| J.290 |
Siilaviima.msana Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was once chaplain to the king of Benares. He was both learned and
good, but wishing to test which quality brought him greater honour, he started stealing
money from the treasurer. On the third occasion he was arrested and led before the
king. He saw snake charmers exhibiting their snake and warned them lest it should
bite them -- but they retorted ‘he is not like you: he is good’. The king ordered
the chaplain’s execution, but on hearing of his intentions, he allowed him to become
an ascetic. The Jataka was related in reference to a learned and pious brahmin in
the service of the king of Kosala who carried out a similar test. He consequently
joined the Order and became an arahant. See also Siilaviima.msana
Jaataka (J.086) and Siilaviima.msana
Jaataka (J.362). |
58/316 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.ii.428ff. |
learning, virtue |