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TAK INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[APRIL, 1893.
Rimadhipatirajn, after he had purified the Religion of Buddha, expressed a hope Now that this Religion of Buddha has been purged of the impure form of the upasampaid ordination, of sinful priests, and of priests who are not free from censure and reproach, and that it has become cleaused, resplendent, and pare, may it last till the end of the period of 5,000 years !"
1. In former times, Asokadhammaraja, to whom incomparable majesty and might had accrued, out of love for the Religion, became agitated in mind at the sight of the impurities that had arisen in it.
2. He solicitod the Assistance of Moggaliputtatissathers, and effected the purification of tho Roligion by expelling 60,000 sinfal pricsts from the Order.
3. In Laikadipa, Parakkamabahuraja, whose name began with Sirisanghaboohi, was friend of the Religion of Buddha.
4. Secing the impurities of the Religion, agitation arose in his mind, and he expelled namorous sinful priests, who held heretical doctrines.
5. Ho effected purification by sparing the single orthodox sect, whose members were the spiritual saccessors of the residents of the Mahavihara.
6. Subsequently, the purifiontion of the Religion was again, in like manner, effected by other kings as VijayabAhu and Parakkama.
7. In times past, our Bodhisattva, while fulfilling the páramis, ruled over the celestial kingdom of Tidasalayasagg.
8. At that time, the Religion of Ksssapa Buddba was in existence, and Anandathers becamo Usiunara, and ruled over the kingdom of Bårkpastpora.
9. Although he perceived the imperities, he remained indifferent, and did not effoot the purification of the Religion. Then Sakra, the Lord of the devas, set aside his celestial bliss 41.d,
10. Accompanied by Matali, who had assumed the form of a black dog, went to the King, called Usiunara, and inspired him with fear,
11. Having received a pledge for the purification of the Religion, and after admonishing him, Sakra returned to Tidasûlays.
12. Therefore, King Ramadhipati, the Lord of Ramaññadêsa, following respectfully in the footsteps of the virtuous,
13. Purified the Religion with a view that it might last till the end of 5,000 years.
14. For having purified the Religion in the manner described above, I, Rámadhipati, have acquired merit, which is as inexhaustible as nirudna, the state of purity and quiescence.
15. May the excellent Kings, who are imbued with intense faith, and who will reign after me in Hamsavatipura, always strive to purify the Religion, whenever they perceive that impurities have arisen in it!
16. Although the théras, headed by Majjhantikathëra, in whom all passions were extinct, and who had performed their last doeds, took a delight in solitude, they set aside their bliss of nirvana,
17. And, in former times, exerted themselves in tho interest of the Religion. Therefore respectfully following in their footsteps.
18. May the priests of Hamsavatipura, who delight in their condition of purity, and are enthusiastic (in the cause of the Religion) purify, in after times, the Religion whenever they perceive any impurities in it!
