| J.023 |
Bhojaajaaniiya Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was once born as a thoroughbred horse asn was made the destrier of
the king of Benares. He was given every kind of luxury and was shown all honour.
Kings of seven surrounding kingdoms coveted Benares and they laid seige to the city.
At the suggestion of his ministers, the king sent out a knight mounted on the royal
destrier. Mounted on the noble steed, the knight destroyed six camps, whereupon his
horse was wounded. He thereupon took it to the gate, loosening its armour and prepared
to arm another horse. However, the injured horse, knowing that no other horse could
accomplish what awaited him, insisted on attacking the seventh camp. Then when they
brought him back to the kingís gate, the king came out to look upon him. The horse
died while exhorting the king to be merciful towards the captured kings. The story
was told in reference to a monk who had given up striving. Ananda is identified with
the king. (see also Aja~n~na
Jataka) |
55/287 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.i.178ff. |
perseverence |