Lalit Vistara

Author(s): Rajendralala Mitra
Publisher: Asiatic Society

Page 67

CHAPTER IV.
: 65 20. How shall I unfold to you at longth the extensive religion, pregnant with meaning ? Remain not where any harm can result to religion.
21. In order that the Bodhi religion may be attained by him who is in quest of that neclar, and the same may be showered (on eartb), adore him with purified mind, so that you may listen to the exposition of the great religion.
NOTE 8.
1. Tushitakáyika, p. 55. In order fully to explain the purport of this term it is necessary to advert briefly to ilc cosmogony of the Budalhist. The authorities are not unanimous on the subject, and it would tabe too much space to note all the dit'erences observable in Buddhist works in Nepal, Ceylon, China and Mongolia. Enongh may be, however, gleaned to show what the general idea is. In Nepal, according to the authorities cited by Mr. Hodgson (Essays, pp. 42 f.), the universe is made up of fourteen different classes of regions (Bhuvanas) placed in tiers one above the other. Some of these are solitary, others include several subdivisions. The order of their arrangernent from tho highest to the lowest stands thus :
I. ACNTSUTRA BHUVANA. It is the abodo of A'di Buddha, and has no subdivision.
II. HODISATTVA BILUVANA. According to some there are ten Kụbdivisions of this region; according to others, thirteen, namely 1, Pramoditá ; 2, Vimalá; 3, Prabhákari ; 4, Archismati; 5, Sudurjaya; 6, Abhimukti ; 7, Dúrangamá;, 8, Achalá; 9, Súdhumati; 10, Dharmameghá; 11, Samanta-prabhá ; 12, Nirupamá; 13, Trúnavati. These were made by Adi Buddha bimself, and aro intended 'for Bodhisattvas of different grades.
III. RÚPA' VACHARA BHUVANA. It includes the following eighteen subdivisions, vizs; 1, Brahmakáyika ; 2, Brahmapurohitá ; 8, Brahma-prdsádya; 4, Maha-brahmaná; 5, Paritábhá; 6, pra. spániábháy 7, bhaavand, B, Paritasubha ; 9, Subhakitshnd ; 10,
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