Xuanzang's Record of the Western Regions 

大唐西域記卷第八

composed by the Buddhist pilgrim in 646 at the request of the Tang Emperor 

三藏法師玄奘奉詔述

translated by Samuel Beal (1884)

read by Angus Cargill

On the left side of the road, to the north of the place where Buddha walked, is a large stone, on the top of which, as it stands in a great vihara, is a figure of Buddha with his eyes raised and looking up. 

經行基北，道右，盤石上，大精舍中，有佛像，舉目上望。

Here in former times Buddha sat for seven days contemplating the Bodhi tree; 

昔者，如來於此七日觀菩提樹，

he did not remove his gaze from it during this period, desiring thereby to indicate his grateful feelings towards the tree by so looking at it with fixed eyes.

目不暫捨。為報樹恩，故此瞻望。

Not far to the west of the Bodhi tree is a large vihara in which is a figure of Buddha made of teou-shih (brass), ornamented with rare jewels; he stands with his face to the east.

菩提樹西不遠，大精舍中，有鍮石佛像，飾以奇珍，東面而立。

Before it is a blue stone with wonderful marks upon it and strangely figured.

前有青石，奇文異采，

This is (the place where) Buddha sat on a seven-gemmed throne made by Sakra Deva-raja when Brahma-raja built a hall for him of seven precious substances, after he had arrived at complete enlightenment.

是昔如來初成正覺，梵王起七寶堂，帝釋建七寶座，

Whilst he thus sat for seven days in reflection, the mysterious glory which shone from his person lit up the Bodhi tree.

佛於其上七日思惟，放異光明，照菩提樹。

From the time of the holy one till the present is so long that the gems have changed into stone.

去聖悠遠，寶變為石。

Not far to the south of the Bodhi tree is a stupa about IOO feet high, which was built by Asoka-raja.

菩提樹南不遠，有窣堵波，高百餘尺，無憂王之所建也。

Bodhisattva having bathed in the Nairanjana river, proceeded towards the Bodhi tree.

菩薩既濯尼連河，將趣菩提樹，

Then he thought, "What shall I do for a seat? I will seek for some pure rushes when the day breaks."

竊自思念何以為座？尋自發明當須淨草。

Then Sakra-raja (Shi) transformed himself into a grass-cutter, who, with his burden on his back, went along the road.

天帝釋化其身為刈草人，荷而逐路。

Bodhisattva addressing him said, "Can you give me the bundle of grass you are carrying on your back? "  

菩薩謂曰：「所荷之草頗能惠耶？」

The assumed grass-cutter, hearing the request, offered the grass with respect.

化人聞命，恭以草奉，

Bodhisattva having received it, went onwards to the tree.

菩薩受已，執而前進。

Not far to the north of this spot is a stupa.

受草東北不遠，有窣堵波，

Bodhisattva, when about to obtain enlightenment (the fruit of Buddha), saw a flock of blue birds rising up (rohin?) according to the lucky way.

是菩薩將證佛果，青雀、群鹿呈祥之處。

Of all the good omens recognised in India this is the most so.

印度休徵，斯為嘉應，

Therefore the Devas of the pure abodes (Suddhavdsas accommodated their proceedings to the customary modes of the world, and caused the birds thus to encircle him as spiritually (miraculously) indicating his holiness.

故淨居天隨順世間，群從飛繞，効靈顯聖。

To the east of the Bddhi tree, on the left and right of the great road, there are two stupas (one on each side).

菩提樹東，大路左右，各一窣堵波，

This is the place where Mara-raja tempted Bodhisattva.

是魔王嬈菩薩處也。

Bodhisattva, when on the point of enlightenment, was tempted by Mara to become a Chakravarttin (Lun-wang) monarch.

菩薩將證佛果，魔王勸受輪王，

On his refusing, he went away heavy and sorrowful.

策說不行，殷憂而返。

On this his daughters, asking him, went to try to entice the Bodhisattva, but by his spiritual power he changed their youthful appearance into that of decrepit old women.

魔王之女請往誘焉，菩薩威神，衰變冶容，

Then leaning together on their sticks they went away.

扶羸策杖，相携而退。

To the north-west of the Bodhi tree in a vihara is the image of Kasyapa Buddha.

菩提樹西北，精舍中，有迦葉波佛像，

It is noted for its miraculous and sacred qualities.

既稱靈聖，

From time to time it emits a glorious light.

時燭光明。

The old records say, that if a man actuated by sincere faith walks round it seven times, he obtains the power of knowing the place and condition of his (former?) births.

聞諸先記曰：若人至誠，旋繞七周，在所生處，得宿命智。

To the north-west of the vihara of Kasyapa Buddha there are two brick chambers, each containing a figure of an earth-spirit.

迦葉波佛精舍西北二甎室，各有地神之像。

Formerly, when Buddha was on the point of obtaining enlightenment, Mara came to him, and each one (or one) became witness for Buddha.

昔者如來將成正覺，一報魔至，一為佛證。

Men afterwards, on account of his merit, painted or carved this figure of him with all its points of excellence.

後人念功，圖形旌德。

To the north-west of the wall of the Bodhi tree is a stupa called Yuh-kin-hiang (the saffron scent, Kunkuma); it is about 40 feet high; it was built by a merchant chief (sreshthi} of the country of Tsao-kiu-chu (Tsaukuta).

菩提樹垣西不遠，有窣堵波，謂欝金香，高四十餘尺，漕炬吒國商主之所建也。

In old days there was a merchant-prince of this country who worshipped the heavenly spirits and sacrificed to them with a view to seek religious merit.

昔漕炬吒國有大商主，宗事天神，祠求福利，

He despised the religion of Buddha, and did not believe in the doctrine of "deeds and fruits."

輕蔑佛法，不信因果。

After a while, he took with him some merchants to engage in commercial transactions (to take goods for having or not having, i.e.,for exchange).

其後將諸商侶，貿遷有無，

Embarking in a ship on the southern sea, a tempest arising, they lost their way, whilst the tumultuous waves encircled them.

泛舟南海，遭風失路，波濤飄浪，

Then after three years, their provisions being gone and their mouths parched with thirst, when there was not enough to last the voyagers from morning till evening, they employed all their energies with one mind in calling on the gods to whom they sacrificed.

時經三歲，資糧罄竭，糊口不充。同舟之人，朝不謀夕，勠力同志，念所事天，

After all their efforts no result followed (their secret desire not accomplished), when unexpectedly they saw a great mountain with steep crags and precipices, and a double sun gleaming from far.

心慮已勞，冥功不濟。俄見大山，崇崖峻嶺，兩日聯暉，重明照朗。

Then the merchants, congratulating themselves, said, "We are fortunate indeed in encountering this great mountain; we shall here get some rest and refreshment."

時諸商侶更相慰曰：「我曹有福，過此大山，宜於中止，得安樂。」

The merchant-master said, "It is no mountain; it is the Makara fish; the high crags and scarped precipices are but its fins and mane; the double suns are its eyes as they shine."

商主曰：「非山也，乃摩竭魚耳。崇崖峻嶺，鬚鬣也；兩日聯暉，眼光也。」

Scarce had he finished when the sails of the ship began to draw; on which the merchant-master said to his companions, 

言聲未靜，舟帆飄湊。於是商主告諸侶曰：

"I have heard  say that Kwan-tsz'-tsai Bodhisattva is able to come to the help of those in difficulties and give them rest; we ought then with all faith to call upon that name."

「我聞觀自在菩薩於諸危厄能施安樂，宜各至誠，稱其名字。」

So with one accord and voice they paid their adorations and called on the name.

遂即同聲，歸命稱念。

The high mountains disappeared, the two suns were swallowed up, and suddenly they saw a Sramana with dignified mien and calm demeanour holding his staff, walking through the sky, and coming towards them to rescue them from shipwreck, and in consequence they were at their own country immediately.

崇山既隱，兩日亦沒。俄見沙門，威儀庠序，杖錫凌虛，而來拯溺，不踰時而至本國矣。

Then because their faith was confirmed, and with a view not to lose the merit of their condition, they built a stupa and prepared their religious offerings, and they covered the stupa from top to bottom with saffron paste.

因即信心貞固，求福不回，建窣堵波，式修供養，以欝金香泥而周塗上下。

After thus, conceiving a heart of faith, those who were like-minded resolved to pay their adoration to the sacred traces; beholding the Bddhi tree, they had no leisure for words about returning; but now, a month having elapsed, as they were walking together, they said in conversation, 

既發信心，率其同志，躬禮聖迹，觀菩提樹。未暇言歸，已淹晦朔。商侶同遊，更相謂曰：

"Mountains and rivers separate us from our native country, and now as to the stupa which we built formerly, whilst we have been here, who has watered and swept it? "

「山川悠間，鄉國遼遠，昔所建立窣堵波者，我曹在此，誰其灑掃？」

On finishing these words and coming to the spot (where this stupa stands), they turned round in token of respect; 

言訖，旋繞至此，

when suddenly they saw a stupa rise before them, and on advancing to look at it, they saw it was exactly like the one they had built in their own country.

忽見窣堵波，駭其由致，即前瞻察，乃本國所建窣堵波也。

Therefore now in India they call it the Kunkuma stupa.

故今印度因以欝金為名。

At the south-east angle of the wall of the Bodhi tree is a stupa by the side of a Nyagrodha (ni-ken-liu) tree.

菩提樹垣東南隅，尼拘律樹側，

Beside it there is a vihara in which is a sitting figure of Buddha.

窣堵波傍有精舍，中作佛坐像。

This is the spot where the great Brahmadeva exhorted Buddha, when he had first acquired enlightenment, to turn the wheel of the excellent law.

昔如來初證佛果，大梵天王於此勸請轉妙法輪。

Within the walls of the Bodhi tree at each of the four angles is a great stupa.

菩提樹垣內，四隅皆有大窣堵波。

Formerly, when Tathagata received the grass of good omen (Santi), he walked on the four sides of the Bodhi tree from point to point; then the great earth trembled.

在昔如來受吉祥草已，趣菩提樹，先歷四隅，大地震動，

When he came to the diamond throne, then all was quiet and peaceable again.

至金剛座，方得安靜。

Within the walls of the tree the sacred traces are so thick together that it would be difficult to recite each one particularly.

樹垣之內，聖迹鱗次，差難遍舉。

At the south-west of the Bodhi tree, outside the walls, there is a stupa; this is where the old house of the two shepherd-girls stood who offered the rice-milk to Buddha.

菩提樹垣外，西南窣堵波，奉乳糜二牧女故宅。

By the side of it is another stupa where the girls boiled the rice; by the side of this stupa Tathagata received the rice.

其側窣堵波，牧女於此煮糜。次此窣堵波，如來受糜處也。

Outside the south gate of the Bodhi tree is a great tank about 700 paces round, the water of which is clear and pure as a mirror.

菩提樹垣南門外有大池，周七百餘步，清瀾澄鏡，

Nagas and fishes dwell there.

龍魚潛宅，

This was the pond which was dug by the Brahmans, who were uterine brothers, at the command of Mahesvara (Ta-thseu-thsai).

婆羅門兄弟承大自在天命之所鑿也。

Still to the south there is a tank; formerly, when Tathagata had just acquired perfect enlightenment, he wished to bathe; then Sakra (Shi), king of Devas, for Buddha's sake, caused a pond to appear as a phantom.

次南一池，在昔如來初成正覺，方欲浣濯，天帝釋為佛化成池。

On the west is a great stone where Buddha washed his robes, and then wished to dry them; on this, Sakra, king of Devas, brought this rock from the great Snowy Mountains.

西有大石，佛浣衣已，方欲曝曬，天帝釋自大雪山持來也。

By the side of this is a stupa; this is where Tathagata put on (?) the old garments offered him.

其側窣堵波，如來於此納故衣。

Still to the south in a wood is a stupa; this is where the poor old woman gave the old garments which Tathagata accepted.

次南林中窣堵波，如來受貧老母施故衣處。

To the east of the pond which Sakra caused to appear, in the midst of a wood, is the lake of the Naga king Muchilinda (Mu-chi-lin-to).

帝釋化池東，林中有目支隣陀龍王池，

The water of this lake is of a dark blue colour, its taste is sweet and pleasant; on the west bank is a small vihara in which is a figure of Buddha.

其水清黑，其味甘美。西岸有小精舍，中作佛像。

Formerly, when Tathagata first acquired complete enlightenment, he sat on this spot in perfect composure, and for seven days dwelt in ecstatic contemplation.

昔如來初成正覺，於此宴坐，七日入定。

Then this Muchilinda Naga-raja kept guard over Tathagata; with his folds seven times round the body of Buddha, he caused many heads to appear, which over-shadowed him as a parasol; therefore to the east of this lake is the dwelling of the Naga.

時此龍王警衛如來，即以其身繞佛七匝，化出多頭，俯垂為蓋，故池東岸有其室焉。

To the east of the tank of Muchilinda in a vihara standing in a wood is a figure of Buddha, which represents him as thin and withered away.

目支隣陀龍池東，林中精舍有佛羸瘦之像。

At the side of this is the place where Buddha walked up and down, about 70 paces or so long, and on each side of it is a Pippala tree.

其側有經行之所，長七十餘步，南北各有卑鉢羅樹。

Both in old times and now, among the better classes and the poor, those who suffer from disease are accustomed to anoint the figure with scented earth, on which they get cured in many cases.

故今土俗，諸有嬰疾，香油塗像，多蒙除差。

This is the place where Bodhisattva endured his penance.

是菩薩修苦行處。

Here it was Tathagata subdued the heretics and received the request of Mara, and then entered on his six years' fast, eating a grain of millet and of wheat each day; his body then became thin and withered and his face marred.

如來為伏外道，又受魔請，於是苦行六年，日食一麻一麥，形容憔悴，膚體羸瘠，

The place where he walked up and down is where he took the branch of the tree (as he left the river) after his fast.

經行往來，攀樹後起。

By the side of the Pippala tree which denoted the place of Buddha's fast is a stupa; this is where Ajnata- Kaundinya and the rest, to the number of five, resided.

菩薩苦行卑鉢羅樹側有窣堵波，是阿若憍陳如等五人住處。

When first the prince left his home, he wandered through the mountains and plains; he rested in forests and by wells of water.

初，太子之捨家也，彷徨山澤，棲息林泉，

Then Suddhodana-raja ordered five men to follow him and wait on his person.

時淨飯王乃命五人隨瞻侍焉。

The prince having entered on his penance, then Ajnata Kaundinya and the rest gave themselves also to a diligent practice of the same.

太子既修苦行，憍陳如等亦即勤求。

To the south-west of this spot there is a stupa.

憍陳如等住處東南有窣堵波，

This is where Bodhisattva entered the Nairanjana river to bathe.

菩薩入尼連禪那河沐浴之處。

By the side of the river, not far off, is the place where Bodhisattva received the rice-milk.

河側不遠，菩薩於此受食乳糜。

By the side of this is a stupa where the merchant-prince (householder) offered him the wheat and honey.

其側窣堵波，二長者獻麨蜜處。

Buddha was seated with his legs crossed beneath a tree, lost in contemplation, experiencing in silence the joys of emancipation.

佛在樹下結加趺坐，寂然宴默，受解脫樂，

After seven days he aroused himself from his ecstasy.

過七日後，方從定起。

Then two merchant-princes travelling by the side of the wood were addressed by the Deva of the place thus: "The prince-royal of the Sakya family dwells in this wood, having just reached the fruit of a Buddha.

時二商主行次林外，而彼林神告商主曰：「釋種太子今在此中，初證佛果，

His mind fixed in contemplation, he has for forty-nine days eaten nothing.

心凝寂定，四十九日未有所食，

By offering him whatsoever you have (as food) you will reap great and excellent profit." 

隨有奉上，獲大善利。」

Then the two merchants offered some wheat-flour and honey from their travelling store.

時二商主各持行資麨蜜奉上，

The World-honoured accepted and received it.

世尊納受。

By the side of the merchant- offering place is a stupa.

長者獻麨側有窣堵波，

This is the spot where the four Deva-rajas presented (Buddha) with a patra.

四天奉鉢處。

The merchant-princes having made their offering of wheat-flour and honey, the Lord thought with himself in what vessel he should receive it.

商主既獻麨蜜，世尊思以何器受之。

Then the four Deva-rajas coming from the four quarters, each brought a golden dish and offered it.

時四天從四方來，各持金鉢，而以奉上。

The Lord sat silently and accepted not the offerings, on the ground that such a costly dish became not the character of a hermit.

世尊默然，而不納受，以為出家不宜此器。

The four kings casting away the golden dishes, offered silver ones; afterwards they offered vessels of crystal (po-chi), lapis-lazuli (liu-li), cornelian (ma-nao), amber (ku-chi), ruby (chin chu), and so on.

四天王捨金鉢，奉銀鉢，乃至頗胝、琉璃、馬腦、車渠、真珠等鉢，

The Lord of the World would accept neither of them.

世尊如是皆不為受。

The four kings then returned to their palaces and brought as an offering stone patras, of a deep blue colour and translucent.

四天王各還宮，奉持石鉢，紺青映徹，

Again presenting these, the Lord, to avoid accepting one and rejecting the others, forthwith joined them all in one and accepted them thus.

重以進獻。世尊斷彼此故，而總受之，

Putting them one within the other, he made one vessel of the four.

次第重疊，按為一鉢，故其外則有四隆焉。

Therefore may be seen the four borders on the outside of the rim (of the dish).

四天王獻鉢側不遠，

Not far from this spot is a stupa.

有窣堵波，

This is the place where Tathagata preached the law for the sake of his mother.

如來為母說法處也。

When Tathagata had acquired complete enlightenment, he was termed "the teacher of gods and of men."

如來既成正覺，稱天人師，

His mother, Maya, then came down from heaven to this place.

其母摩耶自天宮降於此處，

The Lord of the World preached to her according to the occasion, for her profit and pleasure.

世尊隨機示教利喜。

Beside this spot is a dry pool, on the border of which is a stupa.

其側涸池岸有窣堵波，

This is where in former days Tathagata displayed various spiritual changes to convert those who were capable of it.

在昔如來見諸神變化有緣處。

By the side of this spot is a stupa.

現神變側有窣堵波，

Here Tathagata converted Uravilva-Kasyapa with his two brothers and a thousand of their followers.

如來度優樓頻螺迦葉波三兄弟及千門人處。

Tathagata, for the purpose of following out his office as "illustrious guide,"according to his opportunity (or in a suitable way), caused him (i.e., Kasyapa) to submit to his teaching.

如來方垂善道，隨應降伏，

On this occasion, when 500 followers of Uravilva- Kasyapa had requested to receive the instruction of Buddha, then Kasyapa said, "I too with you will give up the way of error."

時優樓頻螺迦葉波五百門人請受佛教，迦葉波曰：「吾亦與爾俱返迷途。」

On this, going together, they came to the place where Buddha was.

於是相從來至佛所。

Tathagata, addressing them, said, "Lay aside your leather garments and give up your fire-sacrificing vessels."

如來告曰：「棄鹿皮衣，捨祭火具。」

Then the disciples, in obedience to the command, cast into the JSTairanjana river their articles of worship (service or use).

時諸梵志恭承聖教，以其服用投尼連河。

When Nadl-Kasyapa saw these vessels following the current of the river, he came with his followers to visit his brother.

捺地迦葉波見諸祭器隨流漂泛，與其門人候兄動靜，

Having seen his conduct and changed behaviour, he also took the yellow robes.

既見改轍，亦隨染衣。

Gaya-Kasyapa also, with two hundred followers, hearing of his brother's change of religion, came to the place where Buddha was, and prayed to be allowed to practise a life of purity.

伽耶迦葉波二百門人。聞其兄之捨法也，亦至佛所，願修梵行。

To the north-west of the spot where the Kasyapa brothers were converted is a stupa.

度迦葉波兄弟西北窣堵波，

This is the place where Tathagata overcame the fiery Naga to which Kasyapa sacrificed.

是如來伏迦葉波所事火龍處。

Tathagata, when about to convert these men, first subdued the object of their worship, and rested in the house of the fiery Naga of the Brahmacharins.

如來將化其人，克伏所宗，乃止梵志火龍之室。

After the middle of the night the Naga vomited forth fire and smoke.

夜分已後，龍吐煙焰，

Buddha having entered Samadhi, likewise raised the brilliancy of fire, and the house-cell seemed to be filled with fiery flames.

佛既入定，亦起火光，其室洞然，猛焰炎熾。

The Brahmacharins, fearing that the fire was destroying Buddha, all ran together to the spot with piteous cries, commiserating his fate.

諸梵志師恐火害佛，莫不奔赴，悲號愍惜。

On this Uravilva-Kasyapa addressed his followers and said, 

優樓頻螺迦葉波謂其徒曰：

"As I now gather (see), this is not a fire, but the Sramana subduing the fiery Naga."

「以今觀之，未必火也，當是沙門伏火龍耳。」

Tathagata having got the fiery dragon firmly fixed in his alms-bowl, on the morrow came forth holding it in his hand, and showed it to the disciples of the unbelievers.

如來乃以火龍盛置鉢中，清旦持示外道門人。

By the side of this monument is a stupa, where 500 Pratyeka Buddhas at the same time entered Nirvdna.  

其側窣堵波，五百獨覺同入涅槃處也。

To the south of the tank of Muchilinda Naga is a stupa.

目支隣陀龍池南窣堵波，

This indicates the spot where Kasyapa went to save Buddha during an inundation.

迦葉波救如來溺水處也。

The Kasyapa brothers still opposing the divine method, all who lived far off or near reverenced their virtue, and submitted themselves to their teaching.

迦葉兄弟時推神通，遠近仰德，黎庶歸心。

The Lord of the World, in his character as guide of those in error, being very intent on their conver- sion, raised and spread abroad the thick clouds and caused the torrents to fall.

世尊方導迷徒，大權攝化，興布密雲，降澍暴雨，

The fierce waves surrounded the place where Buddha dwelt; but he alone was free from the flood.

周佛所居，令獨無水。

At this time Kasyapa, seeing the clouds and rain, calling his disciples, said, 

"The place where the Shaman dwells must be engulfed in the tide! " 

迦葉是時見此雲雨，謂門人曰：「沙門住處將不漂溺？」

Embarking in a boat to go to his deliverance, he saw the Lord of the World walking on the water as on land; 

泛舟來救，乃見世尊履水如地，

and as he advanced down the stream, the waters divided and left the ground visible.

蹈河中流，水分沙現。

Kasyapa having seen (the miracle), his heart was subdued, and he returned.

迦葉見已，心伏而退。

Outside the eastern gate of the wall of the Bodhi tree, 2 or 3 li distant, there is the house of the blind Naga.

菩提樹垣東門外二三里，有盲龍室。

This Naga, by the accumulated effect of his deeds during former existences, was born blind, as a punishment, in his present birth.

此龍者，殃累宿積，報受生盲。

Tathagata going on from Mount Pragbodhi, desired to reach the Bodhi tree.

如來自前正覺山欲趣菩提樹，

As he passed this abode, the eyes of the Naga were suddenly opened, and he saw Bodhisattva going on to the tree of intelligence (Bodhi}.

途次室側，龍眼忽明，乃見菩薩將趣佛樹，

Then addressing Bodhisattva, he said, "virtuous master! erelong you will become perfectly enlightened! 

謂菩薩曰：「仁今不久當成正覺。

My eyes indeed have long remained in darkness; but when a Buddha appears in the world, then I have my sight restored.

我眼盲冥，于茲已久，有佛興世，我眼輒明。

During the Bhadra-kalpa, when the three past Buddhas appeared in the world, then I obtained light and saw (for a while); 

賢劫之中，過去三佛出興世時，已得明視。

and now when thou, O virtuous one! didst approach this spot, my eyes suddenly opened; 

仁今至此，我眼忽開，

therefore I know that you shall become a Buddha." 

以故知之，當成佛矣。」

By the side of the eastern gate of the wall of the Bodhi tree is a stupa.

菩提樹垣東門側有窣堵波，

This is where Mara-raja tried to frighten Bodhisattva.

魔王怖菩薩之處。

When first Mara-raja knew that Bodhisattva was about to obtain perfect enlightenment, having failed to confuse him by his enticements or to terrify him by his arts, he summoned his host of spirits and arranged his demon army, and arrayed his soldiers, armed with their weapons, as if to destroy the Bodhisattva.

初，魔王知菩薩將成正覺也，誘亂不遂，憂惶無賴，集諸神眾，齊整魔軍，治兵振旅，將脅菩薩。

On this the winds arose and the rains descended, the thunders rolled in space and the lightning gleamed, as it lit up the darkness; 

於是風雨飄注，雷電晦冥，

flames of fire and clouds of smoke burst forth; sand and hailstones fell like lances, and were as arrows flying from the bow.

縱火飛煙，揚沙激石，備矛楯之具，極弦矢之用。

Whereupon the Bodhisattva entered the samadhi of "great love,"and changed the weapons of the host to lotus flowers.

菩薩於是入大慈定，凡厥兵杖變為蓮華。

Mara's army, smitten by fear, retreated fast and disappeared.

魔軍怖駭，奔馳退散。

Not far from this are two stupas built by Sakra, king of Devas, and by Brahma raja.

其側不遠有二窣堵波，帝釋、梵王之所建也。

Outside the northern gate of the wall of the Bodhi tree is the Mahabodhi sangharama.

菩提樹北門外摩訶菩提僧伽藍，

It was built by a former king of Sirhhala (Ceylon.) 

其先僧伽羅國王之所建也。

This edifice has six halls, with towers of observation (temple towers) of three storeys; it is surrounded by a wall of defence thirty or forty feet high.

庭宇六院，觀閣三層，周堵垣牆高三四丈，

The utmost skill of the artist has been employed; the ornamentation is in the richest colours (red and blue).

極工人之妙，窮丹青之飾。

The statue of Buddha is cast of gold and silver, decorated with gems and precious stones.

至於佛像，鑄以金銀，凡厥莊嚴，廁以珍寶。

The stupas are high and large in proportion, and beautifully ornamented; they contain relics of Buddha.

諸窣堵波高廣妙飾，中有如來舍利，

The bone relics are as great as the fingers of the hand, shining and smooth, of a pure white colour and translucent.

其骨舍利大如手指節。光潤鮮白皎徹中外。

The flesh relics are like the great true pearl, of a bluish-red tint.

其肉舍利如大真珠，色帶紅縹。

Every year on the day of the full moon of (the month wJien) Tathagata displayed great spiritual changes, they take these relics out for public exhibition.

每歲至如來大神變月滿之日，出示眾(即印度十二月三十日，當此正月十五日也)。

On these occasions sometimes a bright light is diffused, sometimes it rains flowers.

此時也，或放光，或雨花。

The priests of this convent are more than 1000 men; they study the Great Vehicle and belong to the Sthavira (Shang-tso-pu) school.

僧徒減千人，習學大乘、上座部法，

They carefully observe the Dharma Vinaya, and their conduct is pure and correct.

律儀清肅，戒行貞明。

In old days there was a king of Ceylon, which is a country of the southern sea, who was truthful and a believer in the law of Buddha.

昔者，南海僧伽羅國，其王淳信佛法，發自天然。

It happened that his brother, who had become a disciple of Buddha (a houseless one), thinking on the holy traces of Buddha, went forth to wander through India.

有族弟出家，想佛聖迹，遠遊印度，

At all the convents he visited,  he was treated with disdain as a foreigner (a frontier countryman).

寓諸伽藍，咸輕邊鄙。

On this he returned to his own country.

於是返迹本國，

The king in person went out to a distance to meet him, but the Sramana was so affected that he could not speak.

王躬遠迎，沙門悲耿，似若不能言。

The king said, "What has so afflicted you as to cause this excessive grief? "

王曰：「將何所負，若此殷憂？」

The Sramana replied, "I, relying on the dignity of your Majesty's kingdom, went forth to visit the world, and to find my way through distant regions and strange cities.

沙門曰：「憑恃國威，遊方問道，羈旅異域，

For many years all my travels, during heat and cold, have been attended with outrage, and my words have been met with insults and sarcasm.

載罹寒暑，動遭凌辱，語見譏誚。

Having endured these afflictions, how can I be light-hearted? " 

負斯憂恥，詎得歡心？」

The king said, "If these things are so, what is to be done? " 

曰：「若是者何謂也？」

He replied, "In truth, I wish your Majesty in the field of merit would undertake to build convents throughout all India.

曰：「誠願大王福田為意，於諸印度建立伽藍，

You would thus signalise the holy traces, and gain for yourself a great name; 

既旌聖迹，又擅高名，

you would show your gratitude for the advantage derived from your predecessors, and hand down the merit thereof to your successors." 

福資先王，恩及後嗣。」

He replied, "This is an excellent plan; how have I but just heard of it? " 

曰：「斯事甚美，聞之何晚？」

Then he gave in tribute to the king of India all the jewels of his country.

於是以國中寶獻印度王。

The king having received them as tribute, from a principle of duty and affection to his distant ally, he sent messengers to say, 

王既納貢，義存懷遠，謂使臣曰：

"What can I now do in return for the decree? " 

「我今將何持報來命？」

The minister said, "The king of Sirhhala salutes the king of India (Maha Sri raja).

使臣曰：「僧伽羅王稽首印度大吉祥王！

The reputation of the Maharaja has spread far and wide, and your benefits have reached to distant regions.

威德遠振，惠澤遐被，

The Sramanas of this inferior country desire to obey your instructions and to accept your transforming influences.

下土沙門，欽風慕化，

Having wandered through your superior country in visiting the sacred traces, I called at various convents and found great difficulty in getting entertainment, and so, fatigued and very much worn by affronts, I returned home.

敢遊上國，展敬聖迹，寓諸伽藍，莫之見館，艱辛已極，蒙恥而歸。

I have therefore formed a plan for the benefit of future travellers; 

竊圖遠謀，貽範來葉，

I desire to build in all the Indies - a convent for the entertainment of such strangers, who may have a place of rest between their journey there and back.

於諸印度建此伽藍，使客遊乞士，息肩有所，

Thus the two countries will be bound together and travellers be refreshed." 

兩國交歡，行人無替。」

The king said, "I permit your royal master to take (for this purpose) one of the places in which Tathagata has left the traces of his holy teaching." 

王曰：「如來潛化，遺風斯在，聖迹之所，任取一焉。」

On this the messenger returned home, having taken leave of the king, and gave an account of his interview.

使者奉辭報命，

The ministers received him with distinction and assembled the Sramanas and deliberated as to the foundation of a convent.

群臣拜賀，遂乃集諸沙門，評議建立。

The Sramanas said, "The (Bodhi) tree is the place where all the past Buddhas have obtained the holy fruit and where the future ones will obtain it.

沙門曰：「菩提樹者，去來諸佛咸此證聖，

There is no better place than this for carrying out the project." 

考之異議，無出此謀。」

Then, sending all the jewels of the country, they built this convent to entertain priests of this country (Ceylon), and he caused to be engraved this proclamation on copper, 

於是捨國珍寶，建此伽藍，以其國僧而修供養，乃刻銅為記曰：

"To help all without distinction is the highest teaching of all the Buddhas; to exercise mercy as occasion offers is the illustrious doctrine of former saints.

「夫周給無私，諸佛至教；慧濟有緣，先聖明訓。

And now I, unworthy descendant in the royal line, have undertaken to found this sanghdrdma, to enclose the sacred traces, and to hand down their renown to future ages, and to spread their benefits among the people.

今我小子，丕承王業，式建伽藍，用旌聖迹，福資祖考，惠被黎元。

The priests of my country will thus obtain independence, and be treated as members of the fraternity of this country.

唯我國僧而得自在，及有國人亦同僧例。

Let this privilege be handed down from generation to generation without interruption." 

傳之後嗣，永永無窮。」

For this cause this convent entertains many priests of Ceylon.

故此伽藍多執師子國僧也。

To the south of the Bodhi tree 10 li or so, the sacred traces are so numerous that they cannot be each named.

菩提樹南十餘里，聖迹相隣，難以備舉。

Every year when the Bhikshus break up their yearly rest of the rains, religious persons come here from every quarter in thousands and myriads, and during seven days and nights they scatter flowers, burn incense, and sound music as they wander through the district and pay their worship and present their offerings.

每歲比丘解安居，四方法俗百千萬眾，七日七夜，持香花，鼓音樂，遍遊林中，禮拜供養。

The priests of India, according to the holy instruction of Buddha, on the first day of the first half of the month Sravana enters on Wass.

印度僧徒依佛聖教，皆以室羅伐拏月前半一日入兩安居，

With us this is the sixteenth day of the fifth month; they give up their retreat on the fifteenth day of the second half of the month Asvayuja, which is with us the fifteenth day of the eighth month.

當此五月十六日；以頞濕縛庾闍月後半十五日解兩安居，當此八月十五日。

In India the names of the months depend on the stars, and from ancient days till now there has been no change in this.

印度月名，依星而建，古今不易，諸部無差。

But as the different schools have translated the accounts according to the dialects of the countries without distinguishing one from the other, mistakes have arisen, and as a consequence contradictions are apparent in the division of the seasons.

良以方言未融，傳譯有謬，分時計月，致斯乖異，

Hence it is in some places they enter on Wass on the sixteenth day of the fourth month, and break up on the fifteenth day of the seventh month.

故以四月十六日入安居，七月十五日解安居也。

END OF BOOK VIII.