大唐西域記 11.6

11.6

僧伽羅國先時唯宗淫祀。佛去世後第一百年，無憂王弟摩醯因陀羅捨離欲愛，志求聖果，得六神通，具八解脫，足步虛空，來遊此國，弘宣正法，流布遺教。自茲已降，風俗淳信。伽藍數百所，僧徒二萬餘人，遵行大乘上座部法。佛教至後二百餘年，各擅專門，分成二部：一曰摩訶毘訶羅住部，斥大乘，習小教。二曰阿跋耶祇釐住部，學兼二乘，弘演三藏。僧徒乃戒行貞潔，定慧凝明，儀範可師，濟濟如也。王宮側有佛牙精舍，高數百尺，瑩以珠珍，飾之奇寶。精舍上建表柱，置鉢曇摩羅加大寶，寶光赫奕，聯暉照曜，晝夜遠望，爛若明星。王以佛牙日三灌洗，香水香末，或濯或焚，務極珍奇，式修供養。

The kingdom of Simhala formerly was addicted to immoral religious worship, but after the first hundred years following Buddha's death the younger brother of Asokaraja, Mahendra by name, giving up worldly desires, sought with ardour the fruit of Arhatship. He gained possession of the six supernatural powers and the eight means of liberation; and having the power of instant locomotion, he came to this country. He spread the knowledge of the true law and widely diffused the bequeathed doctrine. From his time there has fallen on the people a believing heart, and they have constructed 100 convents, containing some 20,000 priests. They principally follow the teaching of Buddha, according to the dharma of the Sthavira (Shang-ts'o-pu) school of the Mahayana sect. When 200 years had elapsed, through discussion, the one school was divided into two. The former, called the Mahaviharavasinas (Mo-ho-pi-ho-lo-chu-pu), was opposed to the Great Vehicle and adhered to the teaching of the Little Vehicle; the other was called Abhayagirivasinas ('O-p'o-ye-k'i-li-chu-pu); they studied both vehicles, and widely diffused the Tripitakas. The priests attended to the moral rules, and were distinguished for their power of abstraction and their wisdom. Their correct conduct was an example for subsequent ages; their manners grave and imposing.

By the side of the king's palace is the vihâra of Buddha's tooth, several hundred feet high, brilliant with jewels and ornamented with rare gems. Above the vihâra is placed an upright pole on which is fixed a great Padma raja (ruby) jewel. This gem constantly sheds a brilliant light, which is visible night and day for a long distance, and afar off appears like a bright star. The king three times a day washes the tooth of Buddha with perfumed water, sometimes with powdered perfumes. Whether washing or burning, the whole ceremony is attended with a service of the most precious jewels.