| J.328 |
Ananusociya Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was born as a rich brahmin in Benares. After his education at Takkasila,
his parents wished him to marry. After much persuasion he agreed to do so, if they
could find a woman like a golden image which he would make. Emissaries were sent
to look for such a girl and sixteen year old Samillabhasini of Kasi answered the
description. She did not want to marry either but was persuaded by her parents. When
married, the couple lived in celibacy until the death of both sets of parents, upon
which they distributed their immense wealth and became ascetics. Samillabhasini died
of dysentry caused by unsatisfactory meals. The bodhisatva returning from his alms-round
found her dead but surprised onlookers by continuing to eat his meal unmoved. When
asked he explained that he did not grieve because that which is liable to dissolution
has dissolved. The story was related in reference to a landowner who, when his wife
died, gave himself up to despair. When the landowner heard the Jataka, he attained
sotapatiphala. |
58/568 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iii.092ff. |
marriage, grieving, bereavement |