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PILGRIMAGE TO LANKA 59

My original name was Jai Seng.
The Serene Prince conferred on me the title of “ Thiem Khek ”
To serve the country.
Not even once did I fail in my task, which enabled me to live happily. (Verse 12)

The princes who ruled the Principality of Keng Tung
2
1
Were Chao Manikham Singha and Kong Tai .
During all this time until today
I have never shirked my duty. (Verse 13)

Chao Konekeo Inthaleng, the Reigning Prince, wondered if the teaching of the
Buddha, as it was set out at the first Council in India, had varied since then. To the monks
gathered around him, he told them he would be glad to know if the Pæli texts taught in the
monastery of Keng Tung were similar to those of Lanka, a country known for keeping
the Master’s teaching in its original form. He prompted them to go to this beautiful
country to make a comparative study of the scriptures, especially those relating to Tipi†aka,
the Buddhist Canon. To do this, he proposed to give provisions for the trip while recom-
mending that they be accompanied by Thiem Khek, who would serve as guide and
interpreter, as they had to cross territories placed under the authority of the Burmese
and Europeans.

The monks responded favorably to the request of the prince. As for Thiem Khek,

he was delighted :

« I raised my hands above the head to accept the task given to me.
I was happy as a golden lotus receiving droplets of rain. »
Therefore, the venerable monks searched for an auspicious day for the departure
By doing calculations based on sacred texts. (Verse 22)

That year was called “ Dhimmæsasuññæ ”.
In the Tai calendar, it was the year of the Snake,
The eight day, on the waning moon of the second month,
1291 of the Culla era (1929 AD). (Verse 23)

In Mon’ s day, it was Monday.
In Tai’ s day, it was the day of Peuk Chai,
Day where Phi Hua Hluang remained on the east side.
According to astrological data, it was an auspicious day. (Verse 24)

1
Another name of Chao Konekeo Inthaleng, the reigning prince.
2
Supra, p. 49, footnote 1.