337. The Patridge And The Chattering Brother
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born a Brahmin. He studied at at Takkasila, and, renouncing Lusts, gave up the world to become a hermit. He won the Five Knowledges and the Eight Attainments, and five hundred recluses of the Himalayas followed him as their master.
Insight was his as he lived amid his disciples in the Himalayas.
336. The Oxen and The Pig
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta came to life as an ox, named Big Red. And he had a younger brother who was known as Little Red. There were only these two brothers to do all the draught work of the family. Also, the squire had an only daughter, whose hand was asked in marriage for his son by a gentleman of the town. And the parents of the girl, with a view to furnishing dainty fare for the wedding guests, began to fatten up a pig named Munika.
335. The Otters And The Jackal
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Boshisatta was a tree-spirit by a river-bank. A jackal, named Mayavi, had taken a wife and lived in a place by that river-bank. One day his mate said to him, “Husband, I desire to eat a fresh rohita fish.” He said, “Be easy, I will bring it you,” and going by the river he wrapt his feet in creepers, and went along the bank. At the moment, two otters, Gambhiracari and Anutiracari, were standing on the bank looking for fish. Gambhiracari saw a great rohita fish, and entering water he took it by the tail. The fish was strong and went away dragging him. He called to the other, “This great fish will be enough for both of us, come and help me.”
334. The Monkey And The Crocodile
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta reigned in Benares, the Bodhisatta came to life as a young monkey in the Himalaya region, and when fully grown he lived on the banks of the Ganges. Now a female crocodile in the Ganges a longing for the heart of the monkey told her mate to get it. He planned to get the heart of the Bodhisatta by plunging him in the water.” So he said to the Bodhisatta, “Come, my friend! we will go and eat wild fruits on the opposite island.”
