For, the first of the golden statues had
been plundered from Bhikshu Sali Suka by the Hiong-un robbers and
melted, during the days of Dharmasoka, who had sent missionaries beyond
Nepaul. The second had a like fate, at Ghar-zha, even before it had
reached the boundaries of Bod-Yul. The third was rescued from a
barbarous tribe of Bhons by a Chinese military chief who had pursued
them into the deserts of Schamo about 423 Buddhist era (120 "B.C.") The
fourth was sunk in the third century of the Christian era, together
with the ship that carried it from Magadha toward the hills of
Ghangs-chhen-dzo-nga (Chitagong). The fifth arriving in the nick of
time reached its destination with Arhat Kasyapa. So did the last two.*
---------
* No doubt, since the history of these seven statues is not in the hands
of the Orientalists, it will be treated as a "groundless fable."
Nevertheless such is their origin and history. They date from the first
Synod, that of Rajagriha, held in the season of war following the death
of Buddha, i.e., one year after his death.
Pages:
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509