Every day they set apart three of their number to go to
its house, and eat there. Whenever the summer retreat is ended, the
dragon straightway changes its form, and appears as a small snake, with
white spots at the side of its ears. As soon as the monks recognize it,
they fill a copper vessel with cream, into which they put the creature,
and then carry it round from the one who has the highest seat at their
tables to him who has the lowest, when it appears as if saluting them.
When it has been taken round, immediately it disappears; and every year
it thus comes forth once. The country is very productive, and the people
are prosperous, and happy beyond comparison. When people of other
countries come to it, they are exceedingly attentive to them all, and
supply them with what they need.
Fifty yojanas northwest from the monastery there is another, called "The
Great Heap." Great Heap was the name of a wicked demon, who was
converted by Buddha, and men subsequently at this place reared a vihara.
When it was being made over to an Arhat by pouring water on his hands,
some drops fell on the ground. They are still on the spot, and however
they may be brushed away and removed, they continue to be visible, and
cannot be made to disappear.
At this place there is also a tope to Buddha, where a good spirit
constantly keeps all about it swept and watered, without any labor of
man being required.
Pages:
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268