| J.251 |
Sa"nkappa Jaataka | Sa"nkapparaaja Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was once born into a very rich family of Benares. When his parents
died, he gave away his wealth, became an ascetic in the Himalayas and developed supranormal
powers. During the rains he returned to Benares, where at the king’s invitation he
lived in the royal park. For twelve years he did this until one day, the king had
to leave to quell a border rebellion, after having instructed the queen to look after
the ascetic. One evening the ascetic returned rather late to the palace and the queen,
rising hastily at his arrival, let her garment slip. The ascetic’s mind became filled
with thoughts of lust and he lost his powers. On his return, the king visited the
ascetic, who explained that his heart had been wounded. Asking the king to retire
from the hut, he once more strove to develop his meditation, then took leave of the
king and returned to the Himavanta forest. The Jataka was told to a monk who was
filled with discontent because he had fallen in love with a woman whom he met on
his almsround. The king is identified with Ananda. See also Mudulakkha.na
Jaataka (J.066) and Haarita
Jaataka (J.431). |
58/001 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.ii.271ff. |
passion, meditation, hindrance |