Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c14.7

c14.7

(1) "So long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians hold *full and frequent assemblies* :
(2) "So long as they *meet together in concord and rise in concord and carry out Vajjian business in concord* (Vajjī-karaṇīyāni—Vajjian acts of state) :
(3) "So long as they *enact nothing not already established, abrogate nothing that has been already enacted and act in accordance with the ancient institutions of the* Vajjians, as established in former days :
(4) "So long as they honour and esteem and revere and support the Vajjī-Elders, *and hold it a point of duty to hearken to their words* :
(5) "So long as no women or girls belonging to them are detained among them by force or abduction : [i.e., law and not force reigns] :
(6) "So long as they honour and esteem and revere and support the Vajjian Chaityas (sacred monuments) [*i.e.*, *follow the religion established*] :
(7) "So long as the rightful protection, defence and support shall be fully provided for the Arhants amongst them [*i.e.*, follow the established practice and keep out Brahminie religious systems] :
"*So long may the Vajjians be expected not to decline but to prosper*."