On Yuan Chwang's Travels in India, 629–645 A.D. v2.c17.s2.13

v2.c17.s2.13

From the Śrāmaṇera Monastery the pilgrim, we are told, went east through a great wood above 100 *li* (about 20 miles) to a great Asoka tope. This was at the place where the Prince (the P'usa) made a halt, having gone over the city-wall of Kapilavastu at midnight and ridden on until daylight. Here also he gave expression to the settled purpose of his life in these words— "Here I go out of prison, put off fetters, unyoke for the last time".¹ Then the Prince took the jewel from his crown and handed it to his groom Chandaka to take back to the king, his father. At the same time he gave the groom this message to the king— "My present retirement to a great distance is not a wanton separation from you—I desire to have done with impermanence and put an end to moral defects". Then he spoke words of comfort to the disconsolate servant, and sent him back.