Tag Archives: The Bodhisatta As A Monkey Prince

259. The Bodhisatta As A Monkey Prince

Once on a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, Devadatta came to life again as a monkey, and dwelt near the Himalayas as the lord of a tribe of monkeys. Fearing that his male offspring might grow up to oust him from his lordship, he used to geld them all with his teeth. His wife in order to save her unborn progeny, stole away to a forest at the foot of the mountain. In due season she gave birth to the Bodhisatta. And when he was full grown and had come to years of understanding, he was gifted with marvellous strength.