Two centuries later, the fashion of close adherence to Sanscrit came into use under the leadership of Hiuen-tsang.

[paragraph continues] For example, instead of Bi-k'u, which is like the Pali Bhikkhu (probably also found in the Magadha language), Bit-ch'u, was written, evidently with the intention of restoring the Sanscrit sh. Our author gives a different reason.

The great value of such a guide as this Hand-book in the study of Chinese Buddhism will be understood by the student, when he finds that almost all the important words in doctrine and biography are here traced to their Sanscrit originals, and explained with the aid of recent European criticism. Thus Ho-shang, the most popular term for "Priest," is Upadhyaya, the president of an "assembly," or sangha. The "Three Precious Ones" are Buddha, the personal teacher; Dharma, the Law or body of doctrine; and Sangha, the Priesthood. The term sam-mei is explained as the "samadhi" of the original Sanscrit. "Samadhi signifies the highest pitch of abstract ecstatic meditation, a state of absolute indifference to all influences from within or without, a state of torpor of both the material and spiritual forces of vitality, a sort of terrestrial Nirvana consistently culminating in total destruction of life. 'He consumed his body by Agni (the fire of) Samadhi' is a common phrase."

The expression Tau-pi-an, "Arrival at that shore," is explained as the Chinese equivalent of Paramita, embracing the six means of passing to the Nirvana. These are--1. "Charity" (or giving), Dana; 2. "Morality," Shila (good conduct); 3. "Patience," Kshanti; 4. "Energy," Virya; 5. "Contemplation," Dhyana; 6. "Wisdom," Prajna.

In the account of Nirvana, Dr. Eitel touches on a subject of great interest, namely, the expectation of immortality asserting itself in Buddhism, in spite of the overwhelming influence of a metaphysical system adverse alike to the belief in God and to that in immortality. Shakyamuni said in his last moments, "The spiritual body is immortal." But he said just before, "All you Bikshus, do