At the places where Buddha, when he was in the world, cut his hair and nails, topes are erected; and where the three Buddhas [6] that preceded S’akyamuni Buddha and he himself sat; where they walked, and where images of their persons were made.  At all these places topes were made, and are still existing.  At the place where S’akra, Ruler of the Devas, and the king of the Brahma-loka followed Buddha down from the Trayastrimsas heaven they have also raised a tope.

At this place the monks and nuns may be a thousand, who all receive their food from the common store, and pursue their studies, some of the mahayana and some of the hinayana.  Where they live, there is a white-eared dragon, which acts the part of danapati to the community of these monks, causing abundant harvests in the country, and the enriching rains to come in season, without the occurrence of any calamities, so that the monks enjoy their repose and ease.  In gratitude for its kindness, they have made for it a dragon-house, with a carpet for it to sit on, and appointed for it a diet of blessing, which they present for its nourishment.  Every day they set apart three of their number to go to its house, and eat there.  Whenever the summer retreat is ended, the dragon straightway changes its form, and appears as a small snake, with white spots at the side of its ears.  As soon as the monks recognize it, they fill a copper vessel with cream, into which they put the creature, and then carry it round from the one who has the highest seat at their tables to him who has the lowest, when it appears as if saluting them.  When it has been taken round, immediately it disappears; and every year it thus comes forth once.  The country is very productive, and the people are prosperous, and happy beyond comparison.  When people of other countries come to it, they are exceedingly attentive to them all, and supply them with what they need.

Fifty yojanas northwest from the monastery there is another, called “The Great Heap.”  Great Heap was the name of a wicked demon, who was converted by Buddha, and men subsequently at this place reared a vihara.  When it was being made over to an Arhat by pouring water on his hands, some drops fell on the ground.  They are still on the spot, and however they may be brushed away and removed, they continue to be visible, and cannot be made to disappear.

At this place there is also a tope to Buddha, where a good spirit constantly keeps all about it swept and watered, without any labor of man being required.  A king of corrupt views once said, “Since you are able to do this, I will lead a multitude of troops and reside there till the dirt and filth has increased and accumulated, and see whether you can cleanse it away or not.”  The spirit thereupon raised a great wind, which blew the filth away, and made the place pure.

At this place there are many small topes, at which a man may keep counting a whole day without being able to know their exact number.  If he be firmly bent on knowing it, he will place a man by the side of each tope.  When this is done, proceeding to count the number of the men, whether they be many or few, he will not get to know the number. [7]