We learn from the ancient legends, that in the very earliest periods of Buddhism relics and images of Buddha were highly honoured. The religious works recommend their worship, as also that of the monuments in which the relics are deposited; and we find it mentioned that the images sent to royal personages at their desire were previously inscribed with the sacred dogma, “Ye Dharma,” &c., and similar formulas, in order to make those personages acquainted with the Bhuddist doctrines. Such were the first objects of worship. In the seventh century A.D., however, this adoration and worship had already been considerably increased; for Thien Thsang, the Chinese pilgrim, mentions, that all the principal disciples of Sákyamuni were then addressed, as also the Bodhisattwas who had excelled in virtue and the sciences, as Manjusrí. “The Maháyána schools,” he says, “have adored even all Bódhisattwas without any further distinction.”