A History of Indian Literature v2.c19.s5.56

v2.c19.s5.56

In Section III, too, which deals mainly with the first conversions and is less suited to the introduction of miracles, these latter are by no means absent. A week is spent by Buddha lost in meditation under the Bodhi tree, and the gods doubt whether he has really attained enlightenment. In order to dispel their doubts, he performs a few miracles, rises in the air, then stands beside his "throne" looking towards the East, and remains standing thus for a week, without blinking his eyes. Here the Nidāna-Kathā inserts the remark that on this spot the Animisacetiya, *i.e.*, the "shrine of the non-blinking," was later erected. Several other passages, too, mention fanes which are to recall events in the life of the Buddha, and which probably actually existed. The conversion of the two merchants Tapussa and Bhallika who became lay-disciples is already related in the Vinayapiṭaka (Mahāvagga I, 4). The Nidāna-Kathā adds, however, that these first lay-disciples received a few hairs from the Buddha, over which relics they erected a shrine. The visit of the Buddha to his native town of Kapilavatthu is recounted in great detail, and there is no lack of miracles. Much space is also occupied by the narrative of the great merchant Anāthapiṇḍika, who presented the Jetavana-grove to the monastic order. With this narrative the Nidāna-Kathā breaks off, without its really being evident why the conclusion has been made at precisely this point.