| J.028 |
Nandivisaala Jaataka |
Once the bodhisatva was born as a bull in Gandhara and was named Nandivisala. When
quite young, he was given to a brahmin, who fed him on delicacies and looked after
him. When Nandi grew up, in order to show his gratitude to the brahmin, he suggested
that he should draw 100 carts for a wager. The brahmin boasted to his friends and
they bet him that it would be impossible. On the appointed day, he loaded 100 carts,
lashed them together, and having tied Nandivisala to the first, took his seat on
the pole and flourishing his goad shouted ëNow you rascal, pull!í The bull, offended
by harsh words refused to move and the brahmin lost the bet. As the brahmin lay groaning
in bed, Nandivisala went to him and rebuked him for his harsh words. He then advised
the brahmin to make a bet of 2000 on his drawing the carts and said that this time
he would win. This the brahmin did, and the next day, having tied one-hundred carts
together, he yoked Nandivisala to the first and stroked his back saying, ëNow then,
my fine fellow, pull!í With one heave, Nandivisala pulled the carts, and the last
stood where the first had been. Nandivisalaís master received many presents in addition
to the wager. The story was related in reference to the taunts uttered by the Chabbaggiyas
against the virtuous monks. Ananda was the brahmin of the story. It was also mentioned
in relation to the Twin Miracle (DhA.iii.213) See also Saarambha
Jataka (J.088) which is almost identical except for difference of details. |
55/308 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.i.191ff. |
speech |