BOOK XVII.

1. When the heavenly beings with Brahman at their head and the Bodhisanvas intent on self-mortification heard this glorification of the Law uttered by the lion of the Sakyas, they were desirous to hear again this which is so difficult to find, and they went to the city and worshipped him, propitiating his favour; in the dark fortnight of the month Ashadka on the lunar day sacred to Agni, with the moon in the constellation called Karna (?) and on an auspicious day,-he, remembering the Buddha worlds and being desirous to save all creatures, set off on his journey, longing for disciples with his father at their head.