Suwanasam Jataka
The Ten Birth Stories of the Buddha
Suwanasam Jataka
Perfection of Loving Kindness
Translated by:
Mr. Jean-Francois Leduc
Phramaha Jerm Boonthong
Phramaha Prassert Ammart-Ek
Suwanasam was a son of Tukula and Parika who had been hermits in the forest. When his parents were blinded by venom, he decided to take care of them out of gratitude. One day, as the King of Paranasi was hunting, he came to a swamp from which Suwannasam used to scoop water. King Piliyakaraj saw the good-looking youth surrounded by many animals, and scooping water. He wondered who he was. He hit him with a poisoned arrow. Suwannasam fell. When King Piliyakaraj saw Suwannasam was not angry, he wondered who Suwannasam was. When he heard that Suwannasam was taking care of his blind parents, he was in deep sorrow and took Suwannasam's parents to where their son was lying unconscious. When they saw their son, they both cried and besought the gods to bring their son back to life.
Suwannasam resuscitated and his parents got their eyesight back. King Piliyakaraj realized that the gode protect those who are grateful to their parents. Later, Suwannasam delivered a sermon, called Rajadham, to King Piliyakaraj. Suwannasam took care of his parents and practiced meditation until he reached perfection.
