大唐西域記 7.55

7.55

尼波羅國，周四千餘里，在雪山中。國大都城周二十餘里。山川連屬，宜穀稼，多花菓，出赤銅、犛牛、命命鳥。貨用赤銅錢。氣序寒烈，風俗險詖，人性剛獷，信義輕薄。無學藝，有工巧。形貌醜弊，邪正兼信。伽藍、天祠接堵連隅。僧徒二千餘人，大小二乘，兼功綜習。外道異學，其數不詳。

This country is about 4000 li in circuit, and is situated among the Snowy Mountains. The capital city is about 20 li round. Mountains and valleys are joined together in an unbroken succession. It is adapted for the growth of cereals, and abounds with flowers and fruits. It produces red copper, the Yak and the Mingming bird (jîvañjîva). In commerce they use coins made of red copper. The climate is icy cold; the manners of the people are false and perfidious. Their temperament is hard and fierce, with little regard to truth or honour. They are unlearned but skilful in the arts; their appearance is ungainly and revolting. There are believers and heretics mixed together. The sanghârâmas and Deva temples are closely joined. There are about 2000 priests, who study both the Great and Little Vehicle. The number of heretics and sectaries of different sorts is uncertain. The king is a Kshattriya, and belongs to the family of the Licchavas. His mind is well-informed, and he is pure and dignified in character. He has a sincere faith in the law of Buddha.
Lately there was a king called Amsuvarman, (An-chu-fa-mo), who was distinguished for his learning and ingenuity. He himself had composed a work on "sounds" (Śabdavidyâ); he esteemed learning and respected virtue, and his reputation was spread everywhere.
To the south-east of the capital is a little stream and a lake. If we fling fire into it, flames immediately arise; other things take fire if thrown in it, and change their character.
From this going back to Vaiśâlî, and crossing the Ganges to the south, we arrive at the country of Mo-kie-t'o (Magadha).