| J.267 |
Kakka.ta Jaataka |
Once a golden crab as large as a threshing floor lived in Kuliradaha in the Himalayas,
catching and eating the elephants who went to the lake to drink. In terror they left
the district. The bodhisatva, being born amongst the elephants, took leave of his
father, and went back to the lake with his friends. The bodhisatva, being the last
to leave the water, was caught by the crab’s pincers. Hearing his cries of pain,
all the elephants ran away, except his mate, whom he entreated not to leave him.
Realizing her duty, the she-elephant spoke to the crab words of coaxing and flattery.
The crab, fascinated by the sound of a female voice, released his grasp. Whereupon,
the bodhisatva trampled him to death. From the two pincers of the crab, drums were
later made. The Jataka was related in reference to the wife of a landowner in Savatthi.
Husband and wife were on their way to collect some debts when they were waylaid by
robbers. The robber chief, wishing to possess the wife for her beauty, planned to
kill the husband. The wife expressed her determination to commit suicide if her husband
was killed, and they were both released. The she-elephant of the Jataka and the landowner’s
wife were the same. |
58/135 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.ii.341ff. |
loyalty, women |