________________ 420 Homage to Vaisali B. Return Journey (A. D. 1236) The Dharmasvamin continued his journey alone without a companion. [I. Crossing the Ganga on way to Tirhut) On the ferry boat across the Ganga, he was accosted by two Turushka soldiers who told him, "You are a Tibetan ! You must have some gold." The Dharmasvamin replied that he would report them to the local Raja, and they became very angry. The two snatched away the Dharmasvamin's begging bowl from the boat. On the boat there were two Indian lay-supporters, father and son. The son who had faith (in Buddhism), said, "Here is a remarkable monk ! Do not take away bis begging bowl. I shall give you some precious things." But the soldiers replied, "We do not want your wealth. We want this Tibetan !" Then he gave them one pa-na. According to the Dharmasvamin one pana equalled eighty cowries. [II. From the north bank of the Ganga to Pa-ta] After they had reached the city of Pa-la8 in Tirhut, the Dharmasvamin asked a monk, "Are you a Buddhist ?" and the monk replied that he was. Then the Dharmasvamin rented quarters from the monk, and stayed there. 1. 2. Sanskrit : pana. [This party of three persons naturally passed through Vaisali, but there was nothing particular to note in this trip. Ed.] Patala. This is identical with Simraongarh, the capital of the Karnata kings of Tirhut or Tirabhukti. [p. 58, n. 3] 3.
