ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the English translations of Sanskrit text of the Buddha-karita that was published in the 'Anecdota Oxoniensia and included in the series of 'Sacred Books of the East'. The Sacred Books of the East is an early Sanskrit poem written in India on the legendary history of Buddha, and therefore contains much that is of interest for the history of Buddhism, beside its special importance as illustrating the early history of classical Sanskrit literature. The Buddha-Karita of Asvaghosha, has been translated by Edward Byles Cowell from Nepalese texts. Of Indian origin, around the beginning of the Christian era, it is concerned with the life and teachings of the Buddha, now quite far removed from the Pali documents of the Hinayana. That king of the Nagas protected the Buddha, who is himself the source of all protection, from the rain, wind, and darkness, covering his body with his own hood.
