Monthly Archives: March 2014
277. The Bodhisatta As Naked Ascetic
Once upon a time, ninety one aeons ago, the Bodhisatta set himself to examine into the false asceticism. So he became a recluse.
According to the Naked Ascetics, he covered his body with dust, lived solitary and lonely, ran away like a deer from the face of men; his food was small fish, cowdung, and other refuse. In order that his vigil might not be disturbed, he took up his abode in a thicket in the jungle.
276. The Bodhisatta As Matanga
Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Great Being was born outside the city, as a Candala’s son, and they gave him the name of Matanga, the Elephant. Afterwards he attained wisdom, and his fame was blown abroad as the Wise Matanga. Now at that time one Dittha-mangalika, daughter of a Benares merchant, every month or two used to come and disport her in the park with a crowd of companions. One day, the Great Being had gone to town on some business, and as he was entering the gate met Dittha-mangalika. He stepped aside, and stood quite still. From behind her curtain Ditta-mangalika saw him, and asked, “Who is that?” “A Candala, my lady.” “Bah,” says she, “I have seen something that brings bad luck,” and washing her eyes with scented water she turned back. The people with her cried out, “Ah, vile outcast, you have lost us free food and liquor to-day!” In rage they pummeled Matanga the wise with hands and feet, and made him senseless, and went away.
275. The Bodhisatta As Lion
Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, certain men of the marches used to make a settlement, wheresoever they could best find their food, dwelling in the forest, and killing for meat for themselves and their families. Not far from their village was a large natural lake, and upon its southward shore lived a Hawk, on the west a she-hawk; on the north a Lion, king of the beasts; on the east an Osprey, king of the birds; in the middle dwelt a Tortoise on a small island. The Hawk asked the she-hawk to become his wife. She asked him, “Have you any friend?” “No, madam,” he replied. “We must have some one who can defend us against any danger or trouble that may arise, and you must find some friends.” “Whom shall I make friends with?” “Why, with king Osprey who lives on the eastern shore, and with the Lion on the north, and with the Tortoise who dwells in the middle of this lake.” He took her advice and did so. Then the two lived together in a nest which they made on a kadamba tree in the island.
274. The Bodhisatta As King Sivi
Once upon a time, when the mighty King Sivi reigned in the city of Aritthapura in the kingdom of Sivi, the Great Being was born as his son. They called his name Prince Sivi. When he grew up, he went to Takkasila and studied there; then returning, he proved his knowledge to his father the king, and by him was made viceroy. At his father’s death he became king himself, and, forsaking the ways of evil, he kept the Ten Royal Virtues and ruled in righteousness. He caused six alms-halls to be built, at the four gates, in the midst of the city, and at his own door. He was munificent in distributing each day six hundred thousand pieces of money. On the eighth, fourteenth, and fifteenth days he never missed visiting the alms-halls to see the distribution made.
