54. The Bodhisatta – As A Lizard
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born as a young lizard, and when he grew up, he lived in a forest. And a wicked ascetic built a hut of leaves, and took up his abode near him. The Bodhisatta, in ranging about for food, saw this hut of leaves and thought to himself, “This hut must certainly belong to some holy ascetic,” and he went there and after saluting the holy man returned to his own place of abode.
53. The Bodhisatta – As A Lion
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was a lion and lived at Gold Den in Himalayas. Slaying a large buffalo, he ate the prime of the carcass, after which he went down to a pool, and drunk crystal water and afterwards was going to his den.
Now a hungry jackal, suddenly meeting the lion, and being unable to make his escape, threw himself at the lion’s feet. Being asked what he wanted, the jackal replied, “Lord, let me be your servant.” “Very well,” said the lion; “serve me and you shall feed on prime meat.” So saying, he went with the jackal following to Gold Den. Then onwards the lion’s leavings fell to the jackal, and he grew fat.
52. The Bodhisatta – As A Lion with Jackal
Once upon a time while Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta came into the world as a young Lion in the region of Himalaya. Of the same family there were some younger brothers, and one sister; and all of them lived in a Golden Cave.
Nearby this cave was a cave of Crystal on a silver hill, where a jackal lived. By and by the Lions lost their parents. Then they used to leave the Lioness, their sister, behind in the cave, while they went out for food; which when they obtained, they would bring it back for her to eat.
51. The Bodhisatta – As A Lion Who Saved Animals
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta reigned in Benares, the Bodhisatta came to life as a young lion. And when fully grown he lived in a wood. Near the Western Ocean, there was a grove of palms mixed with vilva tree.
One day this hare after feeding came and lay down beneath the young palm tree. And the thought struck him: “If this earth should be destroyed, what would become of me?” At this very moment a ripe vilva fruit fell on a palm leaf. At the sound of it, the hare thought: “This solid earth is collapsing,” and starting up he ran, without looking behind. Another hare saw him running, as if frightened to death, and asked the cause of his panic. Then the hare stopped a moment and without looking back said, “The earth here is breaking up.” And at this the second hare ran after the other. Seeing this and knowing that the earth is splitting up, all the other animals followed them.
