| J.463 |
Suppaaraka Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was once a master mariner of Bhaarukaccha. His eyes were injured by
the salt water and he went completely blind. The king appointed him valuer and assessor.
One day an elephant was brought before him which was designated to be the state elephant,
but feeling it over with his hands, he condemned it saying that its mother had dropped
it in its youth, injuring its hind feet. He similarly condemned a horse, a chariot
and a blanket for various reasons -- all of which were originally designated for
royal use. All his judgements were verified by the king and found to be correct --
but the king gave Suppaaraka only eight pieces for each of his decisions so he left
the king’s service in disgust. Some merchants commissioned a ship and while searching
for a captain, thought of Suppaaraka. At first he refused, and later accepted, navigating
the ship successfully through various oceans and surviving a storm by means of an
Act of Truth, returning safely to Bhaarukaccha. The Jataka is related in reference
to the Buddha’s perfection of wisdom. See also Jatakamala No.14. |
60/095 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iv.136ff. |
observation, wisdom |