Buddha and Buddhism (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1900 edition. Excerpt: ...rivalling the splendour of the decorations of his palace, and imitating the magnificence of the mansions of the devas," were constructed. Five hundred carpeted seats were prepared for the monks, and a pulpit for the principal. A preaching desk, " for the sanctified Buddha himself," in the centre of the hall facing the east, was erected, and an ivory fan placed upon it. This incident shows, I think, that the early sermon-monger was supposed to get his inspiration direct from the dead Tathagata. In two months this great cave-temple was completed; and the monks were summoned. A difficulty arose about Ananda, who had not acquired the miraculous powers that stamp the adept in the knowledge of Prajfla Paramita, the wisdom of the unseen world. Thus, as first constituted, the convocation consisted of 499 members, and a vacant carpet was spread for Ananda. During the night he meditated on the Kayagasta Satiya, and in the morning these powers came; and in proof he reached his seat through the medium of the floor of the temple. Maha Ka yapa was the chief Therd, and he opened the proceedings by requesting Upali to detail Buddha's injunctions on discipline. Upali before answering sat in the pulpit of Buddha, and held the mystic ivory fan. Three hundred and four Sikkhapadini on form and rites were wearily gone through. After Upali detailed each section the monks at once chanted it forth. When Upali took the mystic fan in his hand the mighty earth quaked. As the narrative announces that this was done to give the assembly a greeting similar to the one that Buddha used to give his Arhats, I think the idea plainly was that, instead of being annihilated, the great teacher was present, obsessing Upali in his chair. After Upali had...