| J.158 |
Suhanu Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was once minister to the king of Benares. The king had a wild horse
called Mahaaso.na. The king was miserly and one day, when some horse-dealers brought
horses for sale, he gave orders, unknown to his minister that Mahaaso.na should be
let loose among these horses, and when he had bitten and weakened them, they should
be bought at a reduced price. The dealers complained to the minister. After enquiring
into the matter, he advised that next time they visited Benares they should bring
Suhanu, a very strong horse they had. This they did, and when Mahaaso.na and Suhanu
were confronted with one another, they showed each other great affection. The king
saw this and was told by the minister that the horses recognized each otherís virtues.
He then warned the king against excessive covetousness. The Jataka was told in reference
to two hot-headed monks, both passionate and cruel. One lived in Jetavana and the
other in the country. One day the country monk came to Jetavana and the monks eagerly
awaited their quarrel. However, when the two monks met, they showed great affection.
The Buddha explained that this was because of their like nature. |
57/054 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.ii.030ff. |
like personality, mutual respect |