| J.076 |
Asaúkiya Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was born as a brahmin in Benares and became an ascetic. In the course
of his wanderings he once travelled with a merchant caravan. The caravan halted for
the night, but while the merchants slept, the ascetic spent his time pacing up and
down. Robbers, coming to plunder the caravan, were prevented from doing so by the
watchfulness of the ascetic. The next day, the merchants, discovering what had happened,
asked him if he had felt no fear at the sight of the robbers. ëThe sight of the robbers
causes what is known as fear only to the rich. I am penniless, why should I be afraid?í
he answered. After death, he was born in the Brahma world. The story was told to
a layman of Savatthi who had likewise prevented a caravan from being robbed. ëIn
guarding himself, a man guards others. In guarding others, he guards himself.í |
56/211 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.i.332ff. |
mindfulness, social consequences of mindfulness, fear, riches |