Travels of Fah-Hian and Sung-Yun, Buddhist pilgrims : from China to India (400 A.D. and 518 A.D.) / translated from Chinese by Samuel Beal.

  • Faxian
Date:
1869
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Travels of Fah-Hian and Sung-Yun, Buddhist pilgrims : from China to India (400 A.D. and 518 A.D.) / translated from Chinese by Samuel Beal. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    buried it in tlie earth. Above the spot lie planted a tree, wliicli is called Po-tai (Bodhi), the branches of whicli, spreading out on each side, with their thick foliage, completely shade the spot from the sun. Underneath the tree on each side there are sitting figures (of Buddha) of the same height, viz. a chang and a half (17 feet). There are always four dragons in attendance to protect these jewels; if a man (only in his heart) covets them, calamities immediately be- fall him. There is also a stone tablet erected on the spot, and engraved on it are these words of direction : “ Hereafter, if this tower is destroyed, after long search, the virtuous man may find here pearls (of value suf- ficient) to help him restore it.” Fifty paces to the south of the Tsioh-li pagoda there is a stone tower, in shape perfectly round, and two chang high (27 feet). There are many spiritual por- tents gathered from this building; so that men, by touch- ing it, can find out if they are lucky or unlucky. If they are lucky, then by touching it the golden bells will tinkle; but if unlucky, then, though a man should vio- lently push the tower, no sound would be given out. Hwui Seng, haying travelled far from his country and fearing that he might not have a fortunate return, paid worship to this sacred tower, and sought a sign from it. On this, lie did but touch it with his finger and immediately the bells rang out. Obtaining this omen, lie comforted his heart. And the result proved the