325. The King Who Saw Sixteen Dreams
Once upon a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born a brahmin. When he came to years of discretion he renounced the world for a hermit’s life; he won the higher Knowledges and the Attainments, and lived in the Himalayas in the bliss that comes from insight.
In those days, Brahmadatta dreamed sixteen dreams at Benares, and enquired of the Brahmins concerning them. Then, the Brahmins said that the King has to give sacrifices to God.
324. The King Who Did Not Honour The Queen
On a time, while Brahmadatta was king in Benares, the Bodhisatta was the son of the king’s court. On coming of age he became the king’s adviser in things temporal and spiritual. The king was afraid that his son may kill him and take the throne. He banished him. Taking his wife, the son departed from that city, and came to a village of Kasi, where he lived. On hearing the news of king’s death, prince was returning to Benares. He thought, “I may receive the kingdom which is my birthright.” On his way one gave him a mess of pottage, saying, “Eat, and give to your wife also.” But he gave her nothing, and ate it all himself. She thought, “My husband is a cruel!” and she was full of sorrow.
323. The Judas Tree
Once upon a time, Brahmadatta the king of Benares, had four sons. One day they sent for the charioteer, and said to him, “We want to see a Judas tree; show us one!”
The charioteer replied, “Very well! I will show.” But he did not show it to them all together. He took them to forest in the chariot, and showed him the tree at the time when the buds were just sprouting from the stem. To the second he showed it when the leaves were green, to the third at the time of blossoming, and to the fourth when it was bearing fruit.
322. The Jackal And The Rats
Once on a time when Brahmadatta was reigning in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born a rat, perfect in wisdom, and as big as a young boar. He lived in the forest and many hundreds of other rats lived with him.
Now there lived a jackal who planned to hunt and eat them. And he stood near their home with his face to the sun, snuffing up the wind, and standing on one leg. Seeing this, the Bodhisatta mistook him to be a saintly being, went to him and asked his name.
