| J.182 |
Sa"ngaamaavacara Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was once a skilled elephant-trainer. The king, in whose service he
was, attacked Benares riding the state elephant -- but the elephant was so scared
by the missiles and noise that he would not approach the place. Thereupon his trainer
encouraged him, telling him that he should feel at home on the battlefield, and the
elephant, impressed by his words, broke down all obstacles and achieved victory for
his master. The Jataka was told in reference to the Buddhaís step-brother Nanda who
at first kept the monastic precepts only because the Buddha had promised to obtain
dove-footed nymphs (kakutapadiniyo) for him from Tavatimsa. Later, however, encouraged
by Sariputtaís words, he strove with earnest and attained arahantship. Nanda was
the elephant and Ananda the king. |
57/180 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.ii.092ff. |
encouragement |