| J.155 |
Gagga Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was once a traderís son in Kasi. One day, during their travels, father
and son were obliged to take lodging in a hall haunted by a yakkha. In the case of
persons occupying this hall, if one of them should happen to sneeze and the other
failed thereupon, to wish him long life, the yakkha was allowed to eat them. This
boon had been granted to the yakkha in return for twelve years services to Vessavana.
The two travellers from Kasi took up their abode in the hall for the night, during
which the father sneezed. The son, knowing nothing of his danger, said nothing, but
on seeing the yakkha preparing to eat him, he guessed the reason and hastened to
wish his father long life. The father acted likewise, and the yakkha was foiled in
his attempt on their lives. The Bodhisatva, having heard the yakkhaís story, established
him in the Five Precepts. The story became known and the bodhisatva was given the
post of general, while the yakkha was made tax-gatherer. In the story, the bodhisatva
addresses his father as Gagga. Once when the Buddha was preaching, he sneezed, and
the whole audience shouted ëlong lifeí, interrupting the sermon. The Buddha told
them that the custom was superstitious, and forbade them to follow it. On their obeying
him, the common people blamed them for their lack of good manners. The Buddha thereupon,
withdrew the injunction and related the story to account for the origin of the custom.
Gagga is identified with MahaKassapa. |
57/028 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.ii.015ff. |
sneezing, superstition |