________________ 338 Homage to Vatsali fro he saw a Sramanera (novice) repeating in a budgling way a sutra of Buddha, perverting and mistaking the sentences and words. Ananda having heard him, his feelings were moved towards him, and, full of pity, he approached the place where he was; he desired to point out his mistakes and direct him in the right way. The Sramanera, smiling, said, "Your reverence is of great age; your interpretation of the words is a mistaken one. My teacher is a man of much enlightenment; his years (springs and autumns) are in their full maturity. I have received from him personally the true method of interpreting (the work in question); there can be no mistake." Ananda remained silent, and then went away, and with a sigh he said, "Athough my years are many, yet for men's sake I was wishful to remain longer in the world, to hand down and defend the true law. But now men all creatures) are stained with sin, and it is exceedingly difficult to instruct them. To stay longer would be useless: I will die soon". On this, going from Magadha, he went towards the city of Vaidali, and was now in the middle of the Ganges in a boat, crossing the river. At this time the king of Magadba, hearing of Ananda's departure, his feelings were deeply affected towards him, and so, preparing his chariot, he hastened after him with his followers (soldiers) to ask him to return. And now his host of warriors, myriads in number, were on the southern bank of the river, when the king of Vaigali, hearing of Ananda's approach, was moved by a sorrowful affection, and, equipping his host, he also went with all spoed to meet him. His myriads of soldiers were assembled on the opposite bank of the river (the north side), and the two armies faced each other, with their banners and accoutrements shining in the sun. Ananda, fearing lest there should be a conflict and a mutual slaughter, raised himself from the boat inro mid-air, and there displayed bis spiritual capabilities, and forthwith attained Nirvana. He seemed as though encompassed by fire, and his bones fell in two parts, one on the south side, the other on the north side of the river. Thus the two kings each took a part, and, whilst the soldiers raised their piteous cry, they all returned home and built stupas over the relics and paid them religious worship. Going north-east from this 500 li orso, we arrive at the country of Fo-li-shi (Vfiji). FO-LI-SHI (VRIJI)1 This kingdom is about 4000 li in circuit. From east to west it is broad, and narrow from north to south. The soil is rich and fertile; fruits and flowers are abundant. The climate is rather cold. 1. The country of the Vpijis or Samvfijis, i.e. united Vrijis, was that of the confederated eight tribes of the people called the Vtijis or Vaijis, one of which, viz., that of the Licchavis, dwelt at Vaisali. They were republicans.
