| J.318 |
Ka.naviira Jaataka | Ka.navera Jaataka |
Once the bodhisatva was born as a robber in the village of Kasi and became notorious
for his banditry. When the people complained of him to the king, the latter had him
arrested by the governor of the province and condemned to death. While being led
to his execution with a wreath of red kanavera flowers on his head, he was seen by
Sama, the chief courtesan of the city, and she immediately fell in love with him
for his comely and striking appearance. Sama, sending word to the governor, that
the robber was her brother, persuaded him, by means of a bribe of 1,000 pieces to
set him free and send him to her for a while. Then, using all her guile, she substituted
for the robber, a youth who was enamoured of her and who had happened to visit her
that day. This youth was killed in the place of the robber, who was brought to Sama,
and she showered on him all her favours. Fearing that when Sama grew tired of him
she might betray him, the robber went with her one day to the park, and on the pretence
of embracing her, squeezed her until she swooned and then taking all her ornaments,
escaped. Sama imagined him to have run away for fear he had killed her. She tried
to re-establish contact with him by all means, but he refused to return, sending
word that he doubted her constancy. In despair, Sama returned to her former means
of livelihood. |
58/496 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iii.058ff. |
passion |