| J.460 |
Yuva~njaya Jaataka |
The Bodhisatva was once born as Yuva~njaya, son of Sabbadatta, king of Ramma (Benares).
He was the eldest of 1,000 sons and Yuditthila was his younger brother. After he
came of age, he was on his way early one morning to the park and noticed the dew
all around him. In the evening as he returned home, he could no longer see the dewdrops.
His charioteer explained that the son had dried them up. Reflecting on this, the
prince realized the impermanence of life and asked his father’s leave to renounce
the world. Both parents tried to dissuade him, but failed, and he, together with
Yudhitthila built a hermitage in the Himalayas where they became ascetics. Yudhitthila
is identified with Ananda. The story was told in reference to the Buddha’s renunciation,
to some monks who marvelled at his great sacrifice. |
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Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iv.119ff., Cyp.iii.1 |
impermanence |