198. The Bodhisatta And The Monkey Drop
Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta was born into a Brahmin family in Kasi village. When he grew of age, married and settled down. Now in those days there was a deep well by the highway in Kasi, which had no way down to it. The people who passed by that way, to win merit, used to draw water by a long rope and a bucket, and fill a trough for the animals; thus they gave the animals water to drink. All around lay a mighty forest, wherein troops of monkeys dwelt.
197. The Bodhisatta And The Monkey Ascetic
Once upon a time, in the reign of Brahmadatta king of Benares, the Bodhisatta was born in a Brahmin family. When he grew up, and his own son was of an age to run about, his wife died; he took the child on his hip, and departed into the Himalayas, where he became an ascetic, and brought up his son to the same life, living in a hut of leaves.
It was the rainy season, and rain poured heavily. A Monkey tormented with the cold, chattering and rattling his teeth. The Bodhisatta fetched a great log, lit a fire, and sat down upon his pallet. His son sat by him, and chafed his feet.
196. The Bodhisatta And The Mitta Vindaka
Once upon a time, in the days of the Buddha Kassapa, there was a Brother who lived the village. He was regular in his conduct as a Brother, virtuous in his life, and was filled to overflowing with insight. There was also an Elder, an Arahat, who lived with his fellows on terms of equality, and at the time of the story paid a first visit to the village where lived the squire who supported this Brother.
So pleased was the squire, taking his bowl, he led him into the house and with every mark of respect invited him to eat. Then he listened to a short discourse by the Elder, and at its close said, with a bow, “Sir, please go to our monastery close by; in the evening I will come and call upon you there.” So the Elder went to the monastery. Saluting the resident Brother on his entrance, he entered the monastry. The Resident Brother received him with all friendliness, and asked whether any food had been given him as alms.
195. The Bodhisatta And The Merchant
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born in a brahmin family, and when he was of age he studied all the arts at Takkasila, and subsequently adopted the religious life of and ascetic. One day, he went to Benares to procure salt and vinegar, and, taking up his abode in a garden, on the next day he entered the city for alms. There was a merchant as Benares, who was a faithful believer. The Bodhisatta asked which was a believing household, and on hearing of the merchant’s family, he went to the door of his house. At that moment the merchant had gone to pay his respects to the king, and neither did any of his people happen to see him. So he turned back and came away.
