| J.088 |
Saarambha Jaataka |
Once the bodhisatva was born as a bull in Takkasila and was named Saarambha. When
quite young, he was given to a brahmin, who fed him on delicacies and looked after
him. When Saarambha 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 Saarambha 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, Saarambha 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 Saarambha to the first and stroked his back saying, ëNow then,
my fine fellow, pull!í With one heave, Saarambha pulled the carts, and the last stood
where the first had been. Saarambhaís master received many presents in addition to
the wager. See also Nandivisaala
Jataka (J.028) which is almost identical except for difference of details. |
56/310 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.i.374ff. |
artful speech |