227. The Bodhisatta And The Sin

Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta was born a brahmin. When he came of age he embraced the religious life.

He came down from Himalaya to get salt and seasoning, and next day walked the city, begging alms. A wealthy man decided to annoy the ascetic. So he brought him to his house, and pointed out a seat, and then served him with fish. After the meal, the man sat on one side, and said, “This food was prepared by me by killing living creatures. Sin will not come to me. It will fall upon you since you ate it.”

On hearing this, the Bodhisatta said, “The wicked may kill his wife or son for the holy saint. But if the holy saint eats it, no sin will come.”

And the Bodhisatta with these words rose from his seat and went home.

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