| J.453 |
Mahaama"ngala Jaataka |
The bodhisatva, called Rakkhita, was born in a wealthy brahmin family. He married,
and then, having distributed all his wealth, became an ascetic with 500 followers.
During the rains, his disciples dwelled in Benares in the royal park, while Rakkhita
stayed in the hermitage. At that time, there was great discussion among the public
about what constituted auspiciousness, and Rakkhita’s disciples, on being consulted,
said that Rakkhita would solve the problem. They therefore went to Rakkhita’s hermitage
and asked him the question, which he answered in eight verses. The disciples, having
learned the verses, returned to Benares where they expounded them, thus setting doubts
to rest. The story was related in connection with the teaching of the Mahamangala
Sutta. It happened that in Rajagaha there was a large assembly at the Santhagara
and a man rose and went out saying ‘this is a day of good omen’. Someone, on hearing
this, enquired as to the meaning of ‘good omen’. One said, the sight of something
lucky is a good omen -- but this was denied, and the discussion of omens was carried
as far as Sakka, and duly referred by him to the Buddha. The senior disciple of Rakkhita
is identified with Sariputta. |
59/943 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iv.072ff. |
blessings |