occupied with miscellaneous matter. One subject is an account given of the origin of the Sa′kya race by Mangalayana, at the desire of Sa′kya, to the people of Kapila vastu; and another the birth and education of Sa′kya himself.
Volume IV. continues the story of Sa′kya, especially the circumstances that led to his entering upon the life of an ascetic, and his subsequent proceedings. In this book, the Sákyas are called inhabitants of Kosalá, a country bordering on the Kailás mountains, and descendants of the Hindu king Ikshwaku. The birth place of Sákya is said to be Kapila-vastu, near the Himalaya, on the banks of the Bhagirathí. The latter pages illustrate what is considered to be the subject of the whole book, the evils of causing schisms, by instances of the inveterate hostility of L’has-kyim, the nephew of Sa′kya, towards his uncle.
The fifth volume commences with the Prathnoksha Sútra, short precepts for the securing of final felicity; the sum of which is, that vice is to be diligently avoided, virtue invariably practised, and the passions be kept under entire subjugation.
Then follows, and extends through the rest of this volume and the three next, a code of laws for the monks, comprehending 253 rules. Each of these arises in general from some improper conduct in a religious person, which forms a separate incident or tale. The matter comes to Sa′kya's knowledge, who sends for the culprit into the congregation, where he is duly lectured. On his confession and penitence, he is pardoned, and Sákya enacts the rule or law preventive of a like transgression.
The ninth volume is of the same general character as the preceding four; but it is addressed to the female followers of Bud'dha, priestesses or nuns, Gélong-má, or Bhikshuní: many of the rules and illustrations are repeated from the foregoing volumes, and in the same terms.
The tenth and eleventh volumes relate to matters and rules of minor importance, such as that the monks shall not use vitrified brick as a flesh-brush, nor fragrant unguents, nor rings, nor seal rings of the precious metals, nor eat garlic, nor learn music or dancing. There are also directions for the construction of Chaityas, and the deposit therein of reliques, as the hair, nails, &c. of Bud'dha, given by him to various persons during his life. There are also some tales of a political or historical character, especially the destruction of Kapila by the king of Kosala, and the murder or expulsion of the Sákyas, many of whom are said to have fled to Nepal. The eleventh volume closes with an account of the Nirván, or emancipation of Sa′kya in Kamrúp, or Western Assam. Eight cities contend for his remains, which are divided amongst them, and deposited in chaityas or mausolea.
