| J.538 |
Muugapakkha Jaataka | Temiya Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was born as Temiya, son of the king of Kasi and Candadevi his wife.
As a baby he lay in the lap of the king as he pronounced death sentences on robbers
brought before him. Temiya recollected past lives when he had done the same and suffered
for 20,000 years in Ussada Hell as a result, therefore he feigned dumbness to avoid
having to take the throne. Eventually, when he was sixteen his execution was ordered.
As his grave was being dug, he confided his resolve to become an ascetic to Sunanda
the gravedigger. Sunanda was impressed by his words and released the bodhisatva to
become an ascetic. His parents were informed and upon visiting Temiya’s hermitage,
they heard his preaching and all became ascetics too. Citizens of Kasi and three
neighbouring kingdoms followed their example. Temiya’s parents were identified with
the parents of the Buddha, Sunanda with Sariputta. The Jataka was told in connection
to the Buddha’s renunciation. It is given as an example of the Buddha’s great determination.
see also Cyp.iii.6 |
63/001 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.vi.001ff. |
renunciation |