Tag Archives: The Bodhisatta And The Poisoned Dice

209. The Bodhisatta And The Poisoned Dice

Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born into a well to do family; and when he grew up, he became a dice player. There was a sharper who used to play with him. Usually, when he wins he will continue; when he looses, he will swallow one of the dice and pretend as if it is lost. The Bodhisatta realized sharper’s plans. So he took some dice, anointed them at home with poison, dried them carefully, and then carried them with him to the sharper, whom he challenged to a game. When the sharper begin to lose, he swallowed one dice which was poisoned. Observing this, the Bodhisatta remarked, “Swallow away; you will not fail to find out what it really is in a little time.” But while the Bodhisatta was talking, the poison began to work on the sharper; he grew faint, rolled his eyes, and bending double with pain fell to the ground. The Bodhisatta mixed some medicines and gave it to sharper. He vomited and was alright. Then he told him not to do such a thing again.

After a life spent in charity and other good works, the Bodhisatta passed away to fare thereafter according to his deserts.