| J.442 |
Sa"nkha Jaataka | Sa"nkhabraahma.na Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was once born in Molininagara (Benares) as a very rich brahmin named
Sankha. He spent 6,000 daily on almsgiving. He had a ship built, equipped and prepared
to sail for Suvannabhumi. A paccekabuddha, seeing him with the divine eye, and foreseeing
danger in store for him, appeared before him on the way to the seaport. Sankha paid
him all honour and presented him with his shoes and umbrella. Sankhaís ship sprung
a leak on the seventh day. Taking with him one companion, he dived overboard and
swum in the direction of Molini. He swam thus for seven days until Manimekhala, seeing
his plight, came to his rescue and offered him food. However, he refused the food
as he was keeping the fast. The goddess told him that his purity in worshipping the
paccekabuddha hadbeen the cause of her coming to his aid and provided him with a
ship full of treasure and he returned safely to Molini with his attendant. The story
was related by way of thanks to a pious layman of Savatthi who having entertained
the Buddha and his monks for seven days, presented shoes to the Buddha and to the
members of his Order. Ananda is identified with Sankhaís attendant and Uppalavanna
with Manimekhala.See also Mahaajanaka
Jaataka (J.539). |
59/799 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iv.015ff. |
offering shoes |