The highest class, regarding existence, under whatever form, as suffering, crave for final emancipation, and by arriving at the supreme perfection, are enabled to assist others out of their miseries.
Several philosophical sects are mentioned, but the general principles of practical Buddhism are these:—
- 1. To take refuge only with Buddha.
- 2. To endeavour to arrive at the highest degree of perfection, and to be united with the Supreme Intelligence.
- 3. To adore Buddha.
- 4. To bring such offerings to Buddha’s image as are pleasing to any of the six senses. Such offerings are: flowers, garlands, incense, perfume, eatables and drinkables raw or prepared, cloths for garments or ornamentation, curtains, etc.
- 5. To practise music or singing, and to utter praises to Buddha, extolling his person, or his love and mercy towards all.
- 6. To confess one’s sins with a contrite heart, to ask forgiveness, and to repent sincerely. [[198]]
- 7. To rejoice in the moral merits of all living beings.
- 8. To pray to those Buddhas who are now in the world, that they should teach religion and not leave the earth but remain here for many Kalpas, i.e., ages, to come.
XII.
Enumeration of Historical and Grammatical Works to be met with in Tibet.
The historical works are enumerated under seven classes:—
- 1. Lo-gyus.—Annals, chronicles, history; fourteen works are classed under this head.
- 2. Tam-Gyut.—Tradition, oral history.
- 3. Ch’Los-jung.—Origin and progress of Buddhism; several works are named.
- 4. Tokzhot.—Means a judicious saying; memoir, biography containing many historical fragments and legends; description of the fabulous country Shambhala.
- 5. Nám-thár.—Emancipation, biographical and legendary. Many historical works are noticed under this head referring to Shakya and to many of his disciples, how they were emancipated and acquired preternatural faculties. In the Dulva there are notices of several princes, citizens, and illustrious persons.
- 6. Grung.—A fable, fabulous history, contains the history of Kesar, a fabulous king.
- 7. Stan-çis.—Chronology or astronomical calculation of some events occurring in the sacred volumes.
The Grammatical Works.
The Sanskrit grammatical works were known to ancient Tibetans, and were partially translated into their tongue.