In upachari samadhi the mind is not rightly firm, not entirely at
rest or calm ; it is like a child that is unable to walk properly, and
is continually falling ; as the nimitta is sometimes received, and then
lost again. But arppana samadhi is more powerful ; it is like a
man who rises from his seat, and walks steadily for the space
of a whole day; as, when it is received, the mind continues in
one even frame, undisturbed and unshaken. Though pratibhaga
nimitta may be received with upachari samadhi, its acquirement
in this way is difficult; the priest must therefore endeavour to
obtain arppana samadhi, and he must guard the nimitta that
he receives with all care, as the treasurer of a chakrawartti guards
the wealth that is under his charge. When the nimitta is not pre-
served, so many of the dhyanas as have been received will be lost ;
because nimitta is an assistance to the dhyanas. He who would
receive arppana samadhi must be careful in seven mattera. 1 . His
residence, which must be free from that which is disagreeable to
him. Such a place was the wihara Chulanada, in Ceylon, in which
500 priests became rahats ; but how many in Situlpaw and other
places entered the paths, cannot be told. 2. The road he traverses
when he goes with the alms-bowl in search of food, which must be
within the distance of 750 bows. 3. Conversation : he must not
speak about the thirty-two things that are forbidden to be noticed
by the priest ; nor must he say too much even upon subjects that

♦ I resided several years upon the sea-coast of Ceylon, and on the approadi
of the monsoon, when the whole heavens were hlack as Erebus, have often
admired the appearance presented by the plumage of the sea-birds, which at
that time assemble in great numbers ; their wings appearing of a whiteness
the most pure, when contrasted wiUi the deep darkness of tne surrounding
sky.
