| J.467 |
Kaama Jaataka |
Brahmadatta, the king of Benares, had two sons. When he died, the elder refused the
crown and retired to a frontier village. There, the people discovered his identity
and offered to pay their taxes to him instead of the king, and the king, at his request,
agreed. As his power increased, the prince became more covetous and demanded the
throne back, which his younger brother gladly renounced. The elder’s greed was insatiable,
and Sakka, to teach him a lesson, came in the guise of a young man and offered to
capture three cities for him. The king made up his mind to accept the offer, but
then the young man could not be found and the king fell ill of greed. The Bodhisatva,
just returned from Takkasila, hearing of this, and having obtained the king’s leave
to treat him, cured the disease by showing him the futility of his wishes. Thereafter
the king became a righteous ruler. The Jataka is preached in reference to the brahmin
of the Kama Sutta. The Kamanita
Jataka (J.228) is also preached in this connection. |
60/144 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iv.167ff. |
insatiable greed |