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gods, valent gods, - all descended in a hurry to be the first to reach the world of men. At several places en route, the gods met in meetings. The goddesses smiled and chanted sweet hymns. All the directions were becoming placid and pure. The whole earth became bright with an exceptionally strange light. Heavenly drums sounded in the sky. Infernal beings enjoyed a pleasant respiration. Gentle and comfortable breeze started blowing. Many unusual events took place (2).
On the Buddha's attainment of Englightenment
During the day, the Buddha was wandering in the wellblossomed sal forest on the bank of the river. In the evening, he started from there and came near the bodhi tree. On the way, he met a grass-cutter named Srotriya who was carrying grass. He gave eight handfuls of hay to the Buddha. With these, the Buddha ascended the bodhi altar and reached the southern corner where he stood turning his face towards the north. At this, the southern horizon became depressed to reach the hell named Abici, and the northern horizon soared high as if it touched the crest vi the world. The Buddha realised that he would not attain enlightenment at this place. So he moved from there, and, giving a round, he reached the western corner, and stood with his face turned eastward. At this, the western horizon sank to the hell Abici, while the eastern horizon rose at if it touched the crest of the world. Wherever he stepped, the great earth became curved like a wheel spread on the support of its spokes. Even this place he did not find suitable for the attainment of his enlightenment. So he moved out from the re, went to the north, and stood with his face turned southward, At this, the northern horizon sank to the hell Abici and the southern horizon kissed the crest of the world. Even this place he rejected as being unsuitable for the attainment of enlightenment. He moved round, went to the east, and stood with his face turned westward. At once, a thought caine to his mind:
'This is the place unrejected by the Buddhas. This is the most suitable place for ending all misery.
Then he caught the tips of the grass and gave a jerk. At once, the grass spread to make a cushion which was 14
