DDK HistoryF.p65 - CSIR

316 ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICES [9.4
contact with the common people which was needed even to serve
those higher classes well. A tooth-relic of the Buddha was exhibited at
the fee of one gold piece (Seal 1.222). Naturally, prophecies were
current of the end of the religion (Beal 1.237 &c.),’when such and
such an image should have sunk out of sight into the soil (Real 2.116).
That the religion itself had already sunk virtually out of sight in the
mire of wealth and superstition would seem clear to modern eyes not
blinded by faith. Such luxury might explain the attempt to murder
Harsa, after setting his great samgharama on fire (Beal 1.220-1), as due to
economic discontent, disguised by theology. Such quarrels hereafter
tended more and more to be camouflaged by religion.
It is remarkable that the Chinese pilgrims never once noted the
absolutely clear words, let alone the spirit, of SN 824-34, where the
Teacher himself refuses to enter into disputation before an assembly
(parisa), there presented as a vain and even vicious pastime. With
supreme casuistry,
I-tsing (pp. 58-9) defends the use of silk by monks, though the
silkworm was killed thereby. But then, he had come to India to learn
more that pure theology. His travel notes are filled with
administrative practices : There are minute rules for disposal of the
considerable property that an Elder of the monastry might possess (Itsing
189-92)”. The monks had come to the stage of enjoying the great
monastic wealth for themselves (193-5), though the old almsman’s
ideal was still admired from a safe distance. The ‘right livelihood’ of the
Eightfold path (p. 60) had now come down to letting out monastic
lands for rent. The Samgha’s share was from 1/6 to 1/3 (I-tsing p. 60-
1). The visitor was entranced by the ‘correct manners’ of Indian
monastries (p. 65), and noted that : “The rites of the monastery of
Nalanda are still more strict. Consequently, the number of residents is
great and exceeds 3000. The lands in its possession contain more than
200 villages. They have been bestowed (upon the xmonastery) by kings
of many generations. Thus the prosperity of the religion continues ever,
owing to nothing but (the fact that) the Vinaya is being strictly carried
out”. The prosperity of the monastery is identified with that of the religion.