146. The Bodhisatta And Single-Soled Shoes
Once upon a time in the Kampillaka kingdom, when a Pancala king was reigning in a North Pancala city, the Bodhisatta was born into a brahmin family. And when he was grown up, he acquired knowledge of the arts at Takkasila. Afterwards taking orders as an ascetic and dwelling in the Himalayas, he lived for a long time by what he could glean – feeding on wild fruits and roots.
And wandering into the haunts of men for the purpose of procuring salt and vinegar, he came to a city of North Pancala and took up his abode in the king’s garden. Next day he went into the city to beg alms, and came to the king’s gate. The king was so pleased with his behaviour that he seated him on the dais and fed him with food worthy of a king. And he assigned him a lodging in the garden.
145. The Bodhisatta And Prince Brahmadatta
Once upon a time, Brahmadatta the king of Benares had a son named Prince Brahmadatta. Kings of former times, though there might be a famous teacher living in their own city, often used to send their sons to foreign countries for their education, and by this means they might learn to quell their pride and high-mindedness, and endure heat or cold, and be made acquainted with the ways of the world. Brahmadatta calling his boy to him, gave him one-soled sandals, a sunshade of leaves, and a thousand pieces of money, and said, “My son! go to Takkasila and study there.”
144. The Bodhisatta And Parantapa
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisata was born as the son of his chief queen. When he grew up, he learned all the arts at Takkasila, and acquired a spell for the understanding of all animals’ cries. After listening duly to his teacher, he returned to Benares. His father appointed him viceroy; but though he did so, he became anxious to kill him and would not even see him.
143. The Bodhisatta And Omen Problem
Once upon a time the Bodhisatta was born in a town in the family of a wealthy brahmin and they named him Rakkhita-Kumara. When he grew up and had completed his education at Takkasila, he married a wife, and on his parents’ demise, he made enquiry into his treasures; then being much exercised in mind, he distributed alms, and mastering his passions became a hermit in the regions of Himalaya, where he developed supernatural powers and dwelt in a certain spot, nourishing himself upon the roots and fruits of the forest. In course of time his followers became a great number, five hundred disciples that lived with him.
One day these ascetics except the Bodhisatta, in order to spend the winter came down from Himalayas to Benares, where they took up their dwelling in the king’s park. And much honour and hospitality was shown to them.
