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THE SACRED BOOKS OF THE EAST.
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ment by M. Hauvette-Besnault; while of the Vishnu-purâna we have Wilson's translation, lately re-edited by Dr. FitzEdward Hall. Whether this translation of the Vâyu-purâna is to be published, will depend on the decision of the Delegates.
Buddhism has of late occupied so large a share of public interest that we thought it right to have it presented as fully as possible in its different phases. The severe loss inflicted on our undertaking by the death of Professor Childers has been remedied by the ready help of Mr. T. W. Rhys Davids, Professor Fausböll, and Professor Oldenberg. We have published a volume of Suttas, the Dhammapada, and the extremely important Sutta Nipata. There will be a complete translation of the Mahâvagga and Kullavagga, the canonical books on Buddhist Discipline. The first volume of these is ready, and two more will finish this interesting portion of the Sacred Canon of Ceylon.
Of Sanskrit documents illustrative of Northern Buddhism there will be a translation by Professor Kern of the Lotus of the Good Law,' and possibly a volume of miscellaneous translations treating of the Amitâbha Buddhisnı of China and Japan.
The Rev. S. Beal was long prevented by illness from finishing his promised translation of the most ancient Life of Buddha in Chinese, but his version of the Fo-sho-hing-tsanking is now passing through the Press, and will be finished, it is hoped, before the end of this year.
Professor Jacobi had undertaken to supply translations of some of the sacred books of the Gainas, and though the difficulties, chiefly arising from the imperfections of the MSS., have delayed his work, one volume at least of his translation will form part, we hope, of our Series.
