[Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms by Fa-Hsien]@TWC D-Link bookRecord of Buddhistic Kingdoms CHAPTER XX 8/20
The Brahmans thereupon knowing how great was the spiritual power of Buddha, forthwith left their families, and became monks.( 20) It has been handed down, that, near the time when these things occurred, around the Jetavana vihara there were ninety-eight monasteries, in all of which there were monks residing, excepting only in one place which was vacant.
In this Middle Kingdom( 21) there are ninety-six( 21) sorts of views, erroneous and different from our system, all of which recognise this world and the future world( 22) (and the connexion between them). Each had its multitude of followers, and they all beg their food: only they do not carry the alms-bowl.
They also, moreover, seek (to acquire) the blessing (of good deeds) on unfrequented ways, setting up on the road-side houses of charity, where rooms, couches, beds, and food and drink are supplied to travellers, and also to monks, coming and going as guests, the only difference being in the time (for which those parties remain). There are also companies of the followers of Devadatta still existing. They regularly make offerings to the three previous Buddhas, but not to Sakyamuni Buddha. Four le south-east from the city of Sravasti, a tope has been erected at the place where the World-honoured one encountered king Virudhaha,( 23) when he wished to attack the kingdom of Shay-e,( 23) and took his stand before him at the side of the road.( 24) NOTES (1) In Singhalese, Sewet; here evidently the capital of Kosala.
It is placed by Cunningham (Archaeological Survey) on the south bank of the Rapti, about fifty-eight miles north of Ayodya or Oude.
There are still the ruins of a great town, the name being Sahet Mahat.
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