Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta was born into a brahmin family of Kasi. When he grew up, he was thoroughly educated at Takkasila; after that he renounced the world, and took up the religious life, and with a band of disciples went to live in Himalayas. There he lived for a long time.

Once having need to procure salt and vinegar and to pass on the winter season, he along with his disciples went on pilgrimage through the country side, and in course of it they arrived at Benares. There they settled in the king’s park; and on the following morning he and his company went begging to some village outside the gates. The people gave him alms. Next day he sought alms in the city. The people were all glad to give him their alms. They clubbed together and made a collection; and provided plenty for the band of anchorites. After the presentation their spokesman offered his gift. The Bodhisatta replied, “Friend, where faith is, no gift is small.” And he returned his thanks in these verses following.

“It is hard to do as good men do, to give as they can give,

Bad men can hardly imitate the life which good men live.

“And so, when good and evil go to pass away from earth,

The bad are born in hell below, in heaven the good have birth.”

This was his thanksgiving. He remained in the place for the four months of the rains, and then returned to Himalayas; where he practiced all the modes of holy meditation, and without a single interruption continued in them until he joined the hosts of heaven.