| J.545 |
Vidhurapa.n.dita Jaataka | Pu.n.naka Jaataka |
The bodhisatva is born as Vidhurapandita, minister to King Dhana~njaya. Four kings:
Dhana~njaya-Korabba of Indapatta, Sakka, Varuna the Naga king and Venateyya of the
Supannas, having taken uposatha vows meet together in a garden and dispute as to
who is the most virtuous. They ask the bodhisatva to resolve the dispute. He tells
that each is equally virtuous, like the spokes of a wheel. They are pleased and give
the bodhisatva presents. Vimala, Varuna’s wife hears of Vidhura’s wisdom and yearns
to see him. She feigns illness and says she must have Vidhura’s heart. Varuna’s daughter
Irandati is offered to anyone who can obtain Vidhura’s heart. The yakkha, Punnaka,
accepts the challenge and wins Vidhura from King Dhana~njaya in a game of dice. Vidhura
goes with Punnaka, giving Dhana~njaya first a final teaching, he teaches to the yakkha
en route, thereby winning his respect. The yakkha promises to return him to the human
world, but Vidhura insists on going to the Naga world where he preaches to all concerned
and obtains a marvellous gem as a presant from Punnaka. The Jataka was related in
reference to the Buddha’s great wisdom. |
64/296 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.vi.255ff. |
wisdom |