Category Archives: INDIA
145. The Bodhisatta And Prince Brahmadatta
Once upon a time, Brahmadatta the king of Benares had a son named Prince Brahmadatta. Kings of former times, though there might be a famous teacher living in their own city, often used to send their sons to foreign countries for their education, and by this means they might learn to quell their pride and high-mindedness, and endure heat or cold, and be made acquainted with the ways of the world. Brahmadatta calling his boy to him, gave him one-soled sandals, a sunshade of leaves, and a thousand pieces of money, and said, “My son! go to Takkasila and study there.”
144. The Bodhisatta And Parantapa
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisata was born as the son of his chief queen. When he grew up, he learned all the arts at Takkasila, and acquired a spell for the understanding of all animals’ cries. After listening duly to his teacher, he returned to Benares. His father appointed him viceroy; but though he did so, he became anxious to kill him and would not even see him.
143. The Bodhisatta And Omen Problem
Once upon a time the Bodhisatta was born in a town in the family of a wealthy brahmin and they named him Rakkhita-Kumara. When he grew up and had completed his education at Takkasila, he married a wife, and on his parents’ demise, he made enquiry into his treasures; then being much exercised in mind, he distributed alms, and mastering his passions became a hermit in the regions of Himalaya, where he developed supernatural powers and dwelt in a certain spot, nourishing himself upon the roots and fruits of the forest. In course of time his followers became a great number, five hundred disciples that lived with him.
One day these ascetics except the Bodhisatta, in order to spend the winter came down from Himalayas to Benares, where they took up their dwelling in the king’s park. And much honour and hospitality was shown to them.
142. The Bodhisatta And King Mallika
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta was conceived by his Queen. On his birth, they called him as Prince Brahmadatta.
In course of time, he grew up, and at sixteen years went to Takkasila for his education; where he mastered all branches of learning, and on his father’s death he became king. He ruled with uprightness and all rectitude, administering justice with no regard had to his own will or whim. And as he ruled thus justly, his ministers on their part were also just; thus, while all things were justly done, none brought a suit into court. The courts were deserted.
