| J.353 |
Dhonasaakha Jaataka |
Once a prince of Benares named Brahmadatta, learned the arts from the Bodhisatva,
then a teacher at Takkasila. The teacher, Parasariya, having observed his character,
warned him against any harshness and counselled him to be gentle. In due course,
Brahmadatta became king, and on the advice of his chaplain Pingiya, went out at the
head of a large army and captured 1,000 kings alive. He could not, however, capture
Takkasila, so Pingiya suggested a sacrifice be offered -- the kings should be blinded
and their blood allowed to flow round the ramparts. The sacrifice was performed,
but when Brahmadatta went to bathe, a yakkha tore out his right eye and, as he lay
down, a sharp-pointed bone dropped by a vulture, blinded his left eye. He died in
agony and was born in hell. The story was related in reference to Bodhirajakumara
who blinded Kokanada, the architect of his palace, lest he should build another as
grand. Bodhi is identified with Brahmadatta and Devadatta with Pingiya. |
58/720 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iii.157ff. |
cruelty |