Category Archives: INDIA

41. The Bodhisatta – As A Garuda King

Once upon a time king Tamba reigned in Benares, and his queen named Sussondi was a woman of surpassing beauty. At that time the Bodhisatta came to life as a young Garuda. Now the Naga Island was then known as Seruma island, and the Bodhisatta lived on this island in the abode of the Garudas. And he went to Benares, disguised as a youth, and played dice with king Tamba.

40. The Bodhisatta – As A Flying Horse

Once upon a time, a goblin town called Sirisavatthu was in Ceylon. She goblins lived there. When a ship wrecked, these goblins decorated themselves, they come up to the merchants. Then approaching the merchants they invite them to eat the gruel, rice, and other food which they bring. The merchants, all unaware, eat of what is offered. When they have eaten and drunken, and are taking their rest, the goblins address them thus; “Where do you live? Where do you come from? Where are you going, and what brought you here?” “We were shipwrecked here,” they reply.

39. The Bodhisatta – As a Fairy – Deer Couple

Once upon a time in the kingdom of Magadha the king was reigning in Rajagaha. When the crops were grown the deer were exposed to great perils, so that they retired to the forest. Now a certain mountain-stag of the forest, having become attached to a doe who came from near a village. He was moved by his love for her to accompany her when the deer returned home from the forest. She said, “Sir! You are a simple stag of the forest, and the neighbourhood of village is beset with peril and danger. So don’t come down with us.” But because of his great love for her, he went with her.

38. The Bodhisatta – As A Drummer

Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta came to life as a drummer, and dwelt in a village. Hearing that there was to be a festival at Benares, and hoping to make money by playing his drum to the crowds of holiday makers, he made his way to the city, with his son.