| J.253 |
Ma.nika.n.tha Jaataka |
After the death of their parents, the bodhisatva and his younger brother lived as
ascetics in leaf huts on the Ganges, the elder being further upstream than the younger.
One day, a Naga king called Manikantha, while walking along the river in the guise
of a man, came to the hut of the younger ascetic and became his friend. Thereafter,
the king made a daily visit and their friendship closened. Eventually Manikantha
grew so familiar with the ascetic that he put off his disguise and would lie for
a few moments with the ascetic inside his coils until his affection was satisfied.
The ascetic, however, became afraid of his naga-shape and became thin and pale. Noticing
this, the bodhisatva suggested that his brother should ask for the jewel the naga
wore round his neck. The next day, the ascetic made the request and Manikantha hurried
away. Several times the same thing happened and eventually he didn’t visit any more.
The ascetic was much grieved by the absence, but the bodhisatva comforted him. The
Buddha related this story at the Aggalava Cetiya near Alavi. The monks of Alavi became
so importunate with their requests for building materials from the householders that
at the mere sight of a monk, the householders would hurry indoors. Maha Kassapa discovered
this and reported it to the Buddha who admonished the monks against begging. On the
same occasion, the Buddha also taught the Brahmadatta
Jaataka (J.323) and the A.t.thisena
Jaataka (J.403). see also Vin.iii.146 |
58/022 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.ii.283ff. |
familiarity |