| J.032 |
Nacca Jaataka |
In the early days of the world, a golden swan, the king of the birds, had a lovely
daughter whom he granted permission to choose her own husband. When all the birds
were assembled, she chose the peacock for his beautiful colouring. Overjoyed by his
good fortune, the peacock spread his feathers and began to dance, thus exposing himself
and feeling no shame. The swan king was so shocked by this lack of modesty that he
gave his daughter in marriage to a young swan instead. The story was related in reference
to a monk who was charged before the Buddha for possessing too many robes. On being
questioned by the Buddha, he removed all his clothes and stood naked in the assembly.
The people expressed disgust at his behaviour and he became a layman. He is identified
with the peacock of the Jataka. |
55/332 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.i.206ff. |
modesty |