Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c20.s1.9

c20.s1.9

I have (therefore) on this Friday, the seventh day of the first fortnight of the month of Vap of the year 2354 of the illustrious Buddhist era, offered to his Grace Veḷiviṭa Saraṇaṅkara (nephew of the learned Pontiff Saraṇaṅkara* who is a refuge to the helpless and a true observer of the four holy rules of conduct, called Catu Pārisuddhasīla), this paper copy of Viśuddhi Mārgaya (which I had made at a cost of 200 ridis by application to the Buddhist monk Īriyagama Dhammadhassi, a pupil of Buṭavatte Lēkama who is an abode of fortitude, memory, perseverance, and a multitude of other good qualities, and is adorned with stainless conduct) a commentary on the stanza beginning with the words, “*Sīle patiṭṭhaya naro sapañño*” (composed by the great Elder, Buddhaghosa, renowned for clear intellect), containing 58 bhaṇavāras,* 14,500 granthas, and 400,064 letters and *Painting* embodying a compendium of the Tripiṭaka. May all the gods equally participate in the store of merit acquired by ourselves so that they may vouchsafe prosperity of every kind. Oh Gods, Brahmas, Yakshas, Rākshasas, Prētas, Piśācas and all other beings of the innumerable worlds and of this blest world, who have assembled here and elsewhere! may ye accept the merit that I offer you with boundless love! May the multitude of Gods in the seven oceans, Mount Mēru, the worlds of the Asuras and Nāgas, the six heavens, the six dēvālayas, Samankuḷa, Himālaya, the seven tanks, the tank Anōtatta, the sky, the earth, all the worlds of the Brahmas, this world and Ceylon, graciously accepting the merit, attain Nirvāṇa by virtue of seeing Maitreya Buddha! Let there be success and prosperity.” On recto of folio 142 (as numbered) is a later note to the effect, “The 150 leaves of the Viśuddhi Māggaya which Parakumbure Vipassi Sāmi inherited from Veḷiviṭa Saraṇaṅkara Sāmi.”