Monthly Archives: January 2014
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.
141. The Bodhisatta And Kaccani
Once upon a time Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares. A young man on his father’s death devoted himself to his mother and tended her. Every day his mother and his wife quarreled and he lost his peace of mind. One day, when his wife said she could not live with the old witch and he must decide which one of them should go, he took her word that his mother was in fault and said, “Mother! you are always raising strife in the house; so go and live in some other place, where you choose.” She obeyed, weeping, and going to a friend’s house, she worked for wages and with difficulty made a living. After she left, her daughter-in-law conceived a child, and went about saying to her husband and the neighbours that such a thing could never have happened as long as the old witch was in the house.
