatic Society.) 
 
 I have just got the 39th Number of the Journal of the Asiatic 
 Society and hasten to tell you, that your enigma requires no (Edi- 
 pus for its solution at Kathmandu, where almost every man, woman, 
 and child, of the Bauddha faith, can repeat the confessio Jidei (for 
 such it maybe called), inscribed on the Sarnath stone. Dr. Mili, was 
 perfectly righl in denying the alleged necessary connexion between 
 the inscription, and the complement to it produced by M. Csoma 
 DE KoRos. No such complement is needed, nor is found in the great 
 doctrinal authorities, wherein" the passage occurs in numberless 
 places, sometimes containing but /^«/f of the complete dogma of 
 the inscription ; thus : — "II? Dharmd hetu-prabhavd ; hetu teshdn 
 Tathdgata." Even thus curtailed, the sense is complete, without 
 the " Teshdn clia yd nirodha, evang (yddi) Malm Sramana," as 
 you may perceive by the following translation : 
 
 " Of all things proceeding from cause, the cause is Tathagata ;" 
 or, with the additional word, " Of all things proceeding from 
 cause; the cause of their procession hath the Tathagata explain- 
 ed." To complete the dogma, according to the inscription, we 
 must add, "The great Sramana hath likewise declared the cause 
 of the extinction of all things." With the help of the commentators, 
 I render this passage tluis, " The cause, or causes of all sentient 
 existence in the versatile world, the Tathagata hath explained. 
 The Great Sramana hath likcAvise explained the cause, or causes 
 of the cessation of all such existence." 
 
 Nothing can be more complete, or more fundamental, than 
 this doctrine. It asserts that Buddha hath revealed the causes 
 of (animate) mundane existence, as well as the causes of its com- 
 plete cessation, implying, by the latter, translation to the eternal 
 quiescence of Nlrvritti which is the grand object of all Bauddha 
 
159 
 
 vows. The addition to the inscription supplied by M. Csoma, is 
 the ritual application merely of the general doctrine of the in- 
 scription. It explains especially the manner in which, according to 
 the scriptures, a devout Buddhist may hope to attain cessation 
 from mundane existence, viz. by the practice of all virtues, avoid- 
 ance of all vices, and by complete mental abstraction. More 
 precise, and as usually interpreted here, more theistic too, than 
 the first clause of the inscription is the terser sentence already 
 given ; which likewise is more familiar to the Nipalese, viz. " Of 
 all things proceeding from cause; the cause is the Tathagata :" — 
 understanding by Tathagata, Adi Buddha. And whenever, in 
 playful mood, I used to reproach my. old friend, Amirta Nanda, 
 (now alas! no more) with the atheistic tendency of his creed, 
 he would always silence me with, " Y4 Dharmd hetu-jjrabhavd ; 
 hetu teshdii Tathagata " insisting, that Tathagata referred to the 
 supreme, self-existent {Sivayambhii) Buddha.* 
 
 Nor did I often care to rejoin, that he had taught me so to inter- 
 pret that important word (Tathagata,) as to strip the dogma of its 
 necessarily theistic spirit! I have akeady remarked in your Journal, 
 that the Swabhavika texts, differently interpreted, form the ground- 
 work of the Aiswarika tenets. It will not, however, therefore, follow, 
 thatthe theistic school of Buddhism is not entitled to distinct re- 
 cognition upon the ground of original authorities; for the oldest 
 and highest authority of all — the aphorisms of the founder of the 
 creed — are justly deemed, and proved, by the theistic school, to 
 bear legitimately the construction put upon them by this school — 
 proved in many ancient books, both Puranika and Tantrika, 
 the scriptural validity of which commands a necessary assent. As 
 it seems to be supposed, that the theistic school has no other 
 than Tantrika authorities for its support, I will just mention the 
 
 • The great temple of Swayambhu Xath is dedicated to this Buddha : whence 
 its name. It stands about a mile west from Kathmandu, on a low, richly wood- 
 ed, and detached hill, and consists of a hemisphere surmounted by a graduated 
 cone. 
 
 The majestic size, and severe simplicity of outline, of this temple, \vith its 
 burnished cone, set off by the dark garniture of woods, constitute the Chaitya of 
 SwAYAiNtBHT Nath a Very beauteous object. 
 
IGO 
 
 Swayamhhu Pur ana and the lihadra Kalpavaddn, as instances of 
 the contrary. In a word, the theistic school of Buddhism, though 
 not so ancient or prevalent as the atheistic and the sceptical schools, 
 is as authentic and legitimate a scion of the original stock of oral 
 dogmata whence this religion sprung, as any of the other schools. 
 Nor is it to be confounded altogether with the vile obscenity and 
 mystic iniquity of the Tantras, though acknowledged to have con- 
 siderable connexion with them. Far less is it to be considered pecu- 
 liar to Nepaul and Tibet, proofs of the contrary being accessible to 
 all ; for instance, the Pancha Buddha Dhydni are inshrined in the 
 cave at Bdgh, and in the minor temples surrounding the great 
 edifice at Gya; and the assertion of our Ceylonese antiquaries, 
 that there are only five Buddhas, is no otlier than a confusion of the 
 five celestial, with the seven mortal, Buddhas! As I was looking 
 over your Journal, my Newari painter came into the room. I 
 gave him the catch word, "Ye Dharma," and he immediately 
 filled up the sentence, ^nishing with Tathdgata. I then uttered 
 " teshdn cha," and he completed the doctrine according to the 
 inscription. • But it was to no purpose that I tried to carry him 
 on through De Kuros's ritual complement : he knew it not. Af- 
 ter I had explained its meaning to him, he said, the substance of 
 the passage was familiar to him, but that he had been taught 
 to utter the sentiments in other words, which lie gave, and in 
 which, by the way, the ordinary Buddhist acceptation of Kushal 
 and its opposite, or Akushal, came out. Kushal is good. Akushal 
 is evil, in a moral or religious sense. Quod licitura vel manda- 
 tum : quod illicitum vel prohibitum. 
 
 I will presently send you a correct transcript of tlie words of the 
 inscription, from some old and authentic copy of the Ilahsha 
 Bhagavati, or Prajnd Paramita, as you seem to prefer calling it. 
 So will I of De Coros's supplement so soon as I can lay my 
 hands on the Shurangama Samddhi, which I do not think I have 
 by me. At all events, I do not at once recognise the name as 
 that of a distinct Bauddha work. Meanwhile, you will notice, 
 that as my draftsman, above spoken of, is no pandit, but a perfect- 
 ly illiterate craftsman merel}', his familiar acquaintance with your 
 
,,*■ 161 
 
 inscription may serve to show how perfectly familiar it is to all 
 Buddhists. And liere I would observe, by the way, that I have 
 no doubt the inscription on the Dehli, Allahabad, and Behar pil- 
 lars is some such cardinal dogma of this faith. 
 
 In the " Quotations in proof of my sketch of Buddliism," which 
 I sent home last year, I find the following quotation in proof of 
 the Aiswarika system. 
 
 " All things existent (in the versatile world) proceed from some 
 cause; that cause is the TathS,gata (Adi Buddha); and that 
 which is the cause of (versatile) existence is likewise the cause of 
 its total cessation. So said Sakya Sinha."* The work from 
 which this passage was extracted is the Bhadra Kalpavaddn. 
 
 I am no competent critic of Sanscrit, but I have competent au- 
 thority for the assertion, that Dharma, as used in the inscription, 
 means not human actiom merely, but all sentient existences in the 
 three versatile worlds (celestial, terrene, and infernal). Such is 
 .its meaning in the extract just given from the Bhadra Kalpava- 
 ddn, and also in the famous Ye Dharmanitya of the Sata Sahasri- 
 ka, where the sense is even larger, embracing the substance of all 
 inanimate as well as animate entity, thus: " All things are impe- 
 rishable," or, " The universe is eternal," (without maker or des- 
 troyer.) The passage just quoted from the Sata Sahasrika serves 
 likewise (I am assured) to prove that the signification of ye is not 
 always strictly relative, but often expletive merely: but let that pass. 
 The points in question undoubtedly are, — existence in the 
 Pravrittika or versatile world, and cessation of such existence, by 
 translation to the world of Nirvritti ; and of such translation, ani- 
 mals generally, and not human beings solely, are capable. Wit- 
 ness the deer and tlie chakwa, which figiu-e so much in Bauddha 
 sculptures! Tlie tales of their advancement to Nirvritti are po- 
 pularly familiar. The word nirodha signifies, almost universally 
 and exclusively, extinction, or total cessation of versatile exist- 
 ence ; a meaning, by the way, which confirms and answers to the 
 interpretation of dharma, by general existences, entities, and not 
 by merely human actions. 
 
 * The words bracketed are derived from commentators. 
 U 
 
162 
 
 It is scarcely worth while to cumber the present question with 
 the further remark that there is a sect of Baucldlia pliilosopjiers 
 holding opinions wliich confound conscious actions witli luiiver- 
 sal entities throughout the versatile world, making the latter ori- 
 ginate absolutely and phijsicaUij from the former, (see my re- 
 marks on Remusat in tlie Journal, No. 33, }). 43 L) 
 
 It is not, however, admissible so to render generally received 
 texts, as to make them correspondent to very peculiar dogmata. 
 " Dharanutmika iti dharmd" the holding, containing, or sustain- 
 ing, essence (ens) is dharmd. The substratum of all form and 
 quality in the versatile universe, the sustainer of versatile entity, 
 nmndane substances and existences, physical and moral, in a word, 
 all things. Such is the general meaning of dharmd. How many 
 other meanings it has, may be seen by reference to a note at the 
 foot of p. 502, No. 34, of your Journal. The root of the word is 
 dhri, to hold. Wilson's dictionary gives Nature as Amkra Sinha's 
 explanation of dharmd. This is essentially correct, as might be 
 expected from a Bauddha lexicographer. 
 
 Note. — If Mr. Hodgson's general interpretation of '^^ is tlie 
 true one, (which seems most probable, tliough its specification in 
 the sense of moral duties is more agreeable to M. Csoma's supple- 
 ment) — its implication, in the present reading, at least, appears 
 manifestly atheistic. For that it cannot mean " Tathagata or the 
 Adi Buddha is the cause," is evident from the accusative hetun 
 (which is also plural, cansas.) Even if we were to strike out the 
 word avadat or aha — the former of which is on the inscriptions, 
 and the latter repeated in Ceylon — still some word of tliat mean- 
 ing is plainly understood : and this may help to shew that the ex- 
 plication given by the Aiswaraka Buddhists (as though the words 
 were %"g%xfT cTgi^rf: hetus ti'siiam Tathagatas) is a more re- 
 cent invention, — and that the Buddhist system properly recogniz- 
 es no being suj)erior to the sage e\})onnd('r of physical and mo- 
 ral causes, — whose own exertions alone luwe raised iiim to the 
 
163 
 
 liighest rank of existences, — the Epicurus of this great Oriental 
 system, 
 
 qui potuit RERUM cognoscere causa s, 
 
 Atque metus omnes et inexorabilo fatum 
 
 Subjecit pedibus. 
 What is mere figure of speech in the Roman poet, to express 
 the cahn dignity of wisdom, becomes religious faith in the east ; 
 viz, tlie elevation of a philosophical opponent of popular supersti- 
 tion and Brahmanical caste, to the character of a being supreme 
 over all visible and invisible things, and the object of universal 
 worship. — W. H. M. 
 
 Note on the Note of W. H. 31. — My friendly and learned anno- 
 tator is right as to the comparntivc recency of the Aishwdrika 
 school and may find that o])inion long since expressed by myself. 
 But he is wrong in supposing that that school has no old or un- 
 questionable basis; for both Mr. De Koucis and myself have pro- 
 duced geiuiine and ancient authorities in its support. So that it is 
 hardly fair to revert to the fancies of Sir W. Jones' dav, under 
 cover of a Latin quotation I As to verbal criticism, it is surely 
 scarce necessary to observe that the governing verb being re- 
 moved, the noun will take tlie nominative case. I quoted popular 
 words popularly and omitted the nice inflexions of case and num- 
 ber. Tiiat my terser text is familiar to the mouths of Buddiiists, 
 is an unquestionable fact; and I never said, either that this terser 
 form was that of the inscription, or that I had seen scriptural au- 
 thority for it, ipsissimis verbis. 
 
 The express causes of versatile existence, alluded to by Sakya, 
 in tiie text graved at Sarnath, are Avidya, Sanscar, &c. as enumera- 
 ted in my Quotations in Proof under the licatl of the Karmika 
 doctrines; and there, too, m:iy be found the cause or causes of the 
 extinction of such existence. 
 
 U 2 
 
164 
 
 No. VIII. 
 
 NOTICE OF ADI EUDDHA AND OF THE SEVEN MORTAL, BUDDHAS, 
 
 From the Swayamhhu Purdna. 
 
 (Printed from the Bengal Asiatic Journal, No. 29, A. D. 1834. ) 
 The Swayambhu Parana relates in substance as follows : That 
 formerly the valley of Nepaul was of circular form, and full of 
 very deep water, and that the mountains confining it were cloth- 
 ed with the densest forests, gi^'ing shelter to numberless birds 
 and beasts. Countless waterfowl rejoiced in the waters. The 
 name of the lake was Naga Vasa; it was beautiful as the lake of 
 Indra; south of the Hemachal, the residence of Karkotaka, prince 
 of the Nagas ; seven cos long, and as many broad. In the lake were 
 many sorts of water-plants; but not the lotos. After a time, Vi- 
 PASYi Buddha arrived, with very many disciples and Bhikshus, 
 from Vindumati Nagar, in Madhya D^sa, at the Lake of Naga 
 Vasa, in the course of his customary religious peregrinations. Vi- 
 PASTi, having thrice circumambulated tlie lake, seated himself in 
 the N. W. (Vayukona) side of it, and, having repeated several 
 mantras over the root of a lotos, he threw it into the water, ex- 
 claiming, " What time this root shall produce a flower, then, from 
 out of the flower, Swayambhu, the Lord of Aknishtha Bhavana, 
 shall be revealed in the form of flame; and then shall the lake 
 become a cultivated and populous countrj." Having repeated 
 these words, Vipasti departed. Long after the date of this pro- 
 phecy, it was fulfilled according to the letter. 
 
 After ViPASYi Buddha, came Sikhi Buddha to Naga Vasa 
 with a great company of respectful followers, composed of rajas 
 and persons of the four castes (chatdr varana.) Sikhi, so soon 
 as he beheld Jtoti-rup-Swatambhu, ofl'ered to him many 
 laudatory forms of prayer : then rising, he thrice walked round 
 Niiga Vasa, and, having done so, thus addressed his disciples : 
 
' 165 
 
 " This place shall hereafter, by the blessing of SwAYAMDiir, 
 become a delightful abode to those who shall resort to it from all 
 quarters to dwell in it, and a sweet place of sojourn for the pilgrim 
 and passenger : my apotheosis is now near at hand, do you all take 
 your leave of me and depart to your own country." So saying 
 SiKHi threw himself into the waters of Xaga Vasa, grasping in his 
 hands the stalk of the lotos, and his soul was absorbed into tlie 
 essence of Swayambhu. Many of his disciples, following their 
 master, threw themselves in the lake, and were absorbed into Swa- 
 yambhu, (i. e. the self-existent;) the rest returned home. Viswa- 
 Biiu was the third Buddha who visited Naga Vasa. Visw^abhu 
 was born in Anupama-puri-nagar, of Madhya D6sa, (in the Trita 
 yuga ;) his life was devoted to benefitting his fellow-creatures. 
 His visit to Xepaul was long after that of Sikhi, and, like Sikjii, 
 he brought with him a great many disciples and Bhikshas, Rajas 
 and cultivators, natives of his own land. Having repeated the 
 praises of Swayambhu-jyoti-rupa, he observed ; " In this lake 
 Prajna-surupa-Guhy^swari will be produced. A Bodlusatwa will, 
 in time, make her manifest out of the waters : and this place, 
 through the blessing of Swayambhu, will become replete with 
 villages, towns, and tirthas, and inhabitants of various and di- 
 verse tribes." Having thus prophesied he thrice circumambulat- 
 ed the lake and returned to his native country. The Bodhisatwa 
 above alluded to is Manju Sri, whose native place is very far 
 off, towards the north, and is called Pancha Sirsha Parvata, 
 [which is situated in Maha China Des.*] One day in the Trita yuga, 
 and immediately after the coming of Visw.abhu Buddha to Naga 
 Vasa, Manju Sri, meditating upon what was passing in the 
 world, discovered by means of his divine science that Swayam- 
 biiu-jyoti-rupa, that is, the self-existent, in the form of flame, 
 was revealed out of a lotos in the lake of Niiga Vasa. Again, he 
 reflected within himself: "Let me behold that sacred spot, and 
 my name will long be celebrated in the world ; and on the instant, 
 collecting together his disciples, comprising a multitude of the 
 
 • The bracketed portions are from the commentators. 
 
166 
 
 peasantry of the land, and a Raja named Dharmakar, he assum- 
 ed the form of Viswakakma, and with his two Devis (wives.) 
 and the persons above-mentioned, set out upon the long journey 
 from Sirsha Parbata to Naga Vasa. There having arrived, and 
 having made puja to the self-existent, he began to circumambu- 
 late the lake, beseeching all the' while the aid of Swayambhu in 
 prayer. In the second circuit, when he had reached the central 
 barrier mountain on the south, he became satislied that that was 
 the best place whereat to draw off the waters of the lake. Im- 
 mediately he struck the mountain with his scimitar, when the 
 sundered rock gave passage to the waters, and the bottom of 
 the lake became dry. He then descended from the mountain, and 
 began to walk about the valley in all directions. As he approach- 
 ed Guhyeswari,* he beheld tlie water bubbling up violently from 
 the spot, and betook himself with pious zeal to the task of stop- 
 ping it. No sooner had he commenced than the ebullition of the 
 water became less violent, when, leaving bare only tlie flower 
 of the lotos, the root of which was the abode of Guhyeswari, lie 
 erected a protecting structure of stone and brick over the recum- 
 bent stalk, and called tlie structure, which rose into a consider- 
 able elevation as it neared the flower of the lotos, Sati/a Girt. 
 This work completed, Manju Sri began to look about him in 
 search of a fit place of residence, and at length constructed for 
 that purpose a small hill, to which he gave the name of Manju 
 Sri Parbata, (the western half of the little hill of Sambhu Nath,) 
 and called the desiccated valley, Nepdld — i\"c' signifying the send- 
 er (to paradise,) v/ho is Swayambhu ; and pctJa, cherished, imply- 
 ing that the protecting genius of the valley was Swayambhu or 
 Adi Buddha. Thus the valley got the name of N^pala : and, 
 since very many persons had come from Mount Sirsha [or China] 
 
 ♦ The site of the temple is near the centre of the valley, on the skirts of the 
 lovely grove of Pasupati ; and above 2^ or 3 miles cast from mount Sambhu. 
 The fable says, that the root of the lotos of Guhyeswari was at the former place, 
 and the flower at the latter ; the recumbent stalk being extended througliout 
 the interval between them. Swayambhu or Am Buddha is supposed to re- 
 side in the flower, in the form of flame; Prajana Pakamita or Guhyeswaki, 
 in or at the root, in the form of water. 
 
r 167 
 
 witli Manju Sri, for the residence of Dharmakar Raja and !n'y 
 suite, Manju constructed a large place of abode, halfway between 
 Mount Swayambhu and Guhyoswari, and named it after himself, 
 Manja Patlana, and established therein Dharmakar [of Maha 
 China,] as Raja, subjecting the whole of the inferior sort of people 
 who came from Sirsha Parbata to Dharmakar's rule, and pro- 
 viding abodes for them in the city of Manja Pattana. 
 
 Thus was Nepaul peopled : the first inhabitants of which came 
 all from Mount Sirsha [which is in Maha China,] and thus the 
 valley got the name of Nepala, and its inhabitants that of NepaK, 
 [whose primitive language was Chinese.] [This language in 
 course of time came to be much altered by the emigration of 
 people from Madhya Desa, and by the necessary progress of corrup- 
 tion and change in a new country, till a new language arose in 
 Nepaul by the natural course of things. The primitive inhabitants 
 of Nepaul were all of one caste, or had no caste. But their descend- 
 ants, in the course of time, became divided into many castes, ac- 
 cording to the trades and professions which they followed ; and of 
 these, such as abandoned the world and sliaved their heads, became 
 Bhikshu, Sramana, Chailaka, and Arhana, and took up their abode 
 in forests or in monasteries. The latter four orders are all ascetical ; 
 and in strictness absolutely excluded from all worldly commerce. 
 But should any of them, stiU retaining the custom of tonsure, be- 
 come worldly men, such are called Sravaka, &c. to a great extent 
 of diverse names.] INLinju Sri, having by such deeds as these ac- 
 quired the highest celebrity in Nepaul, ostensibly, and for the in- 
 struction of the people, relinquished his mortal form, and became 
 nirvdn; but, in truth, departed for Mount Sirsha with his two 
 Devis, and in due course arrived at Pancha Sirsha Parbata. Some 
 time after the disappearance of Manju Sri [in the Trita yuga] 
 Karkut Sand Buddha came to Nepaul, with some Bhikshukas, 
 Dharmapala Raja, and a multitude of the common people, from 
 Kshemavatinagar, of Madhya Desa. The beauty of the coun- 
 try delightetl him, and he remarked that in such a land the culti- 
 vator must be sure to reap as he sowed. He paid his devotions 
 to Swayambhu, and then launched out in praise of the merits of 
 
163 
 
 Manju Shi, the Nepauleso patriarch. Afterwards, he performed 
 piija to Guhyeswari, and then ascended Sankliocha mountain (Siva 
 Pura:) the prospect of the valley from that mount filled him with 
 fresh delight, and he again celebrated the excellence of the coun- 
 try» GuNADHVAJA, a brahman, and Abhayandada, a kshe- 
 triya, and others of the four castes (chatiir varana.) respectful 
 followers of Kurkut Sand, here solicited at his hands the favour 
 of being made Bhikshukas, in order that they might remain in 
 this happy land, and by the worship of Swayambhu attain to high 
 merit and honour. Kurkut cheerfully complied, and agx-eed to 
 make a great many of the company Bhikshukas ; and since the 
 mountain top afforded no water for that ceremony, he by his 
 divine power caused a spring to issue from the rock, and with 
 its waters gave to his followers the requisite Abhisheka or bap- 
 tism. He called the river that originated with this spring Vang- 
 mati ;* and then related to his followers both the past and future 
 history of the valley watered by the Vangmati. Then, having 
 left behind him at Nepaul, Raja Dharmapal and some Bhikshus 
 and common folks, who had come with him, and desired to stay, 
 Kurkut Sand departed with the rest of tliem to his native city 
 of Kshemavati. These companions of Kurkut Sand, or Kra- 
 KUCCHAND, were the first natives of the plains of India (Madhya 
 Desa) who remained in Nepaul. Many of them, addicting them- 
 selves to the business of the world, became householders and the 
 founders of several towns and villages in Nepaul ; whilst others, who 
 adopted the ascetical profession, dwelt in the forests and Vihars. 
 When these Madhyadesiyas had become numerous in Nepaul, they 
 and their descendants were confounded with the former or north- 
 ern colonists under the common appellation of Nepali and 
 Newari ; being only separated and contradistinguished by tlie 
 several trades and professions which they hereditarily practised. 
 Tims, in the early ages, Nepaul had four classes of secular peo- 
 ple, as Brahman, Kslietriya, Vaisya, and Sudra, and four asceti- 
 cal classes, namely, Bhikshu, Sramana, Chailaka, and Arhanta, 
 dwelling in forests and monasteries; and all were Buddh-nidrgi. 
 
 * From Fat//, speech. 
 
169 
 
 Account of Dharmakar Raja and Dharmapal Raja. 
 
 Dharmakar, the before noted Chinese prince of Nepaul, being 
 disgusted with the world, abandoned his sovereign power, and 
 placed Dharmapal, the Raja of Gour-des, already mentioned, up- 
 on liis throne. Dharmapal governed his subjects with perfect 
 justice and clemency, and made puja at the Chaitya erected by 
 Dharmakar, and regarded with equal favour his subjects that 
 came fi-om Mount Sirslia [or Maha China,] and those who emi- 
 grated from jNIadhya-des. 
 
 Account of Prachanda Deva. — Praciianda Deva, a Raja of 
 Gour-des, (wliicli is adjacent to Madhya-d6s,) and of the Kshe- 
 triya tribe, was the wise man of his age and country. At length, 
 being inspired with the ambition of becoming nirvan, he aban- 
 doned his princely sway ; and taking with him a few sages, he 
 began to wander over various countries, visting all the shrines 
 and pilgrimages, and in the course of his peregrinations arrived 
 at Nepaul. He was delighted with the beauty of the country, and 
 lia\'ing visited every tirfha, and pith, and devata, and having 
 made puja to the Tri Ratna, or triad, he went to the temple of 
 SwAYAMBHU, and there performed his devotions. He then ascend- 
 ed Manjd Sni Parbat, and offered his prayers to Maxju Sri, 
 and finished by becoming a disciple of Gunakar Bhiksau, a fol- 
 lower of ]VL\NJU Sri. One day Prachanda Deva so delighted 
 Gunakar with the display of his excellent qualities, that Guna- 
 kar made him a Bhikshuka, and the said Raja Prachanda after 
 becoming a Bhikshu obtained the titular appellation of Santa 
 Sri. a great many brahmans and others who accompanied 
 Prachanda to Nepaul received the tonsure, and became Bhikshus 
 at the same time with Prachanda, and took up their abode in the 
 monasteries of Nepaul. Some others of those that came with Pra- 
 chanda to Nepaul preferring the pursuits of the world, contiimed 
 to exercise them in Nepaul, where they also remained and became 
 Buddhists. A third portion of Prachanda's companions return- 
 ed to Gour-dt's. After a time, Santa Sri represented to his 
 Gurii Gunakar his desire to protect the sacred flame of Swa- 
 YAMBHU with a covering structure. Gunakar was charmed with 
 
 Y 
 
170 
 
 the proposition and proposer, and having purified him with 13 
 sprinklings of sacred water {trayodas ahhisvka,) gave him the 
 title of Dikshita Santikar Vajra Acharya. [Frona these transac- 
 tions is dated the arrival of the people of Gour-d6s at Nepaul, and 
 their becoming Buddhists.] . 
 
 Account of Kanaka Muni. — Once on a time, from Siibhavati- 
 nagar of Madhya-des, Kanaka Muni Buddha, with many 
 disciples, some illustrious persons, and a countless multitude of 
 common people, arrived at Nepaul, in the course of his religious 
 peregrinations, and spent some months in the worship of Swayam- 
 BHU, and the Tri Ratna, and then departed with most of his at- 
 tendants. A few remained at Nepaul, became Buddh-m^rgi and 
 worshippers of Swayambhu ; [and these too, like all the preced- 
 ing, soon lost their name and character as Madhya-desiyasj and 
 were blended with the Nepali or Newari race. 
 
 Account of Kdshyapa Buddha. — Once on a time, in JVIrigada- 
 ba-vana, near Benares, Kashyapa Buddha was born. Revisit- 
 ed Nepaul in pilgrimage, and made his devotions to Sambhunath. 
 [Most of the people who came with him staid in Nepaul, and soon 
 became confounded with the aborigines.] 
 
 Account of Sdkya Sinha Buddha. — Some time after Kasiiya- 
 pa's visit, in the beginning of Kali yuga,] on the shores of Gan- 
 ga Sagara, in the sthan of Kapil,a Muni, and city of Kapila-vas- 
 ta, and reign of Sadhodana Raja, of the Sakya vansa, was born 
 (as the son of that Raja) Sarvartha Siddha, who afterwards 
 became a Buddha with the name of Sakya Sinha. Sakya, with 
 1350 Bhikshukas, and the Raja of Benares, several counsellors of 
 state, and a crowd of peasantry of that kingdom, set out on the 
 pilgrimage to Nepaul. Having paid his devotions to the self-exis- 
 tent, in the form of flame, he went to the Chaitya on PuchhSgra 
 Hill, and repeated to his disciples the past history of Nepaul, as 
 well as its wliole future history, with many praises of Manju Sri 
 BoDHisATW A : he then observed, " In all the world are 24 Piths, 
 and of all these that of Nepaul is the best." Having so said, he 
 departed. His companions, mIio were of the Chatur varana, or 
 four castes, [Brahman, Kshetriya, Vaisya, and Siidra,] and belong- 
 
171 
 
 ed to the four orders, [Bhikshu, and Sramana, and Chailaka, and 
 Arhanta,] being much pleased with N6pal-d6s continued to dwell 
 in it ; [and in course of time were blended with the aboriginal 
 Nepalis, and became divided into several castes, according to the 
 avocations which they hereditarily pursued.] Some time after 
 the date of the above transaction, Raja Gukakama Deva, prince 
 of Cathmandu, a principal city of Nepaid, became the disciple 
 of the above-mentioned SantikarVajraAchdrya. Gun Kam De- 
 va, with the aid derived from the divine merits of Sdntikar, 
 brought the NSg Raja Karkutaka out of the lake or tank of 
 Adhar, and conveyed him to Santipur with much ceremony and 
 many religious rites. The cause of this act was that for many 
 previous years there had been a deficiency of rain, whereby the 
 people had been grievously distressed with famine; and its conse- 
 r/uence was, an ample supply of rain, and the return of the usual 
 fertility of the earth and plenty of food. 
 
 Subsequently, Sri Narendra Deva became Raja of Bhagat- 
 pattan, (or Bhatgaon;) he was the disciple of Baxdudatta A- 
 CHARYA, and brought Aryavalokiteswara (Padma Pani) from 
 Putalakaparvat (in Assam) to the city of Lalita pattan in Nepaul. 
 The reason of inviting this divinity to Nepaul was a drought of 12 
 years' duration, and of the greatest severity. The measure was 
 attended with like happy results, as in the case of conveying tlie 
 Nag Raja with so mucli honour to Santipur. 
 
 No. IX. 
 
 REMARKS ON AN INSCRIPTION IN THE RANJA AND TmETAN 
 (u'cIIIIEn) CHARACTERS, 
 
 Takmfrom a Temple on the Confines of the Valley of NcpauL 
 (Printed from the Bengal Asiatic Journal, No. 40, A. D. 183o.) 
 On the main road from the valley of Nepaul to Tibet, by the 
 Eastern or Kuti Pass of the Hemachal, and about two miles be- 
 
 V 2 
 
172 
 
 yond the ridge of hills environing tlie valley, there stands a di- 
 minutive stone chaitija, supported, as usual, by a wide, graduat- 
 ed, basement. 
 
 Upon the outer surface of the retaining walls of this basement 
 are inscribed a variety of texts from the Bauddha Scriptures, and 
 amongst others, the celebrated Shad-Akshari Mantra, Om Mani 
 Padme Horn. Tliis is an invocation of Padma Pani, the 4th 
 Dhyani Bodhisatwa, and praesens Divus of the Theistic school of 
 Buddhists — with an accessary mention of their triad, mider that 
 symbolic, literal form which is common to them and to the Brah- 
 manists.* It is not, hoAvever, my present purpose to dwell upon 
 the real and full import of these words ; but to exhibit the in- 
 scription itself, as an interesting specimen of the practical con- 
 junction of those two varieties of the Devanagari letters which 
 may be said to belong respectively and appropriately to the Sauga- 
 tas of Nepaul and of Tibet. • Not that both forms have not been 
 long familiar to the Tibetans, but that they still consider, and call, 
 that one foreign and Indian which the Nepaulese Bauddha Scrip- 
 tures exhibit as the ordinary ecritiu'e ; and which, though allowed 
 by the Nepaulese to be Indian, and though most certainly deduce- 
 able from the Devanagari standard, is not now, nor has been for 
 ages, extant in any part of India. 
 
 It is peculiarly Nepaulese ; and all the old Sanscrit works of the 
 Bauddhas of Nei3aul are written in tliis character, or, in the cog- 
 nate style denommated Bhujin Mula — which latter, however, I do 
 but incidentally name. I wish here to draw attention to the fact 
 that that form of writing or system of letters called Lantza in 
 Tibet, and there considered foreign and Indian, though no where 
 extant in the plains of India, is the common vehicle of the Sanscrit 
 language amongst the Bauddhas of JVepanl proper, by whom it is 
 denominated Ranja, and written thus, in Devanagari TWT ; Ranjd 
 therefore, and not according to a barbarian metamorphosis Lant- 
 za, it should be called by us ; and, by way of further and clearer 
 
 * Viz. the triliteral syllabic Om, composed of the letters A, U, and M, tyjiifi- 
 ing, with the Brahnianists, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesa— but with the Bud- 
 dhists, Buddha, Dhurma, and iSanga. 
 
' - 173 
 
 distinction, the Nepaulese variety of Devandgari. Obviously deduci- 
 able as this form is, from the Indian standard, and still enshrin- 
 ed as it is in numerous Sanscrit works, it is an interesting cir- 
 cumstance to observe it, in practical collocation with the ordinary 
 Tibetan form — likewise, undoubtedly Indian, but far less easily 
 traceable to its source in the Devandgari alphabet, and devoted 
 to the expression of a language radically different from Sanscrit. 
 Nor when it is considered that Ranja is the common extant vehi- 
 cle of those original Sanscrit works of which the Tibetan books are 
 translations, will the interest of an inscription, traced on one slab 
 in both characters, be denied to be considerable. Singular indica- 
 tions, indeed, are these of that gradual process of transplantation, 
 whereby a large portion of Indian literatiu-e was naturalized be- 
 yond the Himalaya, as well as of the gradual eradication of that 
 literature from the soil of its birth, where, for four centuries proba- 
 bly, the very memory of it has passed away !* Those who are 
 engaged at present in decyphering ancient inscriptions would do 
 well, I conceive, to essay the tracing, through Ranja and Bhujin 
 Mula,f of the transmutation of Devanagari into the Tibetan al- 
 phabet. In conclusion, I may observe, that this habit of promul- 
 gating the mantras of their faith, by inscriptions patent on the 
 face of religious edifices, is peculiar to the Tibetan Buddhists, 
 those of Xepaul considering it a high crime thus to subject them 
 to vulgar, and perchance uninitiated utterance. 
 
 The Tibetan sentiment and practice are, in this respect, both the 
 more orthodox and the more rational. But in another important 
 respect, tlie Nepaulese followers of Buddha are far more rational at 
 least, if far less orthodox, than their neighbours: for tliey have ut- 
 terly rejected that absurd and mischievous adherence to religious 
 mendicancy and monachism which still distinguishes the Tibe- 
 tans. J 
 
 * The very names of the numerous Sanscrit Buddha works recently discover- 
 ed in Nepaul were totally unknown to the Pandits of the plains, who received 
 the announcement of the discovery with absolute disbelief. 
 
 f All the four systems of letters are given in the 16th volume of the Asiatic 
 Eesearchcs. 
 
 I The curious may like to know that Tibetan Buddhism is distinguished 
 
 from 
 
174 
 
 I need hardly add, after what has been just stated, that the 
 circumstance of the inscriptions being mantras proves the temple 
 or chaitya, adverted to, to be the work of Tibetans, though exist- 
 ing on the very confines of Nepaul proper — a fact indeed which, 
 on the spot, wants no such confirmation. It is notorious; and is 
 referrible to times when Tibetan influence was predominant on 
 this side of the Himalaya. The great temple of Khdsa chit, stand- 
 ing in the midst of the valley of Nepaul, is still exclusively ap- 
 propriated by the Trans-Himalayans. 
 
 Note. — So much has been published on the subject of the mys- 
 tical mantra above alluded to, that it is unnecessary to do more 
 than direct the attention of the reader to the learned disserta- 
 tion by Georgi in the Alphabetum Tibetanum, page 500, &c. 
 and to a more recent elucidation of the same subject in Kxaproth's 
 Fragmens Bouddhiques in the Journ. Asiatique, Mars, 1831, p. 27. 
 — The mantra is quite unkn6wn to the Buddhists of Ceylon and 
 the Eastern Peninsula, and it forms a peculiar feature of the Tibe- 
 tan Buddhism, shewing its adoption of much of the Brahmanical 
 mystic philosophy. A wooden block, cut in Tibet for printing the 
 very passage in the two characters, and from its appearance of some 
 antiquity, is deposited in the museum of the Asiatic Society. — 
 Ed. 
 
 Note. — M. Klaproth, in his memoir in the Nouveau Journal 
 Asiatique, where he has brought so much of the erudition of 
 Eastern and Central Asia to bear upon this Buddhist formulary, 
 attaches himself to two versions principally, as preferable to all 
 that he finds elsewhere among Tibetans, Mongolians, and Chi- 
 nese. The former is, "Oh precieux Lotus! Amen," on the suppo- 
 sition of ^firtV tf^*T ^ being the true reading ; but if it be read. 
 
 from Nepaulese, solely by the two features above pointed out —unless we must add 
 a qualified subjection on the part of the Saugatas of Nepaul to caste, from which 
 the Tibetans are free ; but which in Nepaul is a merely popular usage stript of 
 the sanction of religion, and altogether a very different thing fi-om caste, pro- 
 perly so called. 
 
p=; 
 
 ■^ 
 
 > 
 
 EE 
 
 O 
 
 o 
 
 
 m 
 
175 
 
 as he justly prefers, '^t ^fw^^ ^ " Oh! le joyau est dans le 
 Lotus. Amen." 
 
 There is no objection to the former translation, that of " Om 
 manipadma hum ;" for the two nouns cannot be read as separate 
 vocatives, " Oh jewel! Oh Lotus !" (as M. Csoma de KOrus in- 
 forms us it is understood in Tibet,) without reading mam Tpsf in- 
 stead of "^fw. 
 
 The latter translation of " Om manipadmehum" is not equally ad- 
 missible : for it would require indispensably by grammatical rule, 
 either the insertion of a Visarga after mani, or the substitution of 
 a long i for the short one, so distinctly marked in the inscription ; i.e. 
 the nominative ^f^f: orTiWt instead of the crude form Tffrir. The 
 junction of the two nouns in one compound is therefore as neces- 
 sary in the reading of the locative case, as in that of the voca- 
 tive ; and this mjikes it necessary to translate it thus : " AUM (i. e. 
 the mystic triform divinity) is in the jewel-like Lotus. Amen." 
 The legend cited by M. Klaproth respecting Buddha apply as 
 well to this version of the formulary as to his. I hope that Mr. 
 Hodgson may hereafter favour us with tlie import of these words, 
 as explained in the yet unexplored treasures of Sanscrit Buddhist 
 literature in Nepaul." — W. H. M. 
 
 Note. — In reply to the query of my annotator, I beg to say, 
 that the true sense of the mantra is, ' The mystic triform Deity is 
 in him of the Jewel and the Lotos' id est, in Padma Pani, the 
 fourth Dhyani Bodhisatwa, but lord of the ascendant at present, 
 and therefore associated with Buddha and Dharma as the third 
 person of the Triad ; for this muntra is one of three, addressed 
 to the three persons. 
 
176 
 
 No. X. 
 
 ACCOUNT OF A VISIT TO THE RUINS OF SIMROUN, ONCE THE 
 CAPITAL OF THE MITIIILA PROVINCE. 
 
 [/« a letter to the Editor. '\ 
 (Printed from the Bengal Asiatic Journal, No. 39, A. D. 18.33.) 
 
 I trust that the drawings and inscriptions lately sent you from 
 Bakra, Mathiah, Radhiah, and Kesariah, will serve to draw atten- 
 tion towards the remains of Buddhist science and power still ex- 
 tant in this direction — the Mithila, or Maithila D6sa of the Sastras, 
 and North Bihar of the Moghuls. But it is not merely on the 
 British side of the boundary that these astonishing traces of anci- 
 ent civilization exist ; for, in the Nepaulese Tarai, also within a few 
 miles of the liills, where now (or recently) the tiger, wild boar, 
 and wild buffalo usurp the soil, and a deadly malaria infects the 
 atmosphere for three-fourths of the year, similar vestiges are to 
 be found. The Nej^aulese Tarai is synominous amongst Europeans 
 with pestilential jungle. It was in the halls of Janakpur, however, 
 that the j^outhful Rama sought a bride: it was from the battle- 
 ments of Simroun that the last of the Dcva dynasty defied so long 
 the imperial arms of Toglak Shah ! 
 
 But the ruins of Janakpur and of Simroun still exist in the Ne- 
 paulese low-lands: and he Avho would form a just idea of what the 
 Hindoos of Mithila achieved prior to the advent of the Moslems 
 must bend his pilgrim steps from the columns of Radhiali and of 
 Mathiah, in the British territories, to tlie last but still astonish- 
 ing vestiges of the cities of Kings Janaka and Nanyupa, in 
 those of Nepaul. 
 
 Of the Nepaulese Tarai it might justly be said, until very 
 
 lately, 
 
 ' A goodly place it was in days of yore, 
 
 But sonietliing ails it now : the place is cursed.' 
 
 Five centuries of incessant struggle between Moslem bigotry and 
 
177 
 
 Hindoo retaliation had indeed stricken this border hvnd with the 
 dt)uble curse of waste and pestilence. Nature, as it were, in very 
 scorn of the vile passions of man, having turned the matchless 
 luxuriance of the soil and climate into the means of debarring 
 his future access! Such teas the Nepaulese Tara'i until 1816. But 
 since that period the peace and alliance existing between the two ef- 
 ficient Governments of the hills and the plains have given security 
 to the borderers, and man is now fast resuming his ancient tenure 
 of this fertile region. Still, however, there is little temptation or 
 opportunity for Europeans to enter it ; and as clmnce recently con- 
 ducted me past the ruins of Simroun, I purpose to give you a hasty 
 sketch of what I saw and heard : because these ruins are evident- 
 ly disjecta membra of the same magnificent body to which the 
 mausoleum of Kesariah, and the solitary columns of Mathiah, of 
 Radhiah, and of Bakhra belong. About lo miles from the base 
 of the hills, and at a nearly equal distance from the Bagmatty, 
 south of the former, and west of the latter, stand the remains of 
 Simroun, in the Nepaulese district of Rotahat, and opposite to the ' 
 Champarun division of the British zillah of Sarun. 
 
 Tlie boundary of Nepaul and of our territories confines the ruins 
 to the south, and the Jamuni Nadi to the west. On the immcdia-te 
 east lies the village of Kachorwii, juid on the north, that of Bliag- 
 wanpur, both belonging to Nepaul. Here, in the midst of a dense 
 jungle, 12 miles probably in circuit, rife with malaria, and abound- 
 ing in tigers, wild boar, and spotted axis, are secluded these 
 wonderful traces of the olden time. The country around is well 
 cultivated nmc, both on our and the Nepaulese side, but no one 
 presumes to disturb the slumber of the genius of Simrou!i ; 
 superstition broods over the tainted atmosplicre ; and tlie venge- 
 ance of Kali is announced to the rash peasant who would dare to 
 ply an axe, or urge a plougli, within her appropriately desolate do- 
 main. It was only with dilBculty tiiat my elephants coiJd make 
 their way through the jungle; and wlien I liad reached a central 
 position, and ascended an elevation of some 26 feet, composed of 
 the debris of the palace, nothing but a wilderness met my eye. Yet 
 it is barely 500 years since Simroun was a i)akka, fortified city^ 
 
 W 
 
' 178 
 
 the pride and the defence of Mithila ! After tlie war with Nepaul, 
 Lieutenant Boileau, I think, surveyed these ruins, and drew up a 
 plan of them. What is become of it, I know not ; and regret 
 that my own ojiportunity of research was limited to one hasty vi- 
 sit. In this, however, I traced the northern wall, in all its ex- 
 tent : measured the dimensions of the great Pokra or reservoir 
 called Tsra; and clambered to the top of what were once the cita- 
 del and the Rani-bas or Mahal Sarai. On my return I had much 
 conversation witli an intelligent Brahman of Bhagwanpur, who 
 told me that in April and May, when the jungle is at its barest 
 state, the form and extent of the city may be distinctly traced. 
 From his communications, and from my own observations, I gather 
 that the form of the city is a parallelogram, surrounded by an 
 outer and an inner wall, the former of unburnt, the latter of burnt, 
 brick — the one having a compass of seven cos, and the other, of 
 about five cos. 
 
 On the eastern side, six or seven wet ditches may still be trac- 
 ed, outside the pakka wall,, and three or four on the western 
 side. The Isra reservoir or tank is still perfect. It is 333 paces 
 along each greater, and 210 along each shorter, face ; and its con- 
 taining walls or sides consist of the finest burnt bricks, each of 
 which is a cubit square, and nearly a maund in weight. 50 to 60 
 yards of causeway, constructed of similar bricks or tiles, are yet 
 entire in the neighbourhood of the palace; and vestiges of the same 
 causeway, traceable at other points, indicate that all the streets of 
 the city were of this careful and expensive structure. The re- 
 mains of the palace, of the citadel, and of the temple of the tutela- 
 ry goddess, exhibit finely carved stone basements, with superstruc- 
 tures of the same beautifully moulded and polished bricks for 
 which the temples and places of the valley of Nepaul are so justly 
 celebrated. I measured some of the basement stones, and found 
 them each 5 feet long by 1^ broad and deep : and yet these blocks 
 must have been brought from a distance of 25 miles at least, and 
 itver the lesser range of hills ; for, till you come to the second or 
 mountainous and rocky range, no such material is to be had. 
 
 Some twenty idols, extricated from the ruins by the pious la- 
 
179 
 
 bour of a Gosain, are made of stone, and are superior in sculpture 
 to modern specimens of the art. Many of them are much muti- 
 lated ; and of those which are perfect, I had only time to observe 
 that they bore the ordinary attributes of Puranic Brahmanism. 
 Not a single inscription has yet been discovered : but wherefore 
 speak of discovery where there has been no search? I noticed 
 four or five pakka weUs round, and each hashing a breast-work 
 about three feet above the ground, similar precisely to the wells of 
 
 this valley. 
 
 What I have called the citadel is styled on the spot the KoUmh 
 Choutara, and my palace is the Rani-bas. The latter has a very 
 central position. The Kotwali Choutara is in the northern quar- 
 ter- and the great tank, called Tsra Pokra, is about f of a mile 
 from the north-east corner of the city wall. As already mentioned, 
 the last is stiU complete : the two former exist only as tumuli, some 
 20 to 25 feet high ; and more or less coated with earth and trees. 
 Hindu tradition, eked out by a couple of Sanscrit slokas, a copy 
 of which I subjoin, asserts that Simroun was founded by Nanvupa 
 Dev^ a. D. 1097 ; that six* of the dynasty reigned there with 
 great splendour ; and that the sixth, by name Hari Sinha Dbva, 
 was compeUed to abandon his capital and kingdom, and take re- 
 fuge in the hills A. D. 1322. The Moslem annals give 1323 for 
 the date of the destruction of Simroun by Toglak Shah. Of the 
 accuracy of the latter date there can be no doubt ; nor is the differ- 
 ence between the Musalman and Hindu chronology of the least 
 moment. But, unless Nanyupa had more than five successors, we 
 cannot place the foundation of Simroun higher than about 1200 
 A D That is clearly too recent; and, in fact, no part of the tra- 
 dition can be trusted but that vouched by the memorial verses, 
 which only give the date of destruction. 
 
 Memorial verses of the foundir^g and desertion of Simroun. 
 
 * l.Nanj-upa. 2. Ganga. 3. Nara Sinha. 4. Rama Sinha. 5. Sakti Sinha. 
 6 Hari Sinha, all with tlie cognomen Beta. 
 
 W 2 
 
180 
 
 The following is the substance of these memorial verses : 
 'The wealth accumulated by Rajas Rama, Nala, Puuurava, 
 and AltAkka, was preserved in a tank (that of Isra,) and guarded 
 by a serpent. Nan yupa Deva destroyed the serpent ; appropriat- 
 ed the wealth ; and built (Simroun) Garh with it. (His descend- 
 ant) Hari Sinha, compelled by cruel fate, abandoned his beauti- 
 ful city, and went to the hills in the year of the Saka 1245.' 
 
 The kingdom of the Deva dynasty in the plains expired with 
 the destruction or desertion of Simroun. It extended from the 
 Xosi to the Gandak, and from the Ganges to the hills of Nepaul: at 
 least, such were its limits in the days of its greatest splendour, 
 when consequently it embraced all the several localities from 
 which I have recently forwarded to you such signal memorials of 
 Hindu power and science. 
 
 No. XI. 
 
 NOTE ON THE TRIMAUy LANGUAGE OF THE BUDDHIST WRITINGS, 
 
 To f/te Editor, Journal Asiatic Society. 
 
 (Printed from the Bengal Asiatic Journal, No. 68, A. D. ISo/.) 
 I iiave read article H. of the 66th No. of your Journal with 
 great interest. With regard to tlie language in which tlie religion 
 of, Sakya, ' was preached and spread among the people,' I per- 
 ceive nothing opposed to my own opinions in the fact that that 
 language was the vernacular. 
 
 There is merely in your case, as priorly in that of Mr. Turnour, 
 
 some misapprehension of tlie sense in which I spoke to that point. 
 
 The i)reaching and spreading of tlie religion is a very dificrent 
 
 thing from the elaboration of those speculative principles from 
 
181 
 
 Wlifch the religion was deduced. In the one case, the appeal 
 would be to tlie many ; in the other, to the few. And whilst I 
 am satisfied that the Buddhists as practical reformers addressed 
 themselves to the people, and as propagandists used the vulgar 
 tongue, I thi;ik that those philosophical dogmata which funned 
 the basis of tlie popular creed, were enounced, defended and sys- 
 tematised in Sanskrit. I never alleged that the Buddhists had es- 
 chewed 'the Prakrits : I only denied the allegation tliat they had 
 eschewed the Sanskrit ; and I endeavoured, at the same time, to 
 reconcile their use of hothf by drawing a distinction between the 
 means employed by their philosophers to establish tlie principles 
 of this religion, and the means employed by their missionaries to 
 propagate the religion itself. 
 
 JoiNviLLE had argued that Buddhism was an original creed, 
 older than Bralnnanism, because of tlie grossness of its leading 
 tenets which savour so mueii of ' flat atheism.' 
 
 I answered that Buddhism was an innovation on the existing 
 creed, and that all the peculiarities of the religion of Sakva could 
 be best and only explained by advertence to shameful prior abuse ' 
 of the religious sanction, whence arose the characteristic JBauddha 
 aversion to gods and priests, and that enthusiastic self-reliance 
 taught by Buddliism in express opposition to tlie servile extant 
 reference of all tilings to heavenly and earthly mediation. Jones, 
 again, had argued that the Buddhists used only the Prakrit be- 
 cause the books of Ceylon and Ava, (the only ones then forth- 
 coming,*) were solely in that language or dialect. I answered by 
 producing a whole library of Sanskrit works in which the princi- 
 ples of Buddhism are more fully expounded than in all the le- 
 gendary tomes of Ceylon and Ava. ; I answered, further, by point- 
 ing to the abstruse philosophy of Buddhism, to the admitted pre- 
 eminence, as scholars, of its expounders ; and to their location 
 in the most central and literary part of India (Be/iar and Oude). 
 
 * Sh- W. Jones had, however, in his possession a Sanskrit copy of the Lallita 
 Vislara, and had noticed the personification of Diva Natura under the style of 
 Arya Tara. 
 
182 
 
 With the Sanskrit at command, 1 asked and ask again, ivhy men 
 so placed and gifted, and having to defend their principles in the 
 schools against ripe scholars from all parts of India (for those 
 were days of high debate and of perpetual formal disputation in 
 palaces and in cloisters) should be supposed to have resorted to 
 a limited and feebler organ Avlien they had the universal and more 
 powerful one equally available ? The presumption that tliey did 
 not thus postpone Sanskrit to Prakrit is, in my judgment, worth 
 a score of any inferences deduceable from monumental slabs, back- 
 ed as this presumption is by the Sanscrit records of Buddhism 
 discovei'ed here. Those records came direct from the proximate 
 head quarters of Buddhism. And. if the principles of this creed 
 were not expounded and systematised in the schools of India in 
 Sanskrit, what are we to make of the Nepaulese originals and of 
 the avowed Tibetan translations? In my judgment the exte7itiini}i 
 character of these works settle the question tliat the philosophic 
 founders of Buddhism used Sanskrit and Sanskrit only, to ex- 
 pound, defend and record the speculative principles of their sys- 
 tem, principles without which the vulgar creed would be (for us,) 
 mere leather and prunella ! Nor is this opinion in the least oppos- 
 ed to your notion (mine too) that the practical si/stem of belief, 
 deduced froift those principles, was spread among the jieople of 
 the spot as well as propagated to remoter spots by means of tlie 
 vernacular. 
 
 It is admitted that Buddhism was long taught in Ceylon with- 
 out the aid of books : and that the first book reached tliat island 
 nearly 300 years after the introduction of the creed. 
 
 Here is a distinct admission of what I long since inferred from 
 the general character of the religion of Sakya in that island, viz. 
 the protracted total want, and ultimate imperfect supply, of those 
 standard written authorities of the sect which regulated belief and 
 practice in Magadha, in Kosala and Rajagriha, — in a word, in the 
 Metropolis of Buddhism. From this metropolis the authorities in 
 question were transferred directly and immediately to She, proximate 
 hills of Nepaul, where and where only, I believe, tliey are now to be 
 found. If not translations, the books of Ceylon have all tlic ap- 
 
183 
 
 ptrfrance of being ritual collectanea, legendai^ hearsays, and loose 
 comments on received texts — all which would naturally be writ- 
 ten in the vulgar tongue.* To these, however, we must add some 
 very important historical annals, detailing the spread and diffu- 
 sion of Buddliism. Similar annals are yet found in Tibet, but, as 
 far as I know not in Xepaul, for what reason it is difficult to di- 
 vine. 
 
 But these annals, however valuable to us, for historical uses, 
 are not the original written standard of faith ; and until I see 
 the rrajna Param'da and the nine Dharmas\ produced from 
 Ceylon, I must continue of the oi)inion tiiat the Buddliists of that 
 island drew their faith from secondary, not primary sources ; and 
 that wliilst the former were in Ceylon as elsewhere, vernacular ; 
 the latter were in ^higadha and Kosala, as they are still in Nc' 
 paul, classical or Sanskrit ! 
 
 Certainly Buddhism, considered in the practical view of a reli- 
 gious system, always appealed to the common sense and interest 
 of the many, inscribing its most sacred texts (Sanskrit and Pra- 
 krit) on temple walls and on pillars, placed in market, high-road 
 and cross-road. 
 
 This material fact (so opposite to the genius of Brahinanism,) I 
 long since called attention to ; and thence argued that the inscrip- 
 tions on the lats would be probably found to be scriptiu*al texts ! 
 
 The tendency of your researches to prove that the elaborate 
 forms of the Deva Nagari were constructed from simpler elements, 
 more or less appropriated to the popular Bhashas, is very curious ; 
 and seems to strengthen the opinion of those who hold Hindi to be 
 indigenous, older than Sanskrit in India, and not (as Colebuooke 
 supposed) deduced from Sanskrit. If Buddhism used these pri- 
 mitive letters before the Deva Ndgari existed, the date of this creed 
 
 • Such woi'ks written in tlic vulg-ar tongue are common in \tpaul and fre- 
 quently we have a Sanskrit text with a vernacular running commentary. 
 
 f They liave one of the 9, viz. the Lallita Vista ra ; but M. Burnouf assures 
 me, in a miserably corrupted state. Now, as this work is forthcoming in a fault- 
 less state in Sanskrit, I say the Pali vei"sion must be a translation. (Await Mr. 
 Tuknour's extracts and translations before pronouncing judgment.— Ed.) 
 
1S4 
 
 Would seem to l)e tlirown back to a remote cera, or, the Sanskrit 
 letters and language must be comparatively recent. 
 
 I can trace something verji like Buddliism, into far ages and 
 realms : but I am sure that that Buddhism which has come down 
 to us iu the Sanskrit, Pali and Tibetan books of the sect, and 
 which only therefore we do or can know, is neither old nor exotic. 
 That Buddliism (the doctrines of the so called seventh Buddha) 
 arose iu the middle of India. in comparatively recent times, and 
 expressly out of those prior abominations which had long licld 
 the people of India in cruel vassalage to a bloated priesthood. 
 
 The race of Sdha, or progenitors of Sdkya S'mha (by tlie way, 
 the Shihci proves that the princely style was given to liim until he 
 assumed the ascetic habit) may have been Scythians or Northmen, 
 in one sense ; and so probably were the Brahmans in that same 
 sense, viz. with reference to their original seat. (Brachmanes 
 noraen gentis diffusissimse, cujus maxima pars in montibus degit ; 
 reliqui circa Gangem.) 
 
 If one's purpose and object were to search backwards to the 
 original hive of nations, one might, as in consistency one should, 
 draw Brahmanism and Buddhism, VyaSxV and Sakya, from Tar- 
 tary. All 1 say is, tliat quoad the known and recorded man and 
 thing — Sakya Sijvha and his tenets — they are indisputably Indian 
 and recent.* 
 
 I incline to the opinion that Hindi may be older in India than 
 Sanskrit, and independent, originally, of Sanskrit. But were 
 this so, and were it also true that the Buddhists used the best 
 dialect of Hindi {that however is saturated with Sanskrit, what- 
 ever its primal independence) such admissions would ratlier 
 strengthen tlian weaken the argument from language against tlie 
 exotic origin of Buddhism. f 
 
 * According to all Bau'.Ulha authorities the rmcage o<^the whole seven mortal 
 Buddhas is expressly stated to be Brahmaaical or Kshctriya ! What is the answer 
 to this ? 
 
 f Our own distinguished Wilson has too easily followed the continent;il 
 European writers in identifying the Suka vniisa with the classical Sacse or 
 Scythians, and Buddhism with Samanism. The Tartars of our day avow that 
 they got all their knowledge from India; teste Kihgynr et Staiir/i/ur. 
 
18o 
 
 According to this liypothesis, Hindi is not loss, but more, Indian 
 tliau Sanskrit : and, a fortiori, so is the religion assumed to have 
 committed its record* to Hindi. 
 
 But, in very truth, the extant records of Buddhism, whether 
 Sanskrit or Prakrit, exhibit both languages in a high state of le- 
 fiuement ; and though one or both tongues came originally from 
 Tartary, they received that refinement in India, where, certainly, 
 what we kiioio as Buddhism, (by means of these records) had its 
 origin, long after Brahmauisni had flourished there in all its mis- 
 chievous might. 
 
 P. S. You will. I hope, excuse my having adverted to some 
 other controverted topics besides that whicli your paper immedi- 
 ately suggested. These questions are, a good deal, linked toge- 
 ther: for instance, if Buddhism furnishes mter/<a/ evidence through- 
 out its most authentic records that it is the express iuitithesis of 
 Brahmanism, its posteriority of diite to the latter is decided, as 
 well as lis jealousy ofpriestlt/pretensiotis. Nee clericis infinita aut 
 libera potestas, is a deduction which only very precise and weighty 
 evidence will suffice to set aside : I have seen none such yet from 
 Ceylon or from Ava. And be it observed, I here advert to au- 
 thentic scriptural tenets, and not to popular corruptions resulting 
 from the facile confusion of tlie ascetic with the clerical profession.^ 
 
 Note. We are by no means prepared to enter into a controversy 
 on a subject on which we profess but a slight and accidental ac- 
 quaintance : nor will v\ e arrogate to ourselves the distinction of 
 having entered the lists already occupied by such champions as 
 Mr. Hodgson and Mr. Tuknour, who have both very strong ar- 
 guments to bring forward, in support of tlieir o})posite views. As 
 far as the DliarmaUpi could be taken as evidence the vernacular- 
 ists had the right to it ; but on the other hand there can be no 
 doubt, as Mr. Hodgson says, that all scholastic disjnitation with 
 the existing Brahraanical schools which Sakya personally visited 
 and overcame, nuist have been conducted in the classical lamgusige. 
 The only question is, whether any of these early disquisitions have 
 
 X 
 
lS(i 
 
 been preserved, and whether, for example, tlie Life of Sakya, 
 called the LaUta Vistdra, found by Professor Wilson to agree 
 verbatim with the Tibetan translate exann'ned simultaneously by 
 Mr. CsoMA, has a greater antiquity than the Pitakattayan of Ccij- 
 lon? We happen fortuitously to have received at this moment 
 two letters bearing upon the point in dispute from which we gladly 
 avail oui'selves of an extract or two: — Mr. Turnour, alluding to 
 the notice of the life of Sakya from the Tibetan authorities by Mr. 
 CsoMA in the As. Res. vol. xx. writes — " The Tibetan life is appa- 
 rently a very meagre performance, containing scarcely any thing va- 
 luable in the department of history ; whereas had the materials 
 whence it was taken been genuine, tlie translator would have been 
 able to bring forward and illustrate much valuable information on 
 the pilgrimages and the acts of Sakya in various parts of India dur- 
 ing the 45 years he was Buddha. Even the superstitious facts re- 
 corded are much more absurd than they are represented in the 
 Pitakattayan. Thus the dream of Maya Devi of havingbeen rub- 
 bed by a Chhadanta elephant, during her pregnancy, — is converted 
 into a matter of fact, of Sakya, ' in the form of an elephant hav- 
 ing entered by the right side into the womb or cavity of tlie bo- 
 dy of May'A Devi !' ' ChhadantcC is taken literally as a six- 
 tusked elephant, whereas by our books Chhadanta is the name of 
 a lake beyond the Himalaya mountains where the elephants are 
 of a superior breed. It is mentioned twice in the Mahawanso 
 (Chaps. 5 and 22)." 
 
 If the rationality of a story be a fair test of its genuineness, 
 wliich few will deny, the Pali record wiU here bear away the 
 palm : — but it is much to be regretted that we have not a complete 
 translation of the Sanskrit and of the Ceylonese "life" to place side 
 by side. It is impossible that instruction should not be gained by 
 such an impartial examination.* But to return to the subject 
 
 • As an example of the information already obtained from Mr. Csoma's 
 translated sketch, we may adduce the origin of the custom seemingly so uni- 
 versal among the Buddhists of preserving pictorial or sculi)turcd representations 
 of the facts of his life — After his death the priests and minister at Unjufjriha. 
 are afraid of telling the king Ajata SSatku thereof lest he should faint from 
 
 the 
 
18; 
 
 under discussion; my friend Mr. Csoma writes from Tdal^ja in 
 tlie Purniyn district : — 
 
 " In reference to your and Mr. Turnour's opinion tiiat the 
 original records of the Buddliists in ancient India, were written 
 in "the Mdgadhi dialect, I beg leave to add in support of it, that 
 in the index or register {^^J.' S^^ dkar-c/>hag) of the Ka/<- 
 gtjur, it is stated that the Sutras in general-/, e. all the works in 
 the Kahg>/ur except the 21 vokunes of the Sher-cMin and the 
 22 volumes of the vGyud %^ class, after the death of Siiakya, 
 were first written in the ,%/f///?aanguage and the Sher-chhin^nA 
 xGynd in the Sanskrit: but part of the xGyud also in several 
 other corrupt dialects. It is probable that in the seventh century 
 and afterwards, the ancient Buddhistic religion was remodelled 
 and generally written in Sanskrit, before the Tibetans commenced 
 its introduction by translation into their own country." 
 
 This explanation, so simple and so authentic, ought to set the 
 matter at rest, and that in the manner that the advocates of ei- 
 ther view should most desire, for it shews that both are right! 
 —It is generally allowed that the Fdli and the Zend are deriva- 
 tives of nearly the same grade from the Sanskrit stock ; and the 
 modern dialect of Sinde as well as the Bh6^hd of upper and west- 
 ern India present more striking analogies to the rdli, in the re- 
 
 the shock, and it is sugsested by Maha'kashv.pa by way of breaking the in- 
 telligence to him. that the Mahamavtra or chief priest should " go speedily 
 into the king's garden, and cause to be represented in painting, how Chom- 
 PANDAS {Bhagavan-) was in TuMia : how in tlu- shape of an elephant he en- 
 tered his mother's womb: how at the foot of the holy fig-tree he attamed 
 supreme perfection: how at Varanasi he turned the wheel of the law of twelve 
 kinds, (taught his doctrines :)-how he at Sra.a.ti displayed great mira- 
 cles -how at the citv of Ghachen he descended from the Traya Slr.nshu 
 heaven, whither he had gone to instruct his mother : -and lastly, how having 
 accomplished his acts in civilizing and instructing men in his doctrine at seve- 
 ral places, he went to his last repose in the city of Kusl.u in .Issam." ^ow 
 whether the book in question was written sooner or later, it explains the prac- 
 tice equally and teaches us how we may successfully analyze the events depict- 
 ed in the drawings of Adjanta, perchance, or the sculptures of B/uha, with a 
 full volume of the life of Shak;,a in our hand. Similar paintin;;s are common 
 in Ava, and an amusing, but rather aprocryphal, scries may be seen in U .-ham's 
 folio history of Buddhism. 
 
 X 2. 
 
I8b 
 
 "movul particularly of the r, and tlie modification of the auxiliary 
 verbs, than any of the dialects of Bengal, Behar, or Ceylon* 
 Plausible grounds for the existence of this western dialect in the 
 heart of Magadha, and the preference given it in writings of the 
 period, may be found in the origin of the ruling dynasty of that 
 province, which had confessedly proceeded from the north-west. 
 At any rate those of the Sdkya race, wliich had emigrated from 
 Sinde to Kapila ly/stii (somewhere in the Gangetic valley) may 
 have preserved the idiom of this native province and have caused 
 it to prevail along with the religion which was promulgated 
 through its means. 
 
 We are by no means of opinion that the Hindi, Sindhi, or Pali 
 had an independent origin prior to the Sanskrit. The more t!ie 
 first of these, which is the most modern form and the farthest re- 
 moved from the classical language, is examined and analyzed, the 
 more evidently is its modification and con'uption from the ancient 
 stock found to follow systematic rules, and to evince rather pro- 
 vincial dialectism (if I may usethe word) than the mere engraft- 
 ment of foreign words upon a pre-existent and written language. 
 The aboriginal terms of Indian speech must be rather sought in 
 the hills and in the peninsula ; in the plains and populous districts 
 of the north the evidences of their existence are necessarily smo- 
 thered by the predominance of the refined and durable languages 
 of the court, of religion, and of the educated classes. A writer in 
 the Foreign Quarterly has lately been bold enough to revive the 
 theory of Sanskrit being merely a derivative from tlie Greek 
 through tl|)e intervention of the Zend, and subsequent to the 
 Macedonian invasion! The Agathocles' coin ought to answer all 
 such speculations. The Pali of that day along with its appropri- 
 ate symbols is proved to have held the same precise derivative re- 
 lation to the Sanskrit as it does now — for the records on which we 
 argqe are not modern, but of that very period. All we still want 
 is to find some graven Brahmanical record of the same period 
 to shew the character then in use for writing Sanskrit ; and to 
 
 • See the Rev. Dr. Mill's note on this suhject in the Jour. Asi.it. Sec. vol. v. 
 p. 30; also Professor Wilson's remarks, vol. i. page 8. 
 
189 
 
 add ocular demonstration to the proofs afforded by the profound 
 researches of philologists as to the genuine antiquity of the vener- 
 able depository of the Vedas. — Eu. 
 
 No. XII. 
 
 (rrintcd from the Jouniiil of the Royal Asiatic Society.) 
 EXTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY. 
 
 January^ 1836. 
 
 The Secretary then read the following letter addressed to him 
 by Brian Houghton Hodgson, Esq. the Hon. East India Com- 
 pany's Political Resident in Nepaul : — 
 
 " Nepaul, April 2d, 1835. 
 
 " My dear Sir, — Through Dr. Wallich I have recently had 
 the honour to transmit to you a copy of the Sata Sahasrika Praj- 
 na Paramita, or Raksha Bhagavati, as it is more commonly call- 
 ed here ; and, in the course of the year, I trust to be enabled to 
 send to you copies of the nine works denominated the Nava 
 Dharma. They will be followed by despatches of the other Pau- 
 ranika and Tantrika books of the Saugatas, of which the names 
 are enumerated in my Sketch of Buddhism. 
 
 " It is my hope and my ambition to be able to deposit in your 
 archives a complete series of these original Sanski-it depositories 
 of Bauddha philosophy and religion ; in the conviction that in 
 them only can be traced with success the true features of a sys- 
 tem which is far too subtle and complex to be apprehended 
 through the medium of such languages as those of the Tibetans 
 and Mongolians ; — and which system demands our best attention, 
 not less on account of its having divided with Brahraanism the 
 empire of opinion for ages, within the limits of India proper, than 
 for its unparalleled extension beyond those limits in more recent 
 times, and up to the present day. It is probable, that, during four 
 or five centuries at least. Buddhism was as influential within the 
 
190 
 
 bounds of the continent of India as Brahmanism ; and, it is cer- 
 tain, that the period of its greatest influence there was synchro- 
 nous with the brightest ei'a of the intellectual culture of that con- 
 tinent. The Brahmans themselves attest, again and again, the 
 p]iiloso}Dhical acumen and literary abilities of their detested ri- 
 vals ; and, upon the M'hole, I feney it can hardly be too much to 
 assert, that, until the speculations and arguments of Saki/a, and 
 his successors, are as well known to us as those of Vyasa and his, 
 we must remain, with respect to the knowledge of the Ir.dian phi- 
 losophy of mind, and its collateral topics, pretty much in the con- 
 dition which we should be in, with regard to the same sciences in 
 Europe, were the records of Protestant sagacity obliterated^ and 
 those of Catholic ingenuity alone left us to judge of and decide 
 
 by. 
 
 " As to the importance of a knowledge of the speculative tenets 
 of Buddhism, with a view to complete the history of Indian philo- 
 sophy and intellectual culture, there may be some difference of 
 opinion ; but there can be none respecting the desirableness of 
 drawing from original and adequate sources our notions of that 
 existing system of faith which, for the number of its followers, 
 surpasses every religion on the face of the earth. Not to men- 
 tion that the researches of every year furnish us with fresh pre- 
 sumptions in favour of the former jDrevalence of Buddhism in 
 wide regions where it is now superseded by Islamism, or by 
 Christianity. The works which it is my purpose to deposit co- 
 pies of in the library of your Society, constitute such original and 
 adequate soiu-ces of information respecting the Saugatas. They 
 are all written in the Sanskrit language, are of vast extent, and 
 embrace nvimerous treatises belonging to the Tdntrika, as well as 
 the Paurdnika class. Till verj' recently, works of the former or- 
 der were withheld from me, owing to religious scruples ; but I 
 have, within the last year, procured several, am daily obtaining 
 more, and am now of opinion, that nearly the whole contents of 
 the immense Kahgyur and Slangyur collections of Tibet may yet 
 be had in the original Sanskrit in Nepaul. Suc]i being tlie case, 
 I do not intend (unless the Society express a wish to that effect) 
 
191 
 
 to continue the transmission of the Tibetan series ; nor to make 
 any additions to those volumes of the lYcm division of the Kah- 
 gyO-r, whicli were sent to you along with the Sata Sahasrika, in 
 the original Sansl<rit, because I am quite confident the Tibetan 
 translations are infinitely inferior to the Sanskrit originals ; and 
 because tliere are as yet no Tibetan scholars in Europe. 
 
 " The general opinion amongst Europeans seems to be, that 
 the Bauddha sages committed tlieir doctrines to the Pali lan- 
 guage rather than to the Sanskrit,— an opinion founded, as I 
 presume, upon the fact, that the Buddhist works extant in Cey- 
 lon are in the Pali, as Avell as those of the Indo-Chinese nations, 
 so far as tlie latter are not avowed translations therefrom into tlie 
 vernacular tongues. But before I can subscribe to the opinion 
 adverted to, I must see Pali works produced, comparable in im- 
 portance and number with the Sanskrit records of Buddliism that 
 have been procured in Nepaul ; and, in the mean wliile, it appears 
 to me most extraordinary that the philosophers of Ayodhija and 
 of Magadha^ the acknowledged founders of Buddhism, should be 
 presumed by us to have postponed Sanskrit to Pali ; whilst, on 
 the other hand, I can easily conceive, that as the new opinions 
 spread into tlie remote Dekkan, and thence to Ceylon, their pro- 
 pagators sliould liave facilitated their operations by means of 
 Pall translations. In a word, I believe the Sanskrit books of 
 Nepaul are the only original treatises on Buddhism yet discover- 
 ed by us, or now extant ; and I think I do not exaggerate the 
 importance of those treatises when I say, tliat tlirough them only 
 shall we be enabled either to complete the history of Indian philo- 
 sophy, or to elucidate the real nature of those religious doctrines 
 which constitute the faith of the Indo-Chinese, Ceylonese, Tibe- 
 tans, Mongolians ; as well as of the bulk of the Chinese, of the 
 Japanese, of the various nations usually called Tartars ; and, last- 
 ly, of the Himalayan mountaineers of India." 
 
 B. H. Hodgson. 
 To the Secretary of the Ttoyal Asiatic Society. 
 
192 
 
 No. XIII. 
 
 A DISPUTATION UESPECTING CASTK BY A BUDDHIST, 
 
 In the form of a Series of' Propositions sitpposcd to he put by a 
 Saica and refuted hy the Disputant. 
 
 (Printed from the Transactions of the Royal Asiatic Society, Vol. iii.) 
 To the Secretary of the Asiatic Society. 
 
 Sir, Nepaul Residency, July Wfh, 1829. 
 
 A few days since mj^ learned old Bauddha friend brought me 
 a little tract in Sanskrit, with such an evident air of pride and 
 pleasure, that I immediately asked him what it contained. " Oh, 
 my friend!" was his reply, ".I have long been trying to procure 
 for you this work, in the assurance that you must liighly approve 
 the wit and wisdom contained in it; and, after many applications 
 to the owner, I have at length obtained the loan of it for three or 
 four days. But I cannot let you have it, nor even a copy of it, 
 such being the conditions on wliich I procured you a sight of it." 
 These words of my old friend stimulated my curiositj^, and with 
 a few fair words I engaged the old gentleman to lend me and my 
 pandit his aid in making a translation of it ; a task which we ac- 
 complished within the limited period of my possession of the ori- 
 ginal, although my pandit (a Bralnnan of Benares ) soon declined 
 co-operation with us, full of indignation at the author and his work I 
 Notwithstanding, however, the loss of the pandifs aid, I think I 
 may venture to say tliat the translation gives a fair representation 
 of the matter of the original, and is not altogether without some 
 traces of its manner. 
 
 It consists of a shrewd and argumentative attack, by a Baud- 
 dha, upon the Bralmianical doctrine of caste: and wliat adds to its 
 pungency is, that throughout, the trutli of the Brahmanical writ- 
 
193 
 
 ings is assumed, and that the author's proofs of the erroneous- 
 ness of the doctrine of caste are all drawn from those writings. 
 He possesses himself of the enemy's battery, and turns their own 
 guns against them. To an English reader this circumstance 
 gives a puerile character to a large portion of the Treatise, owing 
 to the enormous absurdity of the data from which the author 
 argues. His inferences, however, are almost always shrewdly 
 drawn, and we must remember that not he but his antagonists 
 must be answerable for the character of the data. To judge by the 
 effect produced upon ray Brahman pandit — a wise man in his ge- 
 neration, and accustomed for the last four years to the examina- 
 tion of Bauddha literature — by this little Treatise, it would seem 
 that there is no method of assailing Brahmanism comparable to 
 that of "judging it out of its own mouth :" and the resolution of 
 the Committee of the Serampore College to make a tliorough 
 knowledge of Hindu learning the basis of the education of their 
 destined young apostles of Christianity in India, would thence ap- 
 pear to be most wise and politic : but to retiu-n to my little Treatise. 
 
 We all know that the Brahmans scorn to consider the Sudras as 
 of the same nature with themselves, in this respect resembling the 
 bigoted Christians of the dark ages, who deemed in like manner 
 of the Jews. The manner in wiiich our author treats this part of 
 his subject is, in my judgment, admirable, and altogetlier worthy 
 of a European mind. Indeed it bears the closest resemblance to 
 the style of argument used by Shakespeare ; in covertly assailing 
 the analogous European prejudice already adverted to. I need 
 not point more particularly to the glorious passage in the Mer- 
 chant of Venice : " Hath not a Jew eyes, hands, organs, dimen- 
 sions, senses, passions ; fed with the same food, luu-t by the same 
 diseases?" &c. &c. 
 
 The Bauddha Treatise commences in the sober manner of a 
 title page to a book ; but immediately after the author has announc- 
 ed himself with due pomp, he rushes " in medias res,'" and to the 
 end of his work maintains the animated style of viva voce disputa- 
 tion. Who AsHU Ghosha, the author, was. when he flourished and 
 where, I cannot ascertain. All that is known of him at Nepaul 
 
 Y 
 
194 
 
 is, that he v.as a Maha pandit, or gi'eat sage, and wrote, besides 
 the little Treatise now translated, t\vo larger Bauddha works of 
 liigh repute, the names of which are mentioned in a note.* 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 B. H. Hodgson. 
 
 I, AsHU Ghosiia, first invoking Man.ta Ghosha, the Guru of 
 the world, with all my sonl and all my strength, proceed to com- 
 pose the book called Vajra Suchi, in accordance vdth the Shas- 
 tras (Hindu or Brahmanical Sasi)-as.) 
 
 Allow then that your Vedas and Smrittis, and^ works involving 
 both Dharma and Artha, are good and valid, and that discourses 
 at variance with them are invalid, still what you say, that the 
 Brahman is the highest of the four castes, cannot be proved from 
 those books. 
 
 Tell me, first of all, what is Brahmanhood ? Is it life, or pa- 
 rentage, or body, or wisdom, or the way (achdr,) or acts, i. e. 
 morality (^Karnm,) or the Vedas ? 
 
 If you say it is life (jiva,) such an assertion cannot be reconcil- 
 ed with th6 Vedas ; for, it is written in the Vedas, that " the sun 
 and the moon, Indra, and other deities, were at first quadrupeds ; . 
 and some other deities were first animals and afterwards became 
 gods; even the vilest of the vile {Swapak) have become gods." 
 From these words it is clear that Brahmanhood is not life (jiva), 
 a position which is further proved from these words of the 3Ia- 
 habharata : " Seven hunters and ten deer, of the hill of Kalinjal, 
 a goose of the lake Mansaravara, and a chakiva of SaradwipfVj all these 
 were born as Brahmans, in the Kuruhshetra (near Dehli), and be- 
 came very learned in the Vedas" It is also said by Manu, in his 
 Dharma Sastra, " Whatever Brahman learned in the four Vedas, 
 with their a7ig and upang, shall take charity from a Sudra, shall for 
 twelve births be an ass, and for sixty births a hog, and seventy births 
 
 * The Buddha Chdritra Kavya, and the Sandl-^luhhasughosha .4vudan, 
 and oth.er works. 
 
195 
 
 a tlog." From these words it is clear tliat Brahiiianhood is not life ; 
 for, if it were, how could such things be ? 
 
 If, again, you say that Brahmanhood depends on parentage or 
 birth (jati); that is, that to be a Brahman one must be born of 
 Brahman parents, — this notion is at variance with the known 
 passage of the Smritti, that Achala Muni was born of an ele- 
 phant, and Cesa Pingala \)f an owl, and Agastya Muni from 
 the Agasti flower, and Cousika Muni from the Cusa grass, and 
 Capila from a monkey, and Gautami Rishi from a creeper that 
 entwined a Saul tree, and Drona Acharya from an earthen pot, 
 and Taittiri Rishi from a partridge, and Parswa Rama from 
 dust, and Sringa Rishi from a deer, and Vyasa Muni from a 
 fisherwoman, and Koshika Muni from a female Sudra, and ViswA 
 MiTRA from a Chandalni, and Vasishtha Muni from a strum- 
 pet. Not one of them had a Brahman motiier, and yet all were 
 notoriously called Brahmans ; whence I infer, that the title is a 
 distinction of popular origin, and cannot be traced to parentage 
 from written authorities. 
 
 Should you again say, that whoever is born of a Brahman fa- 
 ther or mother is a Brahman, then the child of a slave even may 
 become a Brahman ; a consequence to which I have no objection, 
 but which will not consort with your notions, I fancy. 
 
 Do you say, that he who is sprang of Brahman parents is a 
 Brahman ? Still I object that, since you must mean pure and true 
 Brahmans, in such case the breed of Brahmans must be at an end ; 
 since the fathers of the present race of Brahmans are not, any of 
 them, free from the suspicion of having wives, who notoriously 
 commit adultery with Sudras. Now, if the real father be a Su- 
 dra, the son cannot be a Brahman, notwithstanding the Brahman- 
 hood of his mother. From all which I uxfer, that Brahmanhood 
 is not truly derivable from birth ; and I draw fresh proofs of this 
 from the Manuva Dluinna, which affirms that the Brahman who 
 eats flesh loses instantly his rank ; and also, that by selling wax, 
 or salt, or milk, he becomes a Sudra in three days ; and fm-ther, 
 that even such a Brahman as can fly like a bird, directly ceases 
 to be a Brahman l>y meddling with the fleshy ocs. 
 
 Y 2 
 
196 
 
 From all tliis is it not clear that Bralinianhood is not the same 
 with birth : since, if that were the case, it could not be lost by 
 any acts however degrading. Knew you ever of a flying horse 
 that by alighting on earth was turned into a pig ? — 'Tis im- 
 possible. 
 
 Say you that body (Sarlr) is the Brahman ? this too is false ; 
 for, if body be the Brahman, then fire, when the Brahman's corpse 
 is consumed by it, will be the murderer of a Brahman ; and such 
 also will be every one of the Brahman's relatives who consigned 
 his body to the flames. Nor less will this other absurdity follow, 
 that every one born of a Brahman, though his mother were a 
 Ksliatriya or Vaist/a, would be a Brahman — being bone of the 
 bone, and flesh of the flesh of his father : a monstrosity, you will 
 allow, that was never heard of. Again, are not performing sacri- 
 fice, and causing others to perform it, reading and causing to 
 read, receiving and giving charity, and other holy acts, sprung 
 from the body of the Brahman ? 
 
 Is then the virtue of all these destroyed by the destruction of 
 the body of a Brahman ? Surely not, according to your own 
 principles ; and, if not, then Brahmanhood cannot consist in 
 body. 
 
 Say you that wisdom* constitutes the Brahman ? This too is 
 incorrect. Why ? Because, if it were true, many Sudras must 
 have become Brahmans from the great wisdom they acquired. I 
 myself know many Sudras who are masters of the four Vedas, 
 and of philology, and of the Mimansa, and Sanc'hya, and Vaishes- 
 hika and Jyotishika philosophies ; yet not one of them is or ever 
 was called a Brahman. It is clearly proved then, that Brahman- 
 hood consists not in wisdom or learning. Then do you aflirm 
 that the Achdr is Brahmanhood ? This too is false ; for if it were 
 true, many Sudras woidd become Brahmans ; since many Nats 
 and Bhdts, and KaivertaSy and Bhdnds, and others, are every 
 where to be seen performing the severest and most laborious acts 
 
 • Perhaps it should rather be translated learning. The word in the original 
 
197 
 
 of piety. Vet not one of these, who are all so pre-eminent in 
 their Achdr, is ever called a Brahman : from which it is clear that 
 Achdr does not constitute the Brahman. 
 
 Say you that Karam makes the Brahman ? I answer, no ; for 
 the argiunent used above applies here with even greater force, al- 
 together annihilating the notion that acts constitute the Brahman. 
 Do you declare that by reading the Vedas a man becomes a Brah- 
 man ? Tliis is palpably false ; for it is notorious that the Rakshasa 
 Ravan was deeply versed in all the four Vedas; and that, indeed, 
 all the Rakshascis studied the Vedas in Ravan's time : yet you do 
 not say that one of tliem thereby became a Brahman. It is there- 
 fore proved that no one becomes a Brahman by reading the J c- 
 da^. 
 
 What tJieu is this creature called a Bralmian ? If neither read- 
 ing the Vedas, nor Satiskar, nor parentage, nor race {Kula), nor acts 
 {Karam), confers Brahmanhood, what does or can ? To my mind 
 Brahmanhood is merely an immaculate quality, like the snowy 
 whiteness of the Kundli flower. That which removes sin is Brah- 
 manhood. It consists of Urcita, and Tapas, and Neyama, and 
 Ripavas, and Dan, and Ddma, and S/idnia, and Sunf/ama. It is 
 written in the Vedas tlut the gods hold that man to be a Brah- 
 man who is free from intemperance and egotism ; and from Sanga, 
 and Parigraha, and Praga, and Dwesha. Moreover, it is writ- 
 ten in all the Sastras that the signs of a Brahman are these, 
 truth, penance, the command of the organs of sense, and mer- 
 cy ; as those of a Chdndala are the vices opposed to those vir- 
 tues. Another mark of the Brahman is a scrupulous abstinence 
 from sexual commerce, whether he be born a god, or a man, or a 
 beast. Yet further, Sukua Acharya has said, that the gods 
 take no heed of caste, but deem him to be the Bralmian who is a 
 good man although he belong to the vilest. From all which I in- 
 fer, that birth, and life, and body, and wisdom, and observance of 
 religious rites (achdr), and acts (karam), are all of no avail to- 
 wards becoming a Braliraan. 
 
 Then again, that opinion of your sect, that Pravrajaya is pro- 
 hibited to Uie Sudra ; and that for him service and obedience paid 
 
198 
 
 to Brahnians are instead of pravrajat/a, — because, forsooth, in 
 speaking of the four castes, the Sudra is mentioned last, and is 
 therefore the vilest, — is absurd ; for, if it were correct, Indra 
 would be made out to be the lowest and meanest of beings, Indra 
 being mentioned in the Parni Sutra after the dog, thus — " Skua, 
 Yua Maghwa." In truth, the order in which they are mentioned 
 or written, cannot affect the relative rank and dignity of the beings 
 spoken of. 
 
 What! is Parvati greater than Mahesa? or are the teeth 
 superior in dignity to the lips, because we find the latter postpon- 
 ed to the former, for the mere sake of euphony, in some grammar 
 sentence? Are the teeth older than the lips ; or does yom* creed 
 teach you to postpone Siva to his spouse ? No ; nor any more is 
 it true that the Sudra is vile, and the Brahman high and mighty, 
 because we are used to repeat the Chatur Vardna in a particular 
 order. And if this proposition be untenable, your deduction from 
 it, viz. that the vile Sudra must be content to regard his service 
 and obedience to Brahmans as h-is only pravrajai/a, falls likewise 
 to the ground. 
 
 Know further, that it is wi'itten in the Dharma Sastra of 
 Menu, that the Bi'ahman who has drank the milk of a Sudai'ni, or 
 has been even breathed upon by a Sudarni, or has been born of 
 such a female, is not restored to his rank by praydschitta. In the 
 same work it is further asserted, that if any Brahman eat and 
 drink from the hands of a Sudarni, he becomes in life a Sudra, 
 and after death a dog. Manu further says, that a Brahman who 
 associates with female Sudras, or keeps a Sudra concubine, shall 
 be rejected by gods and ancestors, and after death shall go to hell. 
 From all these assertions of the Manavd Dharma, it is clear that 
 Brahmanhood is nothing indefeasibly attached to any race or 
 breed, but is merely a quality of good men. Further, it is writ- 
 ten in the Sastra of Manu, that many Sudras became Brahmans 
 by force of their piety ; for example, Katiiinu Muni, who was 
 born of the sacrificial flame produced by the friction of wood, be- 
 came a Brahman by dint of Tapas ; and Vasisiitha Muni, born 
 of the courtezan Urvasi ; and Vyasa Muni, born of a female of 
 
199 
 
 the fisherman's caste; and Rishiya Sringa Muni, born of a 
 doe; and Vishva Mitua, born a Chanddlni; and Nared Muni, 
 born of a female spirit-seller ; all these became Brahmans by vir- 
 tue of tlieir Tapas. Is it not clear then that Brahmanliood de- 
 pends not on birth ? It is also notorious that he who has conquer- 
 ed himself is a Yati ; that he who performs penance is a Tapa- 
 sya ; and that lie who observes the Brahma cliarya is a Brah- 
 man. It is clear then that he whose life is pure, and his temper 
 cheerful, is the true Brahman ; and that lineage {Kida) has no- 
 thing to do with the matter. There are these slokas in the Ma- 
 nava Dharma, " Goodness of disposition and purity are the best 
 of all things ; lineage is not alone deserving of respect. If the 
 race be royal and virtue be wanting to it, it is contemptible and 
 useless." Kathina Muni and Vyasa Muni, and other sages, 
 thougli born of Sudras, are famous among men as Brahmans ; 
 and many persons born in the' lowest ranks have attained heaven 
 by the practice of uniform good conduct {sila.) To say there- 
 fore that the Brahman is of one particular race is idle and false. 
 Your doctrine, that the Bralnnan was produced from the mouth, 
 the Kshatriya from the arms, the Vaisya from the thighs, and the 
 Sudra from the feet, cannot be supported. Brahmans are not of 
 one particular race. Many persons liave lived who belonged to 
 the Kaivarta Kul, and the Rajaka Kul, and the Chdndal Kid, and 
 yet, wliile tliey existed in this world, performed the C/iura Karan, 
 and Mung-bandan, and Dant-kashtha, and other acts appropriat- 
 ed to Brahmans, and after their deaths became, and still are, fa- 
 mous under the Brahmans. 
 
 All tliat I have said about Brahmans you must know is equally 
 applicable to Kshatriyas ; and that the doctrine of the four castes 
 is altogether false. All men are of one caste. 
 
 Wonderful ! You affirm that all men proceeded from one, i. e. 
 Brahma ; how then can there be a fourfold insuperable diversity 
 among them ? If I have four sons by one wii'e, the four sons, 
 having one father and mother, must be all essentially alike. 
 Know too that distinctionsof race among beings are broadly mark- 
 ed by differences of conformation and organizjition : thus, the 
 
200 
 
 foot of the elepliant is very different from that of the horse ; that 
 of the tiger unlike that of the deer ; and ^o of the rest : and by that 
 single diagnosis we learn that those animals belong to very differ- 
 ent races. But I never heard that the foot of a Kshatriya was 
 different from that of a Brahman, or that of a Sudra. All men 
 are formed alike, and are clearly of one race. Further, the ge- 
 nerative organs, the colour, the figure, the ordure, the urine, the 
 odour, and utterance, of the ox, the buffalo, the horse, the ele- 
 phant, the ass, the monkey, the goat, the sheep, &c. furnish clear 
 diagnostics whereby to separate these various races of animals : 
 but in all those respects the Brahman resembles the Kshatriya, 
 and is therefore of the same race or species with him. I have 
 instanced among quadrupeds the diversities which separate di- 
 verse genera. I now proceed to give some more instances from 
 among birds. Thus, the goose, the dove, the parrot, the pea- 
 cock, &c. are known to be different by their diversities of figure, 
 and colour, and plumage, and beak : but the Brahman, Ksha- 
 triya, Vaisya and Sudra are alike without and within. How then 
 can we say they are essentially distinct ? Again, among trees the 
 Bata, and Bakula, and Palds,. and Ashoka, and Tamal, and. Nag- 
 keswar, and Shirik, and Champa, and others, are clearly contra- 
 distinguished by their stems, and leaves, and flowers, and fruits, 
 and barks, and timber, and seeds, and juices, and odours ; but 
 Brahmans, and Kshatriyas, and the rest, are alike in flesh, and 
 skin, and blood, and bones, and figure, and excrements, and mode 
 of birth. It is surely then clear that they are of one species or 
 race. 
 
 Again, tell me, is a Brahman's sense of pleasure and pain 
 different from that of a Kshatriya ? Does not the one sustain 
 life in the same way, and find death from the same causes as the 
 other ? Do they differ in intellectual faculties, in their actions, 
 or the objects of those actions ; in the manner of their birth, or in 
 their subjection to fear and hope ? Not a whit. It is therefore 
 clear that they are essentially tlie same. In the Udamhara and 
 Panosa trees the fruit is produced from the brandies, the stem, 
 the joints, and the roots. Is one fruit therefore different from 
 
201 
 
 another, so that we may call tlial produced from the top of the 
 stem the Brahman fruit, and that from the roots the Sudra fruit? 
 Surely not. Nor can men be of four distinct races, because they 
 sprang from four different parts of one body. You say that the 
 Brahman was produced from the mouth ; whence was the Brali- 
 mani produced ? From the mouth likewise ? Grant it — and then 
 you must marry the brother to the sister ! a pretty business in- 
 deed ! if sucii incest is to have place in this world of ours, all dis- 
 tinctions of right and wrong must be obliterated. 
 
 This consequence, flowing inevitably from your doctrine that 
 the Brahman proceeded from the mouth, proves the falsity of that 
 doctrine. The distinctions between Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas 
 and Sudras, are founded merely on the observance of divers rites, 
 and the practice of different professions ; as is clearly proved by 
 the conversation of Baisham Payana Rishi with Yudhistiiira 
 Raja, which was as follows: One day the son of Pandu, named 
 YuDHiSTHiRA, wlio was the wise man of his age, joining his hands 
 reverentially, asked Baisham Payana, Whom do you call a 
 Brahman ; and what are the signs of Brahmanhood ? Baisham 
 answered, The first sign of a Brahman is, that he possesses long- 
 suffering and the rest of the virtues, and never is guilty of violence 
 and wrong doing ; that he never eats flesh ; and never hurts a sen- 
 tient thing. Tl^e second sign is, that he never takes that which 
 belongs to another without the owner's consent, even though he 
 find it in the road. The third sign, that he masters all worldly 
 affections and desires, and is absolutely indifferent to eartiily con- 
 siderations. The fourth, that whether he is born a man, or a 
 god, or a beast, he never yields to sexual desires. The fifth 
 that he possesses the following five pure qualities, truth, mercy, 
 command of the senses, universal benevolence, and penance.* 
 Whoever possesses these five signs of Brahmanhood I acknow- 
 ledge to be a Bralunan ; and, if he possess them not, he is a Su- 
 
 • The word iu the original is Tapas, which we are accustomed to translate 
 " penance," and I have followed the usage, though " ascetism" would be a bet- 
 ter word. The proud Tnpav/i, whom the very gods regard with dread, never 
 dreams of contrition and repentance. 
 
 Z 
 
202 
 
 dra. Braiiuianhood depends my: on race (Knli,) or birth {Jat,) nor 
 on the performance of certain cei-emonies. If a Bhanddl is vir- 
 tuous, and possesses the signs above noted, he is a Braliman. Oh ! 
 YuDHisTHiRA, formerly in this world of ours there v/as but one 
 caste. The division into four castes originated with diversity of 
 rites and of avocations. All men were born of woman in like 
 manner. All are subject to the same physical necessities, and 
 have the same organs and senses. But he whose conduct is uni- 
 formly good is a Brahman ; and if it be otherwise he is a Sudra ; 
 aye, lower than a Sudra. The Sudra who, on the other hand, 
 possesses these virtues is a Brahman. 
 
 Oh, YuDiiisTHiRA ! If a Sudra be superior to the allurements 
 of the five senses, to give him charity is a virtue that will be re- 
 warded in heaven. Heed not his caste ; but only mark his qua- 
 lities. Whoever in this life e^er does well, and is ever ready to 
 benefit others, spending his days and nights in good acts, such an 
 one is a Brahman ; and whoever, relinquishing worldly ways, 
 employs himself solely in the acquisition of Moksha, such an one 
 also is a Brahman ; and whoever refrains from destruction of life, 
 and from wordly affections, and evil acts, and is free from pas- 
 sion and backbiting, such an one also is a Brahman ; and whoso 
 possesses Kshema, and Dajja, and Dama, and Dan, and Satya, 
 and Sotichana, and Smritii, and Ghr'ma, and VU^//a, and Vy?ia)i, 
 &c. is a Brahman. Oh, Yudhisthira ! if a person perform 
 the Bi^ahmachanja for one night, the merit of it is greater than 
 that of a thousand sacrifices (jjajnci). And whoso has read all 
 the Vedas, and performed all the Tirthas, and observed all the 
 commands and prohibitions of the Sastra, such an one is a Brah- 
 man ! and whoso has never injured a sentient thing by act, word 
 or thought, such a person shall instantly be absorbed (at his 
 death) in Brahma. Such were the words of Baisiiaji Payana. 
 Oh, my friend, my design in the above discourse is, that all igno- 
 rant Brahmans and others should acquire wisdom by studying it, 
 and take to the right M'ay. Let them, if they approve it, heed 
 it ; and if they approve it not, let them neglect its admonitions. 
 
20;^ 
 
 No. XIV. 
 
 ON THE EXTRKMK KESEMBLANCE THAT PREVAILS BETWEEN MANY 
 OF THE SYMBOLS OF BlUOHiSM A^D SAIVISM. 
 
 (Printed from the Quarterly Oriov.tal :.ta<j:;izine. No. 14, A. D. 1827.) 
 /Fo the Ed'dor of the Oriental Quartcrlt/ Mar/azme. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 It is the purpose of the following paper to furnish to those 
 who have means and inclination to follow them out, a few hints 
 relative to the extreme resemblance that prevails between many 
 of the symbols of Buddhism and Saivism. Having resided my- 
 self some few years in a Bauddha country, I have had ample op- 
 portunities of noting this resemblance, and a perusal of the works 
 of Crawfurd, of Raffles, and of the Bombay Literary Society, 
 has satisfied me that this curious similitude is not peculiar to the 
 land wiierein I abide. I observe that my countrymen, to whom 
 a??._y degree of identity bctv/een faiths in general so opposite to 
 each other as Saivism and Buddliism, never seems to have occur- 
 red, have in their examinations of the monuments of India and its 
 Islands, proceeded upon the assumption of an absolute incommu- 
 nity between the types of the two religions as well as between 
 the things typified.* This assumption has puzzled them not a 
 little so often as the evidence of their eyes has forced upon them, 
 the observation of images in the closest juxta position which their 
 previous ideas nevertheless obliged them to sunder as far apart as 
 Brahmanism and Buddhism ! 
 
 Wlien in tlie country in whicli I reside, I observed images the 
 most apparently Saiva placed in the precincts of Saugata temples, 
 
 • This remark is scarcely just, the possible connection of the Saiva and Bud- 
 dha systems on Java and Bali having been frequently conjectured, and in India 
 the intermixture of Jut n, with I'aishnva, and even SalUa practices is not uncom- 
 mon. — En. 
 
 Z 2 
 
204 
 
 I was at first inclined to consider the circumstance as an incon- 
 gruity arising out of an ignorant confusion of the two creeds by 
 the people of this country : but upon multiplying my observations 
 such a solution gave me no satisfaction : these images often occu- 
 pied the very penetralia of Saugata temples ; and in the sequel I 
 obtained sufficient access to the conversation, and books of the 
 Bauddhas to convince me that the cause of the difficulty lay deep- 
 er then I had supposed.* Tlie best informed of the Bauddhas 
 contemptuously rejected the notion of the images in question be- 
 ing Saiva, and in the books of their own faith they pointed out 
 the Bauddha legends justifying and explaining their use of such, 
 to me, doubtful symbols. Besides, my access to the European 
 works of which I have already spoken exhibited to me the very 
 same apparent anomaly existing in regions the most remote from 
 one another, and from that wherein I dwell. Indeed, whencesoever 
 Bauddha monuments, sculptural or architectural, had been drawn 
 by European curiosity, the same dubious symbols were exhibited : 
 nor could my curiosity be at all appeased by tlie assumption 
 which I found employed to explain them. I shewed these mo- 
 numents to a well informed old Bauddha, and asked him what he 
 thought of them, particularly of the famous Tri-Murti image of 
 the Cave temple of the West. He recognised it as a genuine 
 Bauddha image! As he did many — many others declared by 
 our writers to be Saiva ! Of these matters you may perchance 
 hear hereafter, suffice it at present to say that I continued to in- 
 terrogate my friend as to whether he had ever visited the plains 
 of India, and had there found any remains of his faith. Yes, was 
 the prompt reply, I made a pilgrimage to Gayah, in my youth : 
 I then asked him if he remembered what he had seen and could 
 tell me. He replied that he had, at the time, put a few remarks 
 on paper which he had preserved, and would give me a copy of, if I 
 desired it. I bid him do so, and was presented with a paper of which 
 
 • Causes are not at present my game -. but consider the easy temper of su- 
 perstition ; the common origin of Buddhism and Brahmanism in India ; the 
 common tendency of both Saivaism and Buddhism to asceticism, &c. &c. even 
 Christianity adopted many of the rifp'< ^'""1 pmhlems of classic paganism. 
 
205 
 
 the enclosed is a translation. Let nie add llmt never having visited 
 Gayah, I cannot say any thing relative to the accuracy of my friend's 
 details, and that in regard to the topographical ones, there are pro- 
 bably a few slight mistakes. I am aware that an accurate explana- 
 tion from the Bauddha books of the drawings that accompany my 
 paper, would be of more value than that paper. But, Sir, non omnia 
 possumus omnes, and I hope that a Bauddha comment on Brah- 
 manical ignorance will be found to possess some value, as a curio- 
 sity ; and some utility, for the hints it furnishes relative to the 
 topic adverted to in this letter. 
 
 I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, 
 
 Valley of Nepaul, Nov. 1827. II. 
 
 P. S. — Captain Dangekfieu>'s five images in the Cave at 
 Bag, and which the Bruhmans told him were the five Pandus, 
 are doubtless the " Pancha Buddha Dhyani ;" as is the Captain's 
 " Charan," said to be that of Vishnu, the Charan of Sakya Sinha ; 
 or that of Manj Ghok. If it be the latter, it has an eye engrav- 
 ed in the centre of each foot. 
 
 Buddh Gayah, according to a Nepaulese Bauddha who visit- 
 ed it. 
 
 In Buddh Gayah there is a temple* of Maha Buddha in the 
 interior of which is enshrined the image of Sakya Sinha : before the 
 image is a Chaitya of stone, close to which are the images of three 
 Lok Eshwaras, viz. Hala Hala Lok Ehhwara,f &c. This temple 
 
 * The word in the original is Kutagar, and I understand that the temple of 
 Maha Buddha in the city of Patan, in this valley, is built after the model of the 
 Gayah temple. If so, the latter is of the same general form with the Orissan 
 Jagannath. The Patan temple is divided in the interior, into tive stories. Sakya 
 Sinha, the genius loci, is enshrined in the centre of the first story ; Amitubha, 
 the fourtli Dhyani Buddha, occupies the second story ; a small stone Chaitya, the 
 third; the Dharma Dhatu mandal, the fourth ; and the V.ijraDhatu mandal, 
 the fifth and highest story, and the whole structure is crowned on the outside, by 
 a Chura Mani Chaitya. 
 
 f Hala Hala Lok Eshwara, a form of Padma Pani, the fourth Dhyani Bodhi- 
 satwa, and active creator and governor of the /^jest/U system of nature. Three 
 
 Dhyani 
 
206 
 
 of Maha Buddha, the Bralimans call the temple of Jagat Natha, 
 and the image of Sakya Siuha they denominate Maha Muni ;* of 
 the three Lok N.iths, one they call Mahd Deva, one Parvati, and 
 the third their son. On the south side of the temple of Maha 
 Buddha is a small stone temple in which ai-e the images of the 
 seven Buddhasjf and near to them on the left three other images, 
 of Hala Hala Lok Eshwara^ Maitreya Bodhisatw a, and Dipanka- 
 ra Buddha. The Brahmans call six of the seven Buddhas, the 
 Pandus and their bride, but know not what to make of the se- 
 venth Buddha, or of the remaining three images. 
 
 Upon the wall of the small temple containing the Sapta Bud- 
 dha, and immediately above their images, is an image of Vajra 
 Satwa,;}: one head, two hands, in the right hand a Vajra, and in the 
 left a bell, with the lock on the crown of the head, twisted into a 
 turban : the Brahmrais call this image of Vajra Satwa Maha 
 Brahma. At the distance of lo yards, perhaps, east of the great 
 temple of Maha Buddha is another small temple in which is plac- 
 ed a circular slab having the print of the feet of Sakya Sinha 
 
 Dhyani Bodhisatwas preceded him in tliat oSce, and one remains to follow 
 him. 
 
 * This name is equivocal : the Brahmans mean. I suppose, to designate by 
 it the chief of their own Munis. The Bauddhas recognise it as just, since the 
 Tri-Kand Sesh, and many of their scriptures give this name to Sakya Sinha. 
 
 f The Bauddha scriptures say that one form is common to all the seven 
 great Manushi Buddhas. The figure 1 have given of Sakya has the Bhumi- 
 sparsa Mudra, or right hand touching the earth. The Gayah image of him is 
 said to have the Dhyan Mudra for the position of the hands. There is no- 
 thing improper in giving that JMudra to Sakya or other Manushi Buddhas, but 
 usually it is appropriated to Amitabha ; and almost all the images of Sakya 
 that I have seen are characterised by the Bhumi-sparsa Mudra. Sakya's image 
 is generally supported by lions, sometimes however by elephants. Sakya's appro- 
 priate colour is yellow or golden, which colour, like the other characteristics, 
 belongs also to the remaining six great Manusliis. 
 
 ^ Vajra Satwa is a DhyUni or celestial Buddha. There is a series of five 
 celestial Buddhas, to whom are assigned the five elements of matter, the five 
 powers of human sense, and the five respective objects of sensation. There is 
 also a series of six Dhyani Buddhas, which is composed of the above five, vnth 
 the addition of V^ajra Satwa, and to him are ascribed intellectual fi>rcc and the 
 discrimination of good and c\il. 
 
207 
 
 graven on it. The feet are known to be tViose of Sukya, because 
 the stone has the eight niangals, and the one thousand chakras 
 upon it. Tiie Brahmans of Gayah call this Charan, the Charan 
 of Vishnu, but they are silent when tlie mangals and chakras are 
 pointed out to them as decisive proofs of their error. 
 
 Somewhat further [perhaps 150 yards] from the great temple 
 of Maha Buddha towards the east, is a Kund called Pini 
 Hata, and at the eastern corner of the well is the image of Mai- 
 treya Bodhisatwa. 
 
 The K(ind is called Pani Hata because Sakya produced the 
 spring of water by str?king his hand on the ground there. That 
 water has eight peculiar qualities. The Brahmans say that the 
 Kund is Saraswati's, and insist that Maitrej'a's image is the image 
 of Saraswati. At a little distance to the north of the great Mah4 
 Buddha temple are many small Chaityas,* which the Brahmans 
 call Siva Lingas, and as such worship them, having broken off" the 
 Chfira Mani from each. Much astonished was I to find the great 
 temple of my religion consecrated to Brahman worsliip, and Brah- 
 mans ignorantly falling down before the Gods of my fathers. 
 
 (Printed from the Qmrterly Oriental Magazine, Xo. 16, A. D. 1823.) 
 
 To the Editor of the Quarterly Oriental Magazine. 
 
 Sir, 
 
 Some time ago I sent you a paper containing remarks upon 
 the resemblance that prevails between the sj'uibols of Buddhism 
 and Sivaism. From a note Avhich you appended to that paper 
 on publishing it, T apprehend that the scope and object of my re- 
 marks were misunderstood ; and, as whatever is worth doing at 
 all, is worth doing effectually, I shall (availing myself of Craw- 
 
 • The Chaitya is the only proper temple of Bu.ldhlsni. though nnny other 
 temples have been adopted by the Saugat.xs for inshrinin;:^ their Dii Minores. 
 In Xepaul, the Chaitya is exrlusively approprit.ted to five Dhy;;ni BuJdhas, 
 whose images are placed in niches around the base of the solid hemispliere 
 which forms the most essential part of the Chaitya. Almost every Nepaul 
 Chaitya has its hemisphere surmounted by a cone or pyramid called Chura 
 Hani. The small and unadorned Chaitya miirht easily be tiiltcn for a Lincja. It 
 was so mistalccn by Mr. CrwAwrunn, &c. 
 
208 
 
 furd's Archipelago, which has just now again fallen in my way) 
 return briefly to the subject. The purpose of my former paper 
 was to show that, very many symbols, the most apparently Saiva, 
 are notwithstanding strictly and purely Bauddha ; and that, there- 
 fore, in the examination of the antiquities of India and its islands, 
 we need not vex ourselves, because on the sites of old Saugata 
 temples we find the very genius loci arrayed with many of the 
 apparent attributes of a Saiva God ; far less, need we infer from 
 the presence, on such sites, of seemingly Saiva images and types, 
 the presence of actual Sivaism. 
 
 Crawford, standing in the midst of hundreds of images of Bud- 
 dhas, on the platform of a temple, the general form and structure of 
 which irresistibly demonstrated that it was consecrated to Sugatism, 
 could yet allow certain appearances of Sivaism to conduct him to the 
 conclusion, that the presiding Deity of the place was Hara himself! 
 Nay, further, though he was persuaded that the ancient religion of 
 the Javanese was Buddhism, yet having always found what he con- 
 ceived to be unequivocal indices of the presidencj' of the Hindoo 
 destroyer, in all the great Saugata temples, he came to the gene- 
 ral conclusion, that " genuine Buddhism" is no other than Sivaism. 
 Now, Sir, it was with an eye to these, and somewhat similar de- 
 ductions of Crawfurd, Raffles, Erskine, &c. that I addressed my 
 former paper to you ; and I thought that when I had shown no 
 reliance could be placed upon the inference from seemingly Saiva 
 symbols to actual Sivaism, I had smoothed the way for the ad- 
 mission that those cave temples of the West of India, as well as 
 those fine edifices at Java, whereat the majority of indications, 
 both for number and weight, prove Buddhism, are Bauddha and 
 exclusively Bauddha ; notwithstanding the presence of symbols 
 and images occupying the post of honour, which, strongly to the 
 eye, but in fact, erroneously in these cases, seem to imply Sivaism, 
 or at least a coalition of the two faiths. For such a coalition at 
 any time and in any place, I have not seen one plausible argument 
 adduced ; and as for the one ordinarily derived from the existence 
 of supposed Saiva images and emblems in and aroiuid Bauddha 
 temples, it is both erroneous in fact, and insufiicient were it true. 
 
20» 
 
 However probably ^»o/vo«erffroraSivaisni, these images and symbols 
 became genuinely Bauddha Ijy their adoption into Buddhism— j"st 
 as the statue of a Capitoline Jupiter became the very orthodox effi- 
 gies of St. Paul, because the Romanists chose to adopt the Pagan 
 klol in an orthodox sense. And were this explanation of the ex- 
 istence of seeming Sivaism in sites which were beyond doubt 
 consecrated to Buddhism, far less satisfactory that it is, I would 
 still say it is a thousand times more reasonable than the supposition 
 of an identity or coalition* between two creeds, the speculative 
 tenets of whicli are wide asunder as heaven and earth, and the 
 followers of which are pretty well known to have been, so soon 
 as Buddhism became important, furiously opposed to each other. 
 
 Upon the whole, therefore, I deem it certain, as well that the types 
 of Sivaism and Buddhism are very frequently the same, as that the 
 things typified are, always more or less, and generally radically, 
 
 different. 
 
 Of the aptness of our Avriters to' infer Sivaism from apparently 
 Siva images and emblems, I shall adduce a few striking instances 
 from Cra^^■furd's 2d vol. chap. 1 , on the ancient religion of the 
 Islanders; and to save time and avoid odium, I shall speak ra- 
 ther to his engravings, than to his text ; and shall merely state 
 matters, without arguing them. ' 
 
 Let me add, too, that Crawfurd's mistakes could not well have 
 been avoided. He had no access to the dead or living oracles of 
 Buddhism, and reasoning only from what he saw, reasonably in- 
 ferred that images, tlie most apparently Saiva, were really what 
 they seemed to be ; and that Saiva images and emblems proved a 
 Saiva place of w^orship. 
 
 In his chapter already alluded to, there are several engravings. 
 No. 27 is said to be " a figure of 3Iaha Deva as a devotee." It is, 
 in foct, Sinha-NiUha-Lokeswara. Plate 28 is called " a represen- 
 tation of Siva." It is, in fact, Lokcswara Bhagawtin, or Padma 
 Pc\ni, in his character of creator and ruler of the present system of 
 
 • In regard to those cave temples of the Western Continent of India, call-, 
 ed mixed Saiva and Bauddha, the Lest suggested solution is iuccesshtpos^cssiun 
 —but 1 believe them to have been wholly Buddhist. 
 
 2 A 
 
210 
 
 nature. How jMr. Crawfiird could take it for Siva, I do not 
 know, since in the forehead is placed a tiny image of Amitabha 
 Buddh:i, whose son Padma Pani is feigned, by the Bauddha mytho- 
 logists, to be. Again, the principal personage in plate 21 is said 
 to be " Siva in his car." It is, in truth, Namuchi Mara, (the 
 Bauddha personification of the evil principle,) proceeding to in- 
 terrupt the Dhyan of Sakya Sinha ; and plate 22 gives a continu- 
 ation of this exploit, exhibiting Sakya meditating, and the frustra- 
 tion of Namuchi's attempt by the opposition of force to force. 
 The whole legend is to be found in the Sambhu purana. 
 
 The same work contains likewise the elucidation of plate 24, of 
 which Mr. C. could make nothing. 
 
 Of the remaining plates, and of the text of this chapter of Mr. 
 C.'s on other subjects, very able work, it would be easy, but it 
 would to me be wearisome, to furnish the true explanation from 
 the books or oral communications of the Bauddhas of isepaul, to 
 the more learned of whom the subjects of the plates in Mr. C.'s ' 
 book are perfectly familiar. One quotation from Mr. C.'s text, 
 and I have done. At p. 209, vol. ii. he observes : " The fact 
 most worthy of attention, in respect to the images of Buddha is, 
 that they never appear in any of the great central temples as the 
 primary objects of worship, but in the smaller surrounding ones, 
 seeming themselves to represent votaries. They are not found as 
 single images, but always in numbers togetiier,* seeming, in a 
 w^ord, to represent, not Deities themselves, but sages worshipping 
 Siva." 
 
 The whole secret of this marvel is, that the temples seen by 
 Mr. C. were not genuine Chaityas, but either composite Chai- 
 tyas, or structures still less exclusively appi-opriated to the Dii 
 majores of Buddhism. The genuine Chaltya is a solid structure 
 exclusively appropriated to the Dhyani Buddhas, whose images 
 are placed in niches round the base of its hemisphere. Manfishi 
 
 * And v/hy not? for Buddha is a mere title : and though there are but five 
 Dhyani Buddhas, there are hundreds of IManusliis, which latter are constantly 
 placed about temples in vast numbers ; always as objects, though not, when so 
 placed, special ones, of worship. 
 
211 
 
 Buddluis and Dliyani and 3Ianiishi Bodhisatwas and Lokeswaras, 
 with their Saktis, are placed in and around various hollow tem- 
 ples, less sacred than the Chaityas. These Bodhisatwas and Loke- 
 swaras never have the peculiar hair of the Bnddhas, but, instead 
 thereof, long-braided locks like Siva; often also the sacred 
 thread and other indications apt to be set down as proofs, " strong 
 as holy writ," of their being Brahmanical Deities. Such indica- 
 tions, however, are delusive, and the instances of plates 27 and 
 28, shew how Mr. C. was misled by them. 
 
 By the way, Mr. C. is biassed by his theory to discover Sivaism, 
 where it did not and could not exist, of which propensity we have 
 an odd instance (unless it be an oversight or misprint) in p. 219 : 
 for no one needs be told that Hari is Vishiui, not Siva,* and I 
 may add that in adopting as Dii minores, the Gods of the Hindoo 
 Pantheon, the Bauddhas have not, by any means, entirely confined 
 themselves to the Sectarian Deities of the Saivas. 
 
 1 am, Sir, 
 
 Vour obedient Servant, 
 September 10, 1828. H. 
 
 P. S. — A theistic sect of Bauddhas having been annouiiced, as 
 discovered in Nepaul, it is presently inferred that this is a local 
 peculiarity. Let us not be in too great haste : jNIr. Crawfurd's 
 book, (loco citato) affords a very fine engraving of an image of 
 Akshobliya, tlie 1st Dhytini, or Celestial Bauddha, see {»late 29, 
 and I have remarked generally, that our engravings of Bauddha 
 architecture and sculpture, drawn from the Indian Cave temples, 
 from Java, &c. conform in the minutest particulars, to the existing 
 Saugata monuments of Nepaul — which monuments prove here, 
 (as at Java,) the Foreign and Indian origin of Buddhism, animals, 
 implements, vehicles, dresses, being alien to Nepaul, and proper 
 to India. 
 
 • See also pp. 221-2, for a singular error into which apparently Mr. C's. 
 pursuit of his tiieory could alone have led him. Flowers n:)t offered by Hindoos 
 to their Gods, and therefore Ijuddha was a sage merely, and not a God ! 1 
 
 2 .\ 2 
 
212 
 
 No. XV. 
 
 (Not before printed ) 
 
 THE PHAVRAJYA VHATA oh IMTIATOIiY RITES OF THE BUDDHISTS 
 ACCORDING .TO THE PUJA KAND. 
 
 If any one desires to become a Bandya (monastic or proper 
 Buddhist) he must give notice thereof, not more than a month or 
 less than four days, to his Giird, to whom he must present paun, 
 and supari, and datchina and achat, requesting the Guru to give 
 him the Pravrajya Vrata. The Guru, if he assent, must accept 
 the offerings and perform the Kalas puja which is as follows. The 
 Gurii takes a kalas or vessel full of water and puts mto it a lo- 
 tos made of gold or other precious metal, and five confections, 
 and five flovv-ers, and five trees (small branches), and five drugs, 
 and five fragrant things, and five Birihi, and five Amrita, and five 
 Ratna, and five threads of as many diverse colours. Above the 
 vessel he places rice and then makes puja to it. He next seats 
 the aspirant before the vessel in the Vajra asan fashion and draws 
 on the ground before the aspirant four mandals or circular diagrams, 
 three of which are devoted to the Tri Ratna and the fourth to the 
 oflficiating Guru. Then the aspirant, repeats the following text, 
 ' I salute Buddhanath, and Dharma, and Sangha, and entreat them to 
 bestow the Pravrajya Vrata on me, wherefore I perform this rite to 
 them and to my Guru, and present tliese offerings.' Reciting 
 this text and holding five suparis in eacli hand, the aspirant, with 
 joined hands, begs the Guru to make him a Bandya. The offer- 
 ings above mentioned he gives to the Guru and datchina propor- 
 tioned to his means. This ceremony is called Gwal Dan. On 
 the next day the ceremony above related is repeated with the 
 undermentioned variations only. As in the Gwal Dan the Kalas 
 puja and Deva puja are performed, so here again : but the aspi- 
 rant on the former occasion is seated in the Vajra asan manner, 
 in this day's ceremony in the Sustaka asan. The Sustaka usan 
 
213 
 
 is thus, first of all, kus is spread on the giouiul, and above it, 
 two unbaked bricks, and above them, the Sustak is inscribed thus 
 
 V^ k S-^^^ . upon which the aspirant is seated. 
 
 V. _g_ y^ , Tlien the aspirant is made Niranjana, 
 
 O 
 
 ispirant is made Niranjana, that is, 
 
 ^\J(o a light is kindled and shovv'n to him, and some 
 
 j-£) , S- C)\ mantras repeated to him. Then the Vajra Raksha 
 '^^'^^ \» is performed, that is, upon the aspirant's head a 
 Vajra is placed and the Giiru reads some mantras. Next comes 
 the ceremony of the Loha Raksha, that is, the G iiru takes three 
 iron padlocks, and places one on the belly and the two others on 
 the shoulders of the ncopliyte, repeating some more mantras, the 
 purport of wliich is an invocation of divine protection from ill, on 
 the head of the aspirant. This rite is followed by the Agni Raksha, 
 that is, the Guru puts a cup of wine (siira-patra) on the head of 
 the Chela and utters some prayers over him. 
 
 Next is performed the Kalas-Abhisheka, thjit is, holy water 
 from the Kalas is sprinkled by the Giiru on the Chela's head and 
 prayers repeated over him ; after which, the Naikya Bandya or 
 head of the Vihar comes and puts a silver ring on the finger of 
 the aspirant. The Naikya or superior aforesaid, then takes four 
 seers of vice and milk mixed with flowers, and sprinkles the 
 whole at three times, on the aspirant's head, next tlie Naikya 
 performs the Vajra Raksha, and then makes puja to the Gnrii 
 Mandal before nientioned, wliich ceremony completed, lie rings a 
 bell, and then sjjrinkles rice on tlie aspirant and on tlie images 
 of the Gods. 
 
 Then the aspirant, rising, pays his devotions to his Guru, and 
 having presented a small present and a plate of rice to him, and 
 having received his blessing, departs. Tliis second day's cere- 
 mony is called Diisala. 
 
 The third day's is denominated Pravrajya Vrata, and is as fol- 
 lows : — ■ 
 
 Early in the morning the follo-tt-ing things, viz. the image of 
 a Chaitya, those of the Tri Ratna or Triad, the Prajna Paramita 
 scripture, and other sacrod scriptures, a kalas, or water pot filled 
 with the articles before enumerated, a platter of curds, four other 
 
214 
 
 water pots filled with water only, a Cliivara and New<is, a Pinda 
 patru and a Khikshari, a pair of wooden sandals, a small mixed 
 metal plate spread over with pounded sandal wood in which the 
 image of the moon is inscribed, a golden rasor and a silver one, 
 and, lastly, a plate of dressed rice, are collected, and the aspirant 
 is seated in tlie Siistak Asan and made to perform worship to the 
 Giiru Mandala, and the Chaitya, and the Tri Ratna, and the Prajra 
 Paramita Sastra. Then the "aspirant, kneeling with one knee on 
 the ground with joined hands, entreats the Guru to make him a 
 Bandya, and to teach him whatsoever it is needful for him to know. 
 The Guru answers, ' O ! disciple I if you desire to perform the Pra- 
 vrajya Vrata, first of all devote yourself to the worship of the 
 Chaitya and of the Tri Ratna ; you must observe the five pre- 
 cepts or Naucha Sikslia, the fastings and the vows prescribed ; you 
 must kill no living tiling ; nor take another's property without the 
 owner's leave ; nor go near women, nor speak untruths, nor touch 
 all intoxicating liquors and drugs ; nor he proud of lieart in conse- 
 quence of your observance of j7)ur religious and moral duties ?' 
 
 Then the aspirant pledges him tluice to ol^serve the whole of 
 the above precepts ; upon which the Guru tells him, ' If while you 
 live you will- keep the above rules, then will I make you a Ban- 
 dya.' He assents, when the Guru having again given the three 
 Rakshas above mentioned to the Cliela, delivers a cloth for the 
 loins to him to put on. Tlien the Giiru brings the aspirant out 
 into the Court yard, and having seated him, touches his hair with 
 rice and oil and gives those articles to a barber. The Guru next 
 puts on the ground a little pulse and desires the Chela to apply it 
 to his own feet. Then the Guru gives tlie Chela a cloth of four 
 finger's breadth and one cubit in length, woven with threads of 
 five colours, and which is especially manufactured for tliis pur- 
 pose, to bind round his head. Tlien he causes the aspirant to 
 perform his ablutions ; after which he makes puja to the hands of 
 the barber in the name of Viswakarma, and then causes the bar- 
 ber to shave all the hair, save the forelock, off tlie aspirant's head. 
 Then the paternal or maternal aunt of the aspirant takes the ves- 
 sel of mixed metal above noted and collects the hair into it, Tlie 
 
21.* 
 
 aspirtUit is now bathed again and his nails pared ; « hen the u- 
 bove party puts the parings into the pot witli the hair. Another 
 ablution of the aspirant follows, after which the aspirant is taken 
 again within, and seated. Then the Guru causes him to eat and also 
 sprinkles upon him the Pancha Gabha, and says to him, ' Hereto- 
 fore you have lived a householder ; have you a real desire to aban- 
 don that state and assume the state of an ascetic ?' The aspirant 
 answers in the affirmative, when the Guru or Naikya, or mater- 
 nal uncle, cuts off with his own hand, the aspirant's forelock. 
 Then the Guru puts a tiara adorned with the images of the five 
 Buddhas (ui liis own head, and taking the kalas or water pot, 
 sprinkles the aspirant with holy water, repeating prayers at the 
 same time over him. 
 
 The neophyte is then again brought below, when four Naikyas 
 or superiors of proximate Vihars and the aspirant's Guru perform 
 the Pancha Abhisheka, i. e. the Guru takes water from tlie kalas 
 and pours it into a conch ; and then, ringing a bell and repeating 
 prayers, sprinkles the water from the conch on the aspirant's 
 head; whilst the four Naikyas, taking water from the other four 
 water pots named above, severally baptize the aspirant. The mu- 
 sicians present then strike up, when the Naikj'as and Giirii invoke 
 the following blessing on the neophyte. ' May you l)e hajipy as he 
 who dwells in the hearts of all, who is the universal Atma, the lord 
 of all, the Buddha called Ratna Sambhava.' The aspirant is next 
 led by the Naikyas and Guru above stairs, and seated as before. 
 He is then made to perform puja to the Guru Mandal and to sprin- 
 kle rice on the images of the Deities. The Giirii next gives him the 
 Cliivara, and Navasa, and golden earrings, when the aspirant thrice 
 says to the Gnrii, ' O Gurii, I, who am such an one, have abandoned 
 the state of a householder for this whole birth, and have become 
 an ascetic' I'pon which the aspirant's former name is relinquislied 
 and a new one given him, such as Ananda Shall Putra, Kasyapa, 
 Dharma Sri Mitra, Paramita Sagar. Tlien the Giirii cairees him to 
 perform puja to the Tri Ratna, after having given liim a golden tika, 
 and repeated some prayers over him. Tiie Giini then repeats thefol- 
 lowing praises of the Tri Ratna, ' I salute that Buddha who is the 
 
216 
 
 lord of the three worlds, whom Gods and men alike worship, who 
 is apart from the world, long- suffering, profound as the ocean, 
 the quintessence of all good, the Dharma llaj and Munendra, the 
 desti'oyer of desire and affection, and vice and darkness ; who is 
 A'oid of avarice and last, who is the ikon of wisdom. I ever in- 
 voke him, placing my head on Ins feet.' 
 
 ' I salute that Dharma, vrho is the Prajna Paramita, pointing 
 out the way of perfect tranquillity to all mortals, leading them into 
 the paths of perfect wisdom ; who, by the testimony of all the 
 sages, produced or created all things ; who is the mother of all the 
 Bodhisatwas and Sravakas, I salute that Sanglia, wlio is Padraa 
 Pani, and Maitreya, and Gagan Ganja, and Samanta Bhadra, and 
 Vajra Pani, and Manju Ghosha, and Sarvani Varana Viskambhi, 
 and Kshitti Garblia and Kha Garbha.' The aspirant then says to 
 the Giiru, ' I will devote my whole life to the Tri Piatna, nor ever 
 desert them.' Then the Guru gives him the Das Siksha or ten 
 precepts observed by all the Buddlias and Bhikshukas ; and com- 
 mands his observance of them. . They are, I. Thou slialt not des- 
 troy life ; 2. Thou shalt not steal ; 3. Thou shalt not follow strange 
 faiths ; 4. Thou shalt not lye ; 5. Thou shalt not touch intoxicating 
 liquors or drugs ; 6. Thou shalt -not be proud of heart ; 7. Thou 
 shalt avoid music, dancing and all such idle toys ; 8. Thou shalt not 
 dress in fine clothes, nor use perfumes or ornaments ; 9. Thou shalt 
 sit and sleep in lowly places ; 10. Tiiou shalt not eat out of the 
 prescribed hours. 
 
 The Guru tlien says, ' All these things the Buddhas avoided. 
 You are now become a Bhikshu and must avoid them too ;' which 
 said, the Gurxi obliterates the Tri Ratna Mandala. Next, the aspi- 
 rant asks from the Guru the Chivara and Nivasa, the Pinda Patra 
 and Khikshari and Gandhar. The aspirant proceeds to make a 
 Mandala and places in it five flowers and five Druba-Kund and some 
 khil and some rice, and assuming the Utkutak Asan, and joining his 
 hands, he repeats the praises of the Tri Ratna above cited, and 
 then again requests his Guru to give him three suits of tlie Chi- 
 vara and the like number of the Isivasa — one for occasions of 
 ceremony as attending tlie palace, another for wearing at meals. 
 
217 
 
 and the third for ordinary wear. He also requests from his Guru 
 the like niunber of Gandhar or drinking cups, of Pinda Patra and 
 of Khikshari. One entire suit of these the aspirant then assiunes, 
 receiving them from the hands of the Guru, who, previously to 
 giving them, consecrate them, by prayers. Tlie aspirant then says, 
 ' Now I have received the Pravrajya Vratta, I will religiously 
 observe the Sil-asgand, the Saladh-asgand, the Prajna-asgand, and 
 the Vimokhti-asgand.' 
 
 Then the Guni gives him four sprinklings of holy water and 
 presents him with an umbrella having 32 radii. Next he sprin- 
 kles him once again and gives him a pair of wooden sandals — af- 
 ter which the Giirii draws on the ground linearly, and near to each 
 other, seven images of the lotos flower, upon each of which he puts a 
 supari, and then commands the aspirant to traverse them, placing 
 a foot on each as he proceeds. Wlien the Chela lias done so, the 
 Guru placing tlie Pancha Raksha Sastra on his head, sends him 
 into the sanctum, where stands the image of Sakya Sinha, to offer 
 to it pan, and supari, and datchina. All this the Chela does, and 
 likewise performs the Pancha Upacharj'a puja ; when, having cir- 
 cumambulated tlie image, he returns to the Guru. 
 
 Then the Guru performs the ceremony called Sink Adhivdsan, 
 which is thus : The ball of five-coloured thread mentioned in the 
 first day's proceedings as being deposited in the kalas, is taken out 
 of the kalas and one end of it twisted thrice round the neck of the 
 kalas ; it is then unrolled and carried on to the Chela and twined 
 in like manner round the Kliikshari he holds in his hands, whence 
 it is continued unbroken to the Guru and delivered into his hands. 
 The Guru holding the clue in his hands, repeats prayers and 
 then rolls up the thread and redeposits it in the kalas. He next 
 performs the Pancha Upacharya puja to the kalas and the Khik- 
 shari ; next he gives flowers and a blessing to the aspirant ; next 
 he gives him the Abhish^ka, invests his neck with a cord compos- 
 ed of a piece of the thread just adverted to ; places the Pancha 
 Raksha Sastra on his head, and repeats over him some prayers. 
 The Mandal is then obliterated, when the aspirant is made to 
 perform the Maha Bali ceremony which is thus : — 
 
 2 B 
 
218 
 
 In a large earthen vessel four seers of dressed rice, and a quar- 
 ter of the quantity of Bhatmas and a nose mask faced like Bhai- 
 rava, having a small quantity of flesh in the mouth of it, are plac~ 
 ed ; and the aspirant makes puja to Bhairava, presenting to the 
 mask the naived and a light, and pouring out water from a conch 
 he holds in his hands so that it shall fall into the vessel. The 
 Guru repeats mantras, and invoking the Devatas and ^agas, and 
 Yakshas, and Rakshasas, and Gandharvas, and Miiharajs, and 
 Mortals, and Amanushas, and Pretas, and Pisachas, and Dakas, 
 and Dakinis, and Matrika Grahas, and Apas Marga, and all mo- 
 tionless and moving things, he says, ' Accept this Bali and be 
 propitious to this aspirant, since the sacrifice has been performed 
 according to the directions of Vajra Safa.' Such is the Sarva 
 Blmta Bali : and in like manner the Balis of Malia Kala, and of the 
 Graha, and of the Pancha Raksha, and of the Gralia Matrika, and 
 of Chand Maha Rakshana, and of the guardians of the four quar- 
 ters, and of Ekvingsati, and of Basundhara, and of the Chaitya, 
 and of Pindi Karma, and of Amoghpasa, and of Sarak Dhara, 
 and of Tara, and of Hevajra, and of KurkuUa, and of Vajra Ivro- 
 dha, and of Marichi, and of Ushnisha, and of Hariti, are perform- 
 ed ; and then those denominated the TsliSga Bali, and tl»e Sankha 
 Bali, whicli ai'e thus : In the conch are put flesh, and blood and 
 spirits which are poured, as before, into the great vessel, whilst 
 the Deities of all the six quarters are invoked with prayers. Then 
 the Pancha Upachara puja is made in the vessel, after Avhich the 
 aspirant is commanded to perform the Chakra puja, wliich com- 
 pleted, he returns to his seat. The Chakra puja is that which is 
 made to all the images in the Vihar by going round to them all. 
 Tlie Guru then causes the aspirant to peribrm the Guru Mandal 
 jiuja and afterwards to sprinkle rice on all the images, ^\Jiich 
 done, the aspirant gives Datchina to the Guru, and tlie Guru, in 
 return, gives th.e as])irant a suiall quantity of rice and a trifle of 
 money. Then the Guru causes him to perform the Des-Bali- 
 Yatra, which is, the aspirant removes the great eartlien vessel with 
 its contents, by means of carriers, and distributes the contents in 
 small quantities to all the shrines of Daityas, and Pisachas, and 
 
219 
 
 other evil spirits throughout the city ; and liaving distributed 
 them, retiu*ns with the empty vessel. 
 
 Then the Guru and ten Naikyas take the aspirant to make the 
 circuit of all tlie shrines in the neighbourhood, and to present at 
 each, offerings of rice, and pan, and supari, and Howers ; after 
 which they go to the Chela's home, when his relatives come out 
 and give him four seers of rice, and then conduct the aspirant and 
 the rest within and feed them witli khil. The Giiru then returns 
 to the Vihar, and the Chela remains at home. Then the aspi- 
 rant must, at all events, practise mendicity and the other rules of 
 his order, for four days ; but if at the end of that time, he becomes 
 tired of the ascetical profession he must go to his Guru at the Vihar 
 and to his Upadhayaya, (the latter is his instructor in the forms of 
 puja, according to the Puja Kand) and addressing the Guru, must 
 say, ' O Guru 1 1 cannot remain an ascetic, pray take back the Chiva- 
 ra and other ensigns of it ; and having delivered me from the Sra- 
 ^ aka Charya, teach me Maha Yan Charya.' The Guru replies, ' Tru- 
 ly, in these degenerate days to keep the Pravrajya Vrat is hard, a- 
 dopt then the Maha Yan Charya. But if you abandon the Pravrajya, 
 still you cannot be relieved from observing the following command- 
 ments : — Not to destroy life. Not to steal. Xot to commit adulter)'. 
 Not to speak falsehoods. Not to take spirituous liquors and drugs. 
 To be clement to all living beings. The observance of the above 
 rules shall be a pravrajya to you, and if you obey them, you shall 
 attain to Mukti.' The aspirant then washes the Guru's feet, and 
 having done so, returns to his seat, when the Guru having pre- 
 pared the materials of puja noted in the first day's ceremonies, 
 makes pi'ija to the kalas, after which he makes puja to the ves- 
 sel, holding the aspirant's shorn locks.' He then draws Mandals 
 for the Tri Ratna and for himself, and makes the aspirant offer puja 
 to all four; when he obliterates the whole and says, 'You have 
 abandoned the Bhiksha Charya and adopted the Maha Yan 
 Charya ; attend to the obligations of the latter, as just explained 
 to you.' 
 
 The badges of mendicity are then taken from the aspirant by 
 the Giiru who gives him the Pancha Rakslia as before related, 
 
220 
 
 and then sends him to make the Chakra puja, which done, he 
 causes him to perform the Guru Mandal puja, and then to sprin- 
 kle rice on the Deities. Then the Guru Mandal is erased, the 
 aspirant makes an offering to the Giiru, and the Giiru gives him 
 his blessing. The Giiru then sends the aspirant to throw into the 
 river the hair shaven from his head and on his return makes the 
 Agam puja and Kumari puja ; when the whole is concluded by a 
 
 feast. 
 
 I 
 
 P. S. Since the above papers were written, I have perused Mr. 
 Tumour's essays in the Bengal Asiatic Journal, and I fully admit 
 (as anticipated by Mr. Priasep) that the honours of Ceylonese 
 literature and of the Pali language are no longer disputable. I 
 may add in regard to the latter point, that recent research has 
 established the following very curious fact, viz. that tlie Sanscrit 
 Buddhist works discovered by me in Nepaul, are now found to 
 be copiously interspersed with passages in various Pracrits — Pali 
 among the rest — pretty much in the manner of the Hindoo 
 Drama wherein this mixture of less finished dialects with the 
 Sanscrit is of common occurrence. 
 
 B. H. IL 
 
 THE ENB.