| J.483 |
Sarabhamiga Jaataka | Sarabha Jaataka |
The bodhisatva was once born as a stag. The king of Benares went out hunting with
his courtiers who contrived to drive the stag near the king. He shot and the stag
rolled over as if hit, but soon got up and ran away. The courtiers laughed and the
king set off in pursuit of the stag. During the chase, he fell into a pit, and the
stag, feeling pity for him, drew him out and taught him the Dhamma. On the king’s
return to the palace, he decreed that all his subjects should observe the five precepts.
The king told no-one what had happened, but the chaplain, hearing him repeat six
stanzas, divined what had happened. He questioned the king who told him the story.
Many men and women, following the king’s instructions, were reborn in heaven, and
Sakka, realizing the reason for this, appeared before the king, who was practising
shooting, and contrived that he should proclaim the bodhisatva’s nobility. The story
was told in reference to Sariputta’s wisdom. It is said that when the Buddha descended
from Tavatimsa after preaching the Abhidhamma, wishing to demonstrate the unique
wisdom of Sariputta, he propounded certain questions before the multitude at Sankassa
which none but Sariputta could answer. When the Buddha asked in brief, Sariputta
answered in detail. Ananda is identified with the king and Sariputta with the chaplain.
The story is also found in Jatakamala No.25. |
60/327 |
Jaataka |
Khuddhaka |
J.iv.263ff. |
wisdom, royal virtue |