On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v1.c13.s2.22

v1.c13.s2.22

The pilgrim’s narrative proceeds to relate that beside the mango plantation which contained Sanghabhadra’s tope was another tope erected over the remains of a Śāstra-Master named Vimala-mitra. This man, who was a native of Kashmir and an adherent of the Sarvata school, having made a profound study of canonical and heterodox scriptures, had travelled in India to learn the mysteries of the Tripiṭaka. Having gained a name, and finished his studies, he was returning to his home, and had to pass Sanghabhadra’s tope on the way. At this place he sighed over the premature death of that great Master under whom he had studied. He lamented also that Vasubandhu’s teaching was still in vogue, and he expressed his determination to write a refutation of the Mahāyana system, and to efface the name of Vasubandhu. But he instantly became delirious, five tongues emerged from his mouth, and his life-blood gushed forth. He had time to repent, and to warn his disciples; but he died and went, according to an arhat, to the Hell which knows no intermission. At the time of his death there was an earthquake, and a cavity was formed in the ground at the spot where he died. His associates cremated the corpse, collected the bones, and erected a memorial (that is, the tope) over them.