| J.532 |
Sonananda Jaataka |
Once when Manoja was king of Brahmavaddhana (Benares), the Bodhisatva was born as
Sona, the son of a rich brahmin. He had a brother Nanda. When the boys grew up, their
parents wanted them to marry, but they refused and declared their desire to become
ascetics after the death of their parents. The parents then suggested that the whole
family should become ascetics -- and they became ascetics in the Himalayas. Later
Nanda was dismissed by Sona for bringing his parents unripe fruit. Nanda thereupon
sought Manoja and with his magic power helped him to bring 101 other kings under
subjection of Benares within seven years, seven months and seven days. Manoja wanted
to thank Nanda and was asked to intercede and win Sona’s forgiveness, this he did
and the family were re-united. The occasion for the Jataka is the same as for the
Saama Jataka
(J.540), regarding a monk who supported his mother. Nanda is identified with
Ananda and Manoja with Sariputta. The Jataka is also found at Cyp.iii.v. |
62/272 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.v.312ff. |
filial piety, renunciation |