________________ 330 Homage to Vaisali 80 fascinated the mind of Ananda that he did not request Buddha to remain in the world. Going east from this point three or four li there is a tower. One hundred years after the Nirvana of Buddha there were at Vaigali certain Bhikshus who broke the rules of the Vinaya in ten particulars, saying that Buddha had said it was so, at which time the Arbats and the orthodox Bhikshus, making an assembly of 700 ecclesiastics, compared and collated the Vinaya Pitaka afresh. Afterwards men erected a tower on this spot which still exists. [III. The confluence of the five rivers.] Going four yo janas east, we arrive at the confluence of the five rivers. When Ananda was going from the country of Magadha towards Vaisali, desiring to enter Nirvana, the Devas acquainted King Ajatasatru of it. The king immediately set out after him at the head of his troops, and arrived at the banks of the river. The Licchavis of Vaisali, hearing that Ananda was coming, likewise set out to meet him and arrived at the side of the river. Ananda then reflected that if he were to advance King Ajatasatru would be much grieved, and if he should go back, then the Licchavis would be indignant. Being perplexed, he forthwith entered the Samadhi called the brilliancy of flame," consuming his body, and entered Nirvana in the midst of the river. His body was divided into two parts; one part was found on either side of the river; so the two kings, taking the relics of half his body returned and erected towers over them. Crossing the river, and going south one yo jana, we arrive at Magadha and the town of Palaliputra (Palin-fu).
