Meanwhile, by analyzing some
objections and exposing the dangerous logic of our critic, we may give
the theosophists a few more facts connected with the subject under
discussion.
Now that we have seen Professor Max Muller's opinions in general about
this, so to say, the Prologue to the Buddhist Drama with Vijaya as the
hero--what has he to say as to the details of its plot? What weapon
does he use to weaken this foundation-stone of a chronology upon which
are built and on which depend all other Buddhist dates? What is the
fulcrum for the critical lever he uses against the Asiatic records?
Three of his main points may be stated seriatim with answers appended.
He begins by premising that--
1st.--"If the starting-point of the Northern Buddhist chronology turns
out to be merely hypothetical, based as it is on a prophecy of Buddha,
it will be difficult to avoid the same conclusion with regard to the
date assigned to Buddha's death by the Buddhists of Ceylon and of
Burmah" (p. 266). "The Mahavansa begins with relating three miraculous
visits which Buddha paid to Ceylon.
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