| J.431 |
Haarita Jaataka | Harittaca Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was born in a wealthy brahmin family and was called Harittaca because
of his golden colour. When his father died, he left the world and became an ascetic
with great supranormal powers. He went to Benares and was invited by the king to
live in the royal park. He accepted the invitation and lived there for twelve years.
The king was called away to quell a frontier rebellion and instructed the queen to
look after the ascetic. One evening the ascetic returned rather late to the palace
and the queen, rising hastily at his arrival, let her garment slip. Harittacaís mind
became filled with thoughts of lust and taking her hand and drawing a curtain around
them, he lay with her. This then became a daily occurrence and the scandal spread
about. The ministers wrote to the king, but he refused to believe them. Even when
he returned and the queen confessed her guilt, he refused to believe her. Only when
Harittaca himself admitted guilt did he believe him, but admiring his truthfulness,
forgave him. Harittaca preached to the king on the misery of sensual desire, once
more developed his supranormal powers and taking leave of the king, returned to the
Himalayas. The Jataka was told in reference to a monk who had grown discontented
because of beautiful women. See also the similar Sa.nkappa
Jaataka (J.251) and Mudulakkha.na
Jaataka (J.066). |
59/647 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iii.496ff. |
women, temptation, passion |