Lalit Vistara

Author(s): Rajendralala Mitra
Publisher: Asiatic Society

Page 53

CHAPTER III.
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80 the law and instructions that one should attempt to spread on the hardened hearts of men would make no lasting impression upon them. Hence he concluded that the present period, when the life of men was of about a hundred years' duration, was the proper one for the apparition of Buddha."--Bigandet I, p. 22.
The Chinese version does not refer to time, as that is settled by the five prognostics to which the other works do not refer.
14. Continent, (p. 37). On this subject, too, the Burmese version is more amplified. The following is its account:
"His regards glanced over the four great islands and the 2000 small ones. He saw that the island of Dzaboudiba, the southern one, bad always been the favourite place selected by all former Buddhas; he fixed upon it, too, for himself. That island, however, is a most extensive one, measuring in length 300 youdzanas, in breadth 202, and in circumference 900. He knew that on that islaud former Buddhas, and semi-Buddbas, the two great Rehandus, or disciples of the right and left, the prince whose sway is universal, &c., had all of thern invariably fixed upon and elected that island, and, amidst the various countries on the islahu, that of Mitzina, tho central one, where is to be found the district of Kapilawot. Thither,' said he, shall I resort, and become a Buddha'" (I, p. 25).
The decision about Kapilawot having been at once arrived at no occasion is left for a survey of the countries. On the subjeot of the family the following are the remarks of the Burmese version. " Having determined the place which he was to select for his terres. trial seat, Phralaong examined the race or caste from which he was to be born. The caste of the people and that of merchanta appeared too low, and much wanting in respectability, and, moreover, no Buddha had ever come out therefrom. That of the Pounhas walo in former times the most illustrious and respected, but that of princes, in those days, far surpassed it in power and consideration. He therefore fixed his choice upon the caste of princes, as most becoming his future high calling. I choose,' said he, 'prince Thoo. duadana for my father. As to the princess who is to become may mother, whe: must be distinguished by a podest deportment and ohnste manners, and morehat never have tasted any intoxicating: drink. During the duration : 100,000 stor do she must have lived in the