Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta reigned over Benares, the Bodhisatta came into the world as a Monkey, in the region of Himalayas. A woodranger caught him, brought him home and gave him to the king. For a long time he lived with the king, serving him faithfully, and he learnt a great deal about the manners of the world of men. The king was pleased at his faithfulness. He called the woodranger, and asked him to set the monkey free in the very place where he had been caught; and he did so.

All the monkey tribe gathered together upon the face of a huge rock, to see the Bodhisatta returning back to them; and they spoke pleasantly to him:

“Sir, where have you been living this long time?”

“In the king’s palace at Benares.”

“Then how did you get free?”

“The king made me his pet monkey, and being pleased with my tricks, he let me go.”

The monkeys, went on – “You must know the manner of living of men; tell us about it; we want to hear!”

The Bodhisatta said, “Don’t ask me the manner of men’s living

“Do tell we want to hear!” they said again.

“Mankind,” said he, “both princes and Brahmans, cry out ‘Mine! Mine!’ They know not of the impermanence, by which the things that be are not. Hear now the way of these blind fools;” and he spoke:

“The gold is mine, the precious gold!” so cry they, night and day;

These foolish folk cast never a look upon the holy way.

There are two masters in the house; one has no beard to wear,

But has long breasts, ears pierced with holes, and goes with plaited hair;

His price is told in countless gold; he plagues all people there.”

On hearing this, all the monkeys cried out “Stop, stop! We have heard what not to hear!” and with both hands they shut their ears tight. And they did not like the place; so they went elsewhere. And this rock went by the name of Garahitapitthi Rock, or the Rock of Blaming.