Cultus Arborum: A Descriptive Account of Phallic Tree WorshipAnonymous
Religion
Cultus Arborum: A Descriptive Account of Phallic Tree Worship
Anonymous
Phallicism; Tree worship
"The lord of chariots assigned for the custody of the Bo branch, eighteen
personages of royal blood, eighteen members of noble families, eight of
the Brahman caste, and eight of the Settha caste. In like manner eight of
each of the agricultural and domestic castes, as well as of weavers and
potters, and of all other castes: as also Nagas and Yakkos. This delight
in donations, bestowing vases of gold and silver, eight of each (to water
the Bo branch with), embarking the great Bo branch in a superbly decorated
vessel on the river (Ganges), and embarking likewise the high-priestess
Sanghamitta with her eleven priestesses, and the ambassador, Arittho at
the head (of his mission); (the monarch) departing out of his capital, and
preceding (the river procession with his army) through the wilderness of
Winjha, reached Tamalitta on the seventh day. The devas and men (during
his land progress) kept up splendid festivals of offerings (on the river),
and also reached (the port of embarkation) on the seventh day.
"The sovereign disembarking the Bo branch on the shore of the main ocean,
again made an offering of his empire. This delighter of good works having
thus finally invested the great Bo branch with the whole empire, on the
first day of the bright half of the moon in the month of 'Maggasiro;'
thereupon he (gave direction) that the great Bo branch which was deposited
(at the foot of the Sal tree) should be lifted up by the aforesaid four
high caste tribes (assisted) by the other eight persons of each of the
other castes. The elevation of the Bo branch having been effected by their
means (the monarch) himself descending there (unto the sea) till the water
reached his neck, most carefully deposited it in the vessel.
"Having thus completed the embarkation of it, as well as of the chief
theri with her priestesses, and the illustrious ambassador Maharittho, he
made this address to them:--'I have on three occasions dedicated my empire
to this great Bo branch; in like manner let my ally, your sovereign, as
fully make (to it) an investiture of his empire.'
"The maharaja, having thus spoken, stood on the shore of the ocean with
uplifted hands; and gazing on the departing Bo branch, shed tears in the
bitterness of his grief. In the agony of parting with the Bo branch, the
disconsolate Dhammasoko, weeping and lamenting in loud sobs, departed for
his own capital.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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