Monthly Archives: January 2014
48. The Bodhisatta – As A Jackal Who Ate Elephant
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was reborn into life as a jackal and lived in the forest by the river side. Now an old elephant died by the banks of the Ganges, and the jackal, finding the carcass, happy of getting such a stock of meat.
47. The Bodhisatta – As A Hermit
Once upon a time, while Brahmadatta ruled over Benares, the Bodhisatta was born into a poor man’s family. When he grew up, his father died. He earned wages, and supported his mother. His mother, much against his will, brought a wife home for him, and soon after died. Now his wife conceived. Not knowing that she had conceived, he said to her, “Wife, you must earn your living; I will renounce the world.” Then she said, “No! for I am with a child.
46. The Bodhisatta – As A Golden Stag
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta came to life as a young stag, and grew up a beautiful and graceful creature, of the colour of gold. His fore and hind feet were covered, as it were, with a preparation of lac. His horns were like a silver wreath, his eyes resembled round jewels, and his mouth was like a ball of crimson wool.
45. The Bodhisatta – As A Golden Peacock
Once upon a time, while Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta came into this world as a Golden Peacock, with red lines under his wings. To preserve his life, he traversed three ranges of hills, and in the fourth he settled, on a plateau of a golden hill in Dandaka. When day dawned as he sat upon the hill, watching the sun rise, he chant Surya Namaskar to preserve himself safe in his own feeding ground. Apart from this he worships the Buddhas who have passed away. Uttering this charm to keep himself from harm, the Peacock went in search of food.
