213. The Bodhisatta And The Pure Place
Once upon a time, Brahmin Upasalhaka with his son lived at Rajagaha. At that period the Bodhisatta had been born in a brahmin family of Magadha; and when his education was finished, he embraced a religious life, cultivated the Faculties and the Attainments, and lived a long time in the region of Himalayas, plunged in mystic exaltation.
212. The Bodhisatta And The Proud Pupils
Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta reigned in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born a brahmin. When he grew up, he mastered the Three Vedas, became a far famed teacher, and instructed five hundred pupils in sacred verses. These five hundred, having given their best energy to their work, and perfected their learning, said within themselves, “We know as much as our teacher; there is no difference.”
211. The Bodhisatta And The Prince Yava
Once upon a time in the reign of Brahmadatta, king of Benares, the Bodhisatta was born in a brahmin family, and became a world-famed teacher. The son of the king of Benares, prince Yava by name, after applying himself diligently to acquire all the liberal arts from him, being now anxious to depart, bade him good-bye. The teacher, knowing by his power of divination that danger would befall the prince through his son, considered how he might remove this danger from him, and began to look about him for an apt illustration.
210. The Bodhisatta And The Poisonous Mango Tree
Once on a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born a merchant. When he grew up, and was trading with five hundred wagons and one day he came to where the road led through a great forest. Halting at the outskirts, he mustered the caravan and addressed them thus:- “Poison trees grow in this forest. Be Careful. Do not taste unfamiliar leaf, flower, or fruit without first consulting me.” All promised to take every care; and journey into the forest began. Now just within the forest border stands a village, and just outside that village grows a what fruit tree. The what fruit tree exactly resembles a mango tree. And not only in outward semblance, but also in taste and smell, the fruit ripe or unripe imitates the mango. If eaten, it is a deadly poison, and causes instant death.
