229. The Bodhisatta And The Old Doctor
When Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born in the family of a village householder. When he was young he played with other boys at the foot of a banyan tree, at the entrance of the village. A poor old doctor at that time who had no practice came to this spot, and saw a snake asleep in the fork of a tree, with its head tucked in. He thought, “There is nothing to be got in the village I will cajole these boys and make the snake bite them, and then I shall get somewhat for curing them.” So he did to the Bodhisatta, “If you were to see a young hedgehog, would you seize it?” “Yes, I would,” said he.
228. The Bodhisatta And The Sinners
Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta was born into a courtier’s family. When he came of age, he became the king’s counselor in things temporal and spiritual.
Now one of the king’s court intrigued in the harem, and the king learnt all about it. He thought, “He is a most useful servant; and the woman is dear to me. I cannot destroy these two. I will put a question to some wise man of my court; and if I must put up with it, I will; if not, then I will not.”
227. The Bodhisatta And The Sin
Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta was born a brahmin. When he came of age he embraced the religious life.
He came down from Himalaya to get salt and seasoning, and next day walked the city, begging alms. A wealthy man decided to annoy the ascetic. So he brought him to his house, and pointed out a seat, and then served him with fish. After the meal, the man sat on one side, and said, “This food was prepared by me by killing living creatures. Sin will not come to me. It will fall upon you since you ate it.”
226. The Bodhisatta And The Seven Pacceka Buddhas
Once upon a time a king named Bharata reigned at Roruva in the kingdom of Sovira. He practiced the ten royal virtues, won the people by the four elements of popularity, stood to the multitude like father and mother and gave great gifts to the poor, the wayfarers, the beggars, the suitors and the like. His chief queen Samuddavijaya was wise and full of knowledge. One day he looked round his alms-hall and asked the queen, “My alms are devoured by worthless greedy people. I don’t like this. I should like to give alms to the virtuous paccekabuddhas who deserve the best of gifts. They live in the Hiamalaya region. who will bring them here on my invitation and whom shall I send on this task?”
