| J.405 |
Bakabrahma Jaataka |
Kesava was once born in a noble family but renounced the world to become an ascetic,
developing supranormal powers. The ascetic Kesava lived in the Himavanta forest with
five-hundred pupils. The Bodhisatva, having been born as Kappa, a brahmin of Kasi,
joined him and became his senior pupil. Kesava used his powers to help others in
distress: to save prople from dying of thirst in the desert he conjoured up a river;
to save a village from dacoits he conjoured up the image of the royal police arriving;
to save merrymakers on a river from being destroyed by a naga he turned himself into
a fierce garuda.On another occasion he became ill when separated from his familiar
haunts and his pupils but recovered miraculously on his return.The Jataka was related
once when the Buddha was staying at Ukka.t.thaa in the Subhagavana, he read the thoughts
of Baka who had conceived the idea that this world was permanent and free from decay
and death. The Buddha visited him in order to point out his error. Baka welcomed
the Buddha, but owing to the influence of Maara, refused to acknowledge his error
until the Buddha, by exercising magical power, prevented Baka from disappearing from
sight while he himself disappeared. See also the related Kesava
Jaataka (J.346). |
59/305 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iii.358ff. |
miracle, false view |