The doctrine of Sa′kya finds a patron in Vimbasa'ra, and he is described as residing some time in Rájagriha, enjoying great fame as a teacher and master of numerous converts; his mode of teaching is also exemplified, and various philosophical controversies between him and the advocates of other systems are detailed.
The mode in which his converts are received into the order of the priesthood, either by himself or by his disciples, is then particularized. Two presidents are appointed, and five classes of teachers ordained. Questions to be propounded are given, and the description of persons inadmissible from bodily imperfections or disease described. A variety of rules on the subject of admission is laid down.
The behaviour of the person after admission is then regulated; the cases in which he should require the permission of his principal specified; and various moral obligations prescribed, particularly resignation and forbearance, when maltreated or reviled.
Stories are related of improprieties committed by some juvenile members of the community, and in consequence Sa′kya desires that none shall be admitted under 15, and no priest be ordained under 20 years of age. Other stories give rise to other limitations, prohibiting the admission of slaves, debtors, runaways, hermaphrodites, diseased or maimed persons, young men without the consent of their parents, and persons who have families dependent upon them. No person is to be admitted, except in full conclave—nor any one to be allowed to reside amongst the priests without ordination—no thieves, parricides, matricides, nor murderers are to be admitted. Each of these prohibitions arises out of some incident occurring in the course of Sa′kya's peregrinations between Magadha, Kosalá or Oude, Srávastí, and Kapila.
The next subject is the performance of confession and expiation, which should be observed every new and full moon, in a public place, and congregation: the manner of conducting the ceremony is fully detailed.
The rest of the first volume is occupied with a number of precepts and prohibitions, some of them of a whimsical character: such as that a priest shall not wear wooden shoes, nor lay hold of a cow's tail to assist himself in crossing a river.
The second volume continues the subject of dress, especially on the fitness of leather or hides for the shoes of the priests; a treatise on drugs and medicaments then follows, which the disciples of Sa′kya are allowed to use or to carry about them.
The king of Magadha entertains Sa′kya for three months, and various legends are told.
B 2
