| J.493 |
Mahaavaa.nija Jaataka |
A company of merchants once went astray in the forest without food or water, and,
seeing a huge banyan tree with moist branches, they cut off a branch and water poured
out, from another branch came food, from another a company of girls and from the
fourth precious things. Overcome by greed, they wished to cut the tree from its roots
in order to get more. Their leader, the bodhisatva tried to prevent this, but they
refused to listen. Consequently, the Naga king who lived in the tree, ordered his
followers to slay all the merchants except the leader. Him, the nagas escorted to
his home with all the treasures. The Jataka was told to a company of merchants from
Savatthi, followers of the Buddha, who had a similar experience. However, having
only moderate desires, they made no attempt to cut down the tree. They then returned
Savatthi, and offering some of the precious things to the Buddha, dedicated the merit
therefrom to the deity of the tree. The Buddha praised their moderation. Sariputta
is identified with the Naga King. |
60/484 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iv.350ff. |
moderation |