| J.243 |
Guttila Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was born as a musician, Guttila, in Benares. He was unmarried and
supported his blind parents. He had a pupil Musila from Ujjeni and Guttila taught
him all he knew. Later Guttila introduced Musila at the king’s court, where as soon
as he could attract the king’s attention, arranged for a competition with his master,
that the king might decide who should be the court musician. Guttila, fearing a contest
in his old age, fled into the forest where Sakka appeared before him and promised
to help him to victory. The contest was held and when Guttila played according to
Sakka’s instructions, the sound of his music filled the city and heavenly nymphs
descended to earth to dance. Musila was defeated and stoned to death by an enraged
crowd. Later, Sakka sent Matali to fetch Guttila to Tavatimsa in his chariot and
in return for his music Guttila was allowed to discover to what good deeds the inhabitants
of Tavatimsa owed their birth there. On returning to earth after seven days, he told
the people what he had seen and exhorted them to do good. Musila is identified with
Devadatta, Sakka with Anuruddha and the king with Ananda. The Jataka was told in
reference to Devadatta. The monks had tried to persuade him to acknowledge the Buddha
as his teacher, because it was from him that he had learned the three Pitakas and
the four jhanas. Devadatta had not consented. |
57/484 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.ii.248ff. |
ingratitude |