________________ 340 Homage to Vaisali every unsightly form. In return for all this I received this monstrous body of mine. Thanks, however, to some virtuous remnants during former lives, I am born during the time of a Buddha's appearance in the world, and permitted to see his sacred form, and myself to receive his sacred instruction and to confess and repent of my former misdeeds". On this Tathagata, according to the circumstances, instructed and converted him by wisely opening his understanding. The fish having received the law, expired, and by the power of this merit was born in heaven. On this he considered his body, and reflected by what circumstances he was thus born. So, knowing his former life and recollecting the circumstaces of his conversion, he was moved with gratitude to Buddha, and, with all the Devas, with bended form he bowed before him and worshipped, and then having circumambulated him, he withdrew, and standing apart, offered precious flowers and unguents in religious service. The Lord of the World having directed the fishermen to consider this, and on their account preached the law, they were all forth with enlightened and offered him profound respect. Repenting of their faults, they destroyed their nets, burnt their boats, and having taken refuge in the law, they assumed the religious babit, and by means of the excellent doctrine they heard came out of the reach of worldly influences and obtained the holy fruit (of Arhats). Going north-east form this spot about 100 li, we come to an old city, on the west of which is a stupa built by Asoka-raja, in height about 100 feet. Here Buddha, when living in the world, preached the law for six months and converted the Devas. Going north 140 or 150 paces is a little stupa; here Buddha, for the sake of the Bhikshus, established some rules of discipline. West of this not far is a stupa containing hair and nail relics. Tatba. gata formerly residing in this place, men from all the neighbouring towns and villages flocked together and burnt incense, and scattered flowers, and lighted lamps and torches in his honour. Going north-west from this 1400 or 1500 li, crossing some mountains and entering a valley, ve come to the country of Ni-po-lo (Nepala). NI-PO-LO (NEPALA) This country is about 4000 li in circuit, and is situated among the Snowy Mountains.
