________________ 332 Homage to Vaisali By the side of it is a stupa. It was here Tathagata delivered the Vimalakirtti Sutra (Pi-mo-lo-kie-king), and the son of a householder, Ratnakara, and others offered precious parasols (to Buddha). To the east of this is a stupa. It was here Sariputra and others obtained perfect exemption (became Arhats). To the south-east of this last spot is a stupa; this was built by a king of Vaisali. After the Nirvana of Buddha, a former king of this country obtained a portion of the relics of his body, and to honour them as bighly as possible raised (this building).1 The records of India state : In this stupa there was at first a quantity of relics equal to a "hoh" (ten pecks). Asoka-raja opening it, took away pine-tentbs of the whole, leaving only one-tenth behind. Afterwards there was a king of the country who wished again to open the stupa, but at the moment when he began to do so, the earth trembled, and he dared not proceed to open (the stupa). To the north-west is a stupa built by Asoka-raja; by the side of it is a stone pillar about 50 or 60 feet high, with the figure of a lion on the top. To the south of the stone pillar is a tank. This was dug by a band of monkeys (Markatahrada) for Buddha's use. When he was in the world of old, Tathagata once and again dwelt here. Not far to the south of this tank is a stupa; it was here the monkeys, taking the alms-bowl of Tathagata, climbed a tree and gathered him some honey. Not far to the south is a stupa; this is the place where the monkeys offered the honey? to Buddha. At the north-west angle of the lake there is still a figure of a monkey. To the north-east of the sangharama 3 or 4 li is a stupa; this is the old site of the house of Vimalakirtti (Pi-mo-lo-ki); various spiritual signs (manifestations) are exhibited here. Not far from this is a spirit-dwelling (a chapel); its shape like a pile of bricks. Tradition says this stone-pile is where the householder Vimalakirtti preached the law when he was sick. 1. The Licchavis of Vaisali obtained a share of the relics of Buddha, and raised over them a stupa. The scene found at Sanchi (pl. xxviii, fig. 1, Tree and Serpent Worship) probably refers to this stupa and its consecration. This scene is also found at Sanchi (pl. xxvi. fig. 2, Tree and Serpent Worship). It is on the same pillar as the consecration scene alluded to above. The pillar was evidently the work or gift of the Vaisali people.
