| J.303 |
Ekaraaja Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was born as king of Benares. A minister whom he had expelled for misconduct
in the harem, took service under Dabbasena, king of Kosala, and incited him to make
war on Ekaraja. The latter was captured while sitting on a dais in the midst of his
councillors and was hung head downwards by a cord from the lintel of the door. In
this position, Ekaraja cultivated thoughts of loving kindness towards his enemy and
attained a stage of complete absorption in meditation. His bonds burst and he sat
cross-legged in mid-air. Dabbasena was, meanwhile, seized with a burning pain in
his body, and on the advice of his courtiers, had Ekaraja released, whereupon, the
pains disappeared. Realizing Ekarajaís holiness, Dabbasena restored the kingdom to
him and asked his forgiveness. In the Ekaraja Jataka, reference is made to the Mahasilava
Jataka for details regarding the expulsion of the minister for misconduct and subsequent
events. |
58/393 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iii.013ff. |
loving-kindness, perfection of |