Difference between revisions of "Akitta-Jātaka"
m (Adminos moved page AKITTA-JĀTAKA to Akitta-Jātaka without leaving a redirect) |
|||
Line 4: | Line 4: | ||
AKITTA-JĀTAKA. | AKITTA-JĀTAKA. | ||
− | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of beings," etc.—This story the Master told while dwelling in [[Jetavana]], about a generous donor who lived in Sāvatthi. This man, so it is said, invited the Master, and for seven days gave many gifts to the company which followed with him; on the last day he presented the company of the Saints with all things necessary for them. Then said the | + | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of [[beings]]," etc.—This story the [[Master]] told while dwelling in [[Jetavana]], about a generous {{Wiki|donor}} who lived in [[Sāvatthi]]. This man, so it is said, invited the [[Master]], and for seven days gave many gifts to the company which followed with him; on the last day he presented the company of the [[Saints]] with all things necessary for them. Then said the |
p. 149 | p. 149 | ||
− | [paragraph continues] Master, rendering thanks to him, "Lay Brother, great is thy [[Generosity]]: a thing most difficult thou hast done. This custom of giving is the custom of wise men of old. Gifts must be given, be ye in the [[World]], be ye in retirement from the [[World]]; the wise men of old, even when they had left the [[World]] and dwelt in the woodland, when they had to eat but Kāra 1 leaves sprinkled with water, without salt or spice [237], yet gave to all beggars that passed by to serve their need, and themselves lived on their own [[Joy]] and blessedness." The man answered, "Sir, this giving of all necessary things to the company is clear enough, but what you say is not clear. Will you not explain it to us?" Then the Master at his request told a story of the past. | + | [paragraph continues] [[Master]], rendering thanks to him, "Lay Brother, great is thy [[Generosity]]: a thing most difficult thou hast done. This {{Wiki|custom}} of giving is the {{Wiki|custom}} of [[wise]] men of old. Gifts must be given, be ye in the [[World]], be ye in retirement from the [[World]]; the [[wise]] men of old, even when they had left the [[World]] and dwelt in the woodland, when they had to eat but Kāra 1 leaves sprinkled with [[water]], without [[salt]] or spice [237], yet gave to all beggars that passed by to serve their need, and themselves lived on their [[own]] [[Joy]] and blessedness." The man answered, "Sir, this giving of all necessary things to the company is clear enough, but what you say is not clear. Will you not explain it to us?" Then the [[Master]] at his request told a story of the {{Wiki|past}}. |
− | Once upon a time, when [[Brahmadatta]] was king in [[Benares]], the [[Bodhisatta]] was born in the family of a [[Brahmin]] magnate, whose [[Fortune]] amounted to eighty crores. They named him [[Akitti]]. When the time came he was able to walk, a sister was born, and they gave her the name Yasavatī. The Great Being proceeded at the age of sixteen years to [[Benares]], where he completed his education and then returned. After that his mother and father died. He had performed all that behoves for the [[Spirits]] of the dead, and was inspecting his treasure 2: "So and so," ran the catalogue, "laid up so much and died, such another so much." Hearing this he was disturbed in his [[Mind]], and [[Thought]], "This treasure is here for all to see, but they that gathered it are no more seen: they have all gone and left the treasure behind them, but when I pass away I will take it with me." So sending for his sister, he said, "Take charge of this treasure." "What is your own intent?" she asked. He replied, "To become an [[Ascetic]]." "Dear one," she answered, "I will not take on my head that which you have spewed out of your mouth; I will have none of it, but I also will become an [[Ascetic]]." Then having asked leave of the king, he caused the drum to beat all about the city, and proclamation to be made: "Oyez! Let all those who wish for money repair to the wise man's house!" For seven days he distributed great store of alms, and yet the treasure did not come to an end. Then he [[Thought]] to himself, "The elements of my being waste away, and what do I want with this treasure-game? Let those who [[Desire]] it, take." Then he opened wide the doors of the house, saying, "’Tis a gift; let the people take it." So leaving the house with all its gold and precious metal, with his kinsfolk weeping around, he and his sister departed. And the gate of [[Benares]] by which they went was called [[Akitti]]'s Gate, and the landing-stage by which they went down to the river, this also was called the Quay of [[Akitti]]. | + | Once upon a time, when [[Brahmadatta]] was [[king]] in [[Benares]], the [[Bodhisatta]] was born in the [[family]] of a [[Brahmin]] magnate, whose [[Fortune]] amounted to eighty crores. They named him [[Akitti]]. When the time came he was able to walk, a sister was born, and they gave her the [[name]] [[Yasavatī]]. The [[Great Being]] proceeded at the age of sixteen years to [[Benares]], where he completed his [[education]] and then returned. After that his mother and father [[died]]. He had performed all that behoves for the [[Spirits]] of the [[dead]], and was inspecting his [[treasure]] 2: "So and so," ran the catalogue, "laid up so much and [[died]], such another so much." Hearing this he was disturbed in his [[Mind]], and [[Thought]], "This [[treasure]] is here for all to see, but they that [[gathered]] it are no more seen: they have all gone and left the [[treasure]] behind them, but when I pass away I will take it with me." So sending for his sister, he said, "Take charge of this [[treasure]]." "What is your [[own]] intent?" she asked. He replied, "To become an [[Ascetic]]." "Dear one," she answered, "I will not take on my head that which you have spewed out of your {{Wiki|mouth}}; I will have none of it, but I also will become an [[Ascetic]]." Then having asked leave of the [[king]], he [[caused]] the [[drum]] to beat all about the city, and proclamation to be made: "Oyez! Let all those who wish for [[money]] repair to the [[wise]] man's house!" For seven days he distributed great store of [[alms]], and yet the [[treasure]] did not come to an end. Then he [[Thought]] to himself, "The [[elements]] of my being waste away, and what do I want with this treasure-game? Let those who [[Desire]] it, take." Then he opened wide the doors of the house, saying, "’Tis a [[gift]]; let the [[people]] take it." So leaving the house with all its {{Wiki|gold}} and [[precious]] metal, with his kinsfolk weeping around, he and his sister departed. And the gate of [[Benares]] by which they went was called [[Akitti]]'s Gate, and the landing-stage by which they went down to the [[river]], this also was called the Quay of [[Akitti]]. |
− | Three leagues he traversed, and there in a pleasant spot made a hut of leaves and branches, and with his sister lived in it as an [[Ascetic]] [238]. | + | Three leagues he traversed, and there in a [[pleasant]] spot made a hut of leaves and branches, and with his sister lived in it as an [[Ascetic]] [238]. |
[[File:Prince Rahula.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Prince Rahula.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
p. 150 | p. 150 | ||
− | [paragraph continues] After the time of his retiring from the [[World]], many others also did the same, villagers, townsfolk, citizens of the royal city; great was the company of them, great the gifts and the honour they received; it was like to the arising of a [[Buddha]]. Then the Great Being [[Thought]] within himself, "Here is great honour and store of alms, here is a great company, yea passing great, but I ought to dwell alone." So at a time when no man expected, without even warning his sister, alone he departed, and by and by came to the kingdom Damiḷa 1, where dwelling in a park over against Kāvīrapaṭṭana, he cultivated a mystic ecstasy and the supernatural Faculties. There also he received much honour and great store of gifts. This liked him not, and he forsook it, and passing through the air descended at the isle of Kāra, which is over against the island of [[Nāga]] 2. At that time, Kāradīpa was named Ahidīpa, the Isle of Snakes. There he built him an hermitage beside a great kāra-tree, and dwelt in it. But that he dwelt there no man knew. | + | [paragraph continues] After the time of his retiring from the [[World]], many others also did the same, villagers, townsfolk, citizens of the {{Wiki|royal}} city; great was the company of them, great the gifts and the honour they received; it was like to the [[arising]] of a [[Buddha]]. Then the [[Great Being]] [[Thought]] within himself, "Here is great honour and store of [[alms]], here is a great company, yea passing great, but I ought to dwell alone." So at a time when no man expected, without even warning his sister, alone he departed, and by and by came to the {{Wiki|kingdom}} Damiḷa 1, where dwelling in a park over against Kāvīrapaṭṭana, he cultivated a [[mystic]] [[ecstasy]] and the [[supernatural]] [[Faculties]]. There also he received much honour and great store of gifts. This liked him not, and he forsook it, and passing through the [[air]] descended at the isle of Kāra, which is over against the [[island]] of [[Nāga]] 2. At that time, Kāradīpa was named Ahidīpa, the Isle of {{Wiki|Snakes}}. There he built him an [[hermitage]] beside a great [[kāra-tree]], and dwelt in it. But that he dwelt there no man knew. |
− | Now his sister went searching for her brother, and in due course came to the kingdom of Damiḷa, saw him not, yet dwelt in the very place where he dwelt, but could not induce the mystic ecstasy. The Great Being was so contented that he went no whither, but at the time of fruit fed upon the fruit of that tree, and at time of putting forth of leaves fed on its leaves sprinkled with water. By the [[Fire]] of his [[Virtue]] [[Sakka]]'s marble throne became hot. "Who would bring me down from my place?" [[Thought]] [[Sakka]], and considering, he beheld the wise man. "Why is it," [[Thought]] he, "yon [[Ascetic]] guards his [[Virtue]]? Is it that he aspires to [[Sakka]]-hood, or for some other cause? I will test him. The man lives in misery, eats kāra-leaves sprinkled with water: if he [[Desires]] to become [[Sakka]], he will give me his own sodden leaves; but if not, then he will not give them." Then in the guise of a [[Brahmin]] he went to the [[Bodhisatta]]. | + | Now his sister went searching for her brother, and in due course came to the {{Wiki|kingdom}} of Damiḷa, saw him not, yet dwelt in the very place where he dwelt, but could not induce the [[mystic]] [[ecstasy]]. The [[Great Being]] was so contented that he went no whither, but at the time of fruit fed upon the fruit of that [[tree]], and at time of putting forth of leaves fed on its leaves sprinkled with [[water]]. By the [[Fire]] of his [[Virtue]] [[Sakka]]'s marble [[throne]] became [[hot]]. "Who would bring me down from my place?" [[Thought]] [[Sakka]], and considering, he beheld the [[wise]] man. "Why is it," [[Thought]] he, "yon [[Ascetic]] guards his [[Virtue]]? Is it that he aspires to [[Sakka]]-hood, or for some other [[cause]]? I will test him. The man [[lives]] in [[misery]], eats [[kāra-leaves]] sprinkled with [[water]]: if he [[Desires]] to become [[Sakka]], he will give me his [[own]] sodden leaves; but if not, then he will not give them." Then in the guise of a [[Brahmin]] he went to the [[Bodhisatta]]. |
− | The [[Bodhisatta]] sat at the door of his leaf-hut, having sodden the leaves and laid them down: "When they are cool," [[Thought]] he, "I will eat them." At that moment [[Sakka]] stood before him, [[Craving]] an alms. When the Great Being beheld him, he was glad at [[Heart]]; "A [[Blessing]] for me," he [[Thought]], "I see a beggar; this day I shall attain the [[Desire]] of my [[Heart]] [239], and I shall give an alms." When the [[Food]] was ready, he took it in his bowl at once, and advancing towards [[Sakka]], said to him, "This is my gift: be it the means of my gaining omniscience!" Then without leaving any for himself, he laid the [[Food]] in the other's bowl. The [[Brahmin]] took it, and moving a short way off disappeared. But the Great Being, having given his gift, cooked no more again, but sat still in [[Joy]] and blessedness. Next day he cooked again, and sat as before at | + | The [[Bodhisatta]] sat at the door of his leaf-hut, having sodden the leaves and laid them down: "When they are cool," [[Thought]] he, "I will eat them." At that [[moment]] [[Sakka]] stood before him, [[Craving]] an [[alms]]. When the [[Great Being]] beheld him, he was glad at [[Heart]]; "A [[Blessing]] for me," he [[Thought]], "I see a {{Wiki|beggar}}; this day I shall attain the [[Desire]] of my [[Heart]] [239], and I shall give an [[alms]]." When the [[Food]] was ready, he took it in his [[bowl]] at once, and advancing towards [[Sakka]], said to him, "This is my [[gift]]: be it the means of my gaining [[omniscience]]!" Then without leaving any for himself, he laid the [[Food]] in the other's [[bowl]]. The [[Brahmin]] took it, and moving a short way off disappeared. But the [[Great Being]], having given his [[gift]], cooked no more again, but sat still in [[Joy]] and blessedness. Next day he cooked again, and sat as before at |
p. 151 | p. 151 | ||
[[File:Tat-wale-baba-2.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Tat-wale-baba-2.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | the entering in of the hut. Again [[Sakka]] came in the semblance of a [[Brahmin]], and again the Great Being gave him the meal, and continued in [[Joy]] and blessedness. On the third day again he gave as before, saying, "See what a [[Blessing]] for me! A few kāra-leaves have begotten great [[Merit]] for me." Thus in heartfelt [[Joy]], weak as he was for want of [[Food]] for three days, he came out of his hut at noontide and sat in the door, reflecting upon the gift which he had given. And [[Sakka]] [[Thought]]: "This [[Brahmin]] [[Fasting]] for three days, weak as he is, yet gives to me, and takes [[Joy]] in his giving. There is no other meaning in his thoughts; I do not understand what it is he [[Desires]] and why he gives these gifts, so I must ask him, and find out his meaning, and learn the cause of his giving." Accordingly he waited till past midday, and in great glory and magnificence came to the Great Being blazing like the young sun; and standing before him, put to him the question: "Ho, [[Ascetic]]! why do you practise the [[Ascetic]] [[Life]] in this forest, surrounded by the salt sea, with hot winds beating upon you?" | + | the entering in of the hut. Again [[Sakka]] came in the semblance of a [[Brahmin]], and again the [[Great Being]] gave him the meal, and continued in [[Joy]] and blessedness. On the third day again he gave as before, saying, "See what a [[Blessing]] for me! A few [[kāra-leaves]] have begotten great [[Merit]] for me." Thus in heartfelt [[Joy]], weak as he was for want of [[Food]] for three days, he came out of his hut at noontide and sat in the door, {{Wiki|reflecting}} upon the [[gift]] which he had given. And [[Sakka]] [[Thought]]: "This [[Brahmin]] [[Fasting]] for three days, weak as he is, yet gives to me, and takes [[Joy]] in his giving. There is no other meaning in his [[thoughts]]; I do not understand what it is he [[Desires]] and why he gives these gifts, so I must ask him, and find out his meaning, and learn the [[cause]] of his giving." Accordingly he waited till {{Wiki|past}} midday, and in great glory and magnificence came to the [[Great Being]] blazing like the young {{Wiki|sun}}; and [[standing]] before him, put to him the question: "Ho, [[Ascetic]]! why do you practise the [[Ascetic]] [[Life]] in this {{Wiki|forest}}, surrounded by the [[salt]] sea, with [[hot]] [[winds]] beating upon you?" |
− | To make clear this matter, the Master repeated the first stanza: | + | To make clear this {{Wiki|matter}}, the [[Master]] repeated the first [[stanza]]: |
− | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of beings, saw [[Akitti]] honouréd: | + | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of [[beings]], saw [[Akitti]] honouréd: |
"Why, O great [[Brahmin]], do you rest here in the heat?" he said." | "Why, O great [[Brahmin]], do you rest here in the heat?" he said." | ||
− | When the Great Being heard this, and perceived that it was [[Sakka]], he answered and said to him, "Those Attainments I do not crave; but [[Craving]] for omniscience I live the [[Life]] of a recluse." To make this clear, he recited the second stanza: | + | When the [[Great Being]] heard this, and [[perceived]] that it was [[Sakka]], he answered and said to him, "Those [[Attainments]] I do not [[crave]]; but [[Craving]] for [[omniscience]] I live the [[Life]] of a [[recluse]]." To make this clear, he recited the second [[stanza]]: |
[240] | [240] | ||
− | "[[Re-Birth]], the [[Body]]'s breaking up, [[Death]], error—all is pain: | + | "[[Re-Birth]], the [[Body]]'s breaking up, [[Death]], error—all is [[pain]]: |
− | Therefore, O [[Sakka]] Vāsava! I here in peace remain." | + | Therefore, O [[Sakka]] [[Vāsava]]! I here in [[peace]] remain." |
− | Hearing these words, [[Sakka]] was pleased in his [[Heart]], and [[Thought]] "He is dissatisfied with all kinds of being, and for [[Nirvana]]'s sake dwells in the forest. I will offer him a boon." Then he invited him to choose a boon in the words of the third stanza: | + | Hearing these words, [[Sakka]] was [[pleased]] in his [[Heart]], and [[Thought]] "He is dissatisfied with all kinds of being, and for [[Nirvana]]'s [[sake]] dwells in the {{Wiki|forest}}. I will offer him a boon." Then he invited him to choose a boon in the words of the third [[stanza]]: |
− | "Fair spoken, Kassapa, well put, most excellently said: | + | "Fair spoken, [[Kassapa]], well put, most excellently said: |
Choose now a boon—as bids your [[Heart]], so let the choice be made 1." | Choose now a boon—as bids your [[Heart]], so let the choice be made 1." | ||
− | The Great Being repeated the fourth stanza, choosing his boon: | + | The [[Great Being]] repeated the fourth [[stanza]], choosing his boon: |
[[File:Sariputra45.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Sariputra45.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of beings all, has offered me a boon, 2 | + | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of [[beings]] all, has [[offered]] me a boon, 2 |
− | Son, wife or treasure, grain in store, content not tho’ possessed: | + | Son, wife or [[treasure]], grain in store, content not tho’ possessed: |
− | I pray no lust for such as these may harbour in my breast." | + | I pray no [[lust]] for such as these may harbour in my {{Wiki|breast}}." |
p. 152 | p. 152 | ||
− | Then [[Sakka]], much pleased, offered yet other boons, and the Great Being accepted them, each in turn repeating a stanza as follows: | + | Then [[Sakka]], much [[pleased]], [[offered]] yet other boons, and the [[Great Being]] accepted them, each in turn repeating a [[stanza]] as follows: |
− | "Fair spoken, Kassapa, well put, most excellently said: | + | "Fair spoken, [[Kassapa]], well put, most excellently said: |
Choose now a boon—as bids your [[Heart]], so let the choice be made." | Choose now a boon—as bids your [[Heart]], so let the choice be made." | ||
− | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of beings all, has offered me a boon. | + | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of [[beings]] all, has [[offered]] me a boon. |
− | Lands, goods, and gold, slaves, [[Horse]], and kine, grow old and pass away: | + | Lands, goods, and {{Wiki|gold}}, slaves, [[Horse]], and kine, grow old and pass away: |
May I be not like them, nor be this fault in me, I pray." | May I be not like them, nor be this fault in me, I pray." | ||
"Fair spoken, "etc. | "Fair spoken, "etc. | ||
− | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of all the [[World]], has offered me a boon. | + | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of all the [[World]], has [[offered]] me a boon. |
May I not see or hear a fool, nor no such dwell with me, | May I not see or hear a fool, nor no such dwell with me, | ||
Nor hold no converse with a fool, nor like his company." | Nor hold no converse with a fool, nor like his company." | ||
− | [241]"What has a fool e’er done to you, O Kassapa, declare! | + | [241]"What has a fool e’er done to you, O [[Kassapa]], declare! |
Come tell me why fools' company is more than you can bear?" | Come tell me why fools' company is more than you can bear?" | ||
[[File:Teaching-buddha.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Teaching-buddha.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
"The fool does wickedly, binds loads on him that none should bear, | "The fool does wickedly, binds loads on him that none should bear, | ||
− | Ill-doing is his good, and he is wroth when spoken fair, | + | Ill-doing is his good, and he is [[wroth]] when spoken fair, |
− | Knows not right conduct; this is why I would have no fool there." | + | [[Knows]] not [[right conduct]]; this is why I would have no fool there." |
− | "Fair spoken, Kassapa," etc. | + | "Fair spoken, [[Kassapa]]," etc. |
− | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of beings all, has offered me a boon. | + | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of [[beings]] all, has [[offered]] me a boon. |
− | Be it mine the wise to see and hear, and may he dwell with me, | + | Be it mine the [[wise]] to see and hear, and may he dwell with me, |
− | May I hold converse with the wise, and [[Love]] his company." | + | May I hold converse with the [[wise]], and [[Love]] his company." |
− | "What has the wise man done to you, O Kassapa, declare! | + | "What has the [[wise]] man done to you, O [[Kassapa]], declare! |
− | Why do you wish that where you are, the wise man should be there? | + | Why do you wish that where you are, the [[wise]] man should be there? |
− | The wise does well, no burden binds on him that none should bear, | + | The [[wise]] does well, no [[burden]] binds on him that none should bear, |
− | Well-doing is his good, nor is he wroth when spoken fair, | + | Well-doing is his good, nor is he [[wroth]] when spoken fair, |
− | Knows well right conduct; this is why ’tis well he should be there." | + | [[Knows]] well [[right conduct]]; this is why ’tis well he should be there." |
− | "Fair spoken, Kassapa," etc. | + | "Fair spoken, [[Kassapa]]," etc. |
− | [[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of beings all, has offered me a boon. | + | [[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of [[beings]] all, has [[offered]] me a boon. |
− | May I be free from lusts, and when the sun begins to shine | + | May I be free from lusts, and when the {{Wiki|sun}} begins to shine |
− | May holy mendicants appear, and grant me [[Food]] divine; | + | May {{Wiki|holy}} {{Wiki|mendicants}} appear, and grant me [[Food]] [[divine]]; |
− | "May this not dwindle as I give, nor I repent the deed, | + | "May this not dwindle as I give, nor I [[repent]] the [[deed]], |
But be my [[Heart]] in giving glad: this choose I for my meed." | But be my [[Heart]] in giving glad: this choose I for my meed." | ||
− | "Fair spoken, Kassapa, well put, most excellently said: | + | "Fair spoken, [[Kassapa]], well put, most excellently said: |
Choose now a boon—as bids your [[Heart]], so let the choice be made." | Choose now a boon—as bids your [[Heart]], so let the choice be made." | ||
− | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of beings all, to me a boon he gave:— | + | "[[Sakka]], the [[Lord]] of [[beings]] all, to me a boon he gave:— |
− | O [[Sakka]], visit me no more: this boon is all I crave." | + | O [[Sakka]], visit me no more: this boon is all I [[crave]]." |
"But many men and women too of those who live aright | "But many men and women too of those who live aright | ||
− | [[Desire]] to see me: can there be a danger in the sight?" | + | [[Desire]] to see me: can there be a [[danger]] in the [[sight]]?" |
− | "Such is thy aspect all divine, such glory and delight, | + | "Such is thy aspect all [[divine]], such glory and [[delight]], |
− | This seen, I may forget my vows: this danger has the sight." | + | This seen, I may forget my [[vows]]: this [[danger]] has the [[sight]]." |
− | [242]"Well, Sir," said [[Sakka]], "I will never visit you more" ; and so saluting him, and [[Craving]] his pardon, [[Sakka]] departed. The Great Being then dwelt all his [[Life]] long, cultivating the Excellences, and was born again in the [[World]] of [[Brahma]]. | + | [242]"Well, Sir," said [[Sakka]], "I will never visit you more" ; and so saluting him, and [[Craving]] his pardon, [[Sakka]] departed. The [[Great Being]] then dwelt all his [[Life]] long, [[cultivating]] the Excellences, and was born again in the [[World]] of [[Brahma]]. |
− | The Master, having completed this discourse, identified the Birth: "At that time [[Anuruddha]] was [[Sakka]], and I myself was the wise [[Akitti]]." | + | The [[Master]], having completed this [[discourse]], identified the [[Birth]]: "At that time [[Anuruddha]] was [[Sakka]], and I myself was the [[wise]] [[Akitti]]." |
Footnotes | Footnotes | ||
Line 117: | Line 117: | ||
149:2 Cf. vol. iii. p. 39 (no. 313). | 149:2 Cf. vol. iii. p. 39 (no. 313). | ||
− | 150:1 The Malabar coast or Northern Ceylon. | + | 150:1 The Malabar coast or [[Northern]] [[Ceylon]]. |
− | 150:2 Near Ceylon, or part of it. | + | 150:2 Near [[Ceylon]], or part of it. |
151:1 This couplet has already been given: see p. 7, above. | 151:1 This couplet has already been given: see p. 7, above. |
Revision as of 13:40, 31 January 2016
No. 480.
AKITTA-JĀTAKA.
"Sakka, the Lord of beings," etc.—This story the Master told while dwelling in Jetavana, about a generous donor who lived in Sāvatthi. This man, so it is said, invited the Master, and for seven days gave many gifts to the company which followed with him; on the last day he presented the company of the Saints with all things necessary for them. Then said the
p. 149
[paragraph continues] Master, rendering thanks to him, "Lay Brother, great is thy Generosity: a thing most difficult thou hast done. This custom of giving is the custom of wise men of old. Gifts must be given, be ye in the World, be ye in retirement from the World; the wise men of old, even when they had left the World and dwelt in the woodland, when they had to eat but Kāra 1 leaves sprinkled with water, without salt or spice [237], yet gave to all beggars that passed by to serve their need, and themselves lived on their own Joy and blessedness." The man answered, "Sir, this giving of all necessary things to the company is clear enough, but what you say is not clear. Will you not explain it to us?" Then the Master at his request told a story of the past.
Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta was king in Benares, the Bodhisatta was born in the family of a Brahmin magnate, whose Fortune amounted to eighty crores. They named him Akitti. When the time came he was able to walk, a sister was born, and they gave her the name Yasavatī. The Great Being proceeded at the age of sixteen years to Benares, where he completed his education and then returned. After that his mother and father died. He had performed all that behoves for the Spirits of the dead, and was inspecting his treasure 2: "So and so," ran the catalogue, "laid up so much and died, such another so much." Hearing this he was disturbed in his Mind, and Thought, "This treasure is here for all to see, but they that gathered it are no more seen: they have all gone and left the treasure behind them, but when I pass away I will take it with me." So sending for his sister, he said, "Take charge of this treasure." "What is your own intent?" she asked. He replied, "To become an Ascetic." "Dear one," she answered, "I will not take on my head that which you have spewed out of your mouth; I will have none of it, but I also will become an Ascetic." Then having asked leave of the king, he caused the drum to beat all about the city, and proclamation to be made: "Oyez! Let all those who wish for money repair to the wise man's house!" For seven days he distributed great store of alms, and yet the treasure did not come to an end. Then he Thought to himself, "The elements of my being waste away, and what do I want with this treasure-game? Let those who Desire it, take." Then he opened wide the doors of the house, saying, "’Tis a gift; let the people take it." So leaving the house with all its gold and precious metal, with his kinsfolk weeping around, he and his sister departed. And the gate of Benares by which they went was called Akitti's Gate, and the landing-stage by which they went down to the river, this also was called the Quay of Akitti.
Three leagues he traversed, and there in a pleasant spot made a hut of leaves and branches, and with his sister lived in it as an Ascetic [238].
p. 150
[paragraph continues] After the time of his retiring from the World, many others also did the same, villagers, townsfolk, citizens of the royal city; great was the company of them, great the gifts and the honour they received; it was like to the arising of a Buddha. Then the Great Being Thought within himself, "Here is great honour and store of alms, here is a great company, yea passing great, but I ought to dwell alone." So at a time when no man expected, without even warning his sister, alone he departed, and by and by came to the kingdom Damiḷa 1, where dwelling in a park over against Kāvīrapaṭṭana, he cultivated a mystic ecstasy and the supernatural Faculties. There also he received much honour and great store of gifts. This liked him not, and he forsook it, and passing through the air descended at the isle of Kāra, which is over against the island of Nāga 2. At that time, Kāradīpa was named Ahidīpa, the Isle of Snakes. There he built him an hermitage beside a great kāra-tree, and dwelt in it. But that he dwelt there no man knew.
Now his sister went searching for her brother, and in due course came to the kingdom of Damiḷa, saw him not, yet dwelt in the very place where he dwelt, but could not induce the mystic ecstasy. The Great Being was so contented that he went no whither, but at the time of fruit fed upon the fruit of that tree, and at time of putting forth of leaves fed on its leaves sprinkled with water. By the Fire of his Virtue Sakka's marble throne became hot. "Who would bring me down from my place?" Thought Sakka, and considering, he beheld the wise man. "Why is it," Thought he, "yon Ascetic guards his Virtue? Is it that he aspires to Sakka-hood, or for some other cause? I will test him. The man lives in misery, eats kāra-leaves sprinkled with water: if he Desires to become Sakka, he will give me his own sodden leaves; but if not, then he will not give them." Then in the guise of a Brahmin he went to the Bodhisatta.
The Bodhisatta sat at the door of his leaf-hut, having sodden the leaves and laid them down: "When they are cool," Thought he, "I will eat them." At that moment Sakka stood before him, Craving an alms. When the Great Being beheld him, he was glad at Heart; "A Blessing for me," he Thought, "I see a beggar; this day I shall attain the Desire of my Heart [239], and I shall give an alms." When the Food was ready, he took it in his bowl at once, and advancing towards Sakka, said to him, "This is my gift: be it the means of my gaining omniscience!" Then without leaving any for himself, he laid the Food in the other's bowl. The Brahmin took it, and moving a short way off disappeared. But the Great Being, having given his gift, cooked no more again, but sat still in Joy and blessedness. Next day he cooked again, and sat as before at
p. 151
the entering in of the hut. Again Sakka came in the semblance of a Brahmin, and again the Great Being gave him the meal, and continued in Joy and blessedness. On the third day again he gave as before, saying, "See what a Blessing for me! A few kāra-leaves have begotten great Merit for me." Thus in heartfelt Joy, weak as he was for want of Food for three days, he came out of his hut at noontide and sat in the door, reflecting upon the gift which he had given. And Sakka Thought: "This Brahmin Fasting for three days, weak as he is, yet gives to me, and takes Joy in his giving. There is no other meaning in his thoughts; I do not understand what it is he Desires and why he gives these gifts, so I must ask him, and find out his meaning, and learn the cause of his giving." Accordingly he waited till past midday, and in great glory and magnificence came to the Great Being blazing like the young sun; and standing before him, put to him the question: "Ho, Ascetic! why do you practise the Ascetic Life in this forest, surrounded by the salt sea, with hot winds beating upon you?"
To make clear this matter, the Master repeated the first stanza:
"Sakka, the Lord of beings, saw Akitti honouréd:
"Why, O great Brahmin, do you rest here in the heat?" he said."
When the Great Being heard this, and perceived that it was Sakka, he answered and said to him, "Those Attainments I do not crave; but Craving for omniscience I live the Life of a recluse." To make this clear, he recited the second stanza:
[240]
"Re-Birth, the Body's breaking up, Death, error—all is pain:
Therefore, O Sakka Vāsava! I here in peace remain."
Hearing these words, Sakka was pleased in his Heart, and Thought "He is dissatisfied with all kinds of being, and for Nirvana's sake dwells in the forest. I will offer him a boon." Then he invited him to choose a boon in the words of the third stanza:
"Fair spoken, Kassapa, well put, most excellently said:
Choose now a boon—as bids your Heart, so let the choice be made 1."
The Great Being repeated the fourth stanza, choosing his boon:
"Sakka, the Lord of beings all, has offered me a boon, 2
Son, wife or treasure, grain in store, content not tho’ possessed:
I pray no lust for such as these may harbour in my breast."
p. 152
Then Sakka, much pleased, offered yet other boons, and the Great Being accepted them, each in turn repeating a stanza as follows:
"Fair spoken, Kassapa, well put, most excellently said:
Choose now a boon—as bids your Heart, so let the choice be made."
"Sakka, the Lord of beings all, has offered me a boon.
Lands, goods, and gold, slaves, Horse, and kine, grow old and pass away:
May I be not like them, nor be this fault in me, I pray."
"Fair spoken, "etc.
"Sakka, the Lord of all the World, has offered me a boon.
May I not see or hear a fool, nor no such dwell with me,
Nor hold no converse with a fool, nor like his company."
[241]"What has a fool e’er done to you, O Kassapa, declare!
Come tell me why fools' company is more than you can bear?"
"The fool does wickedly, binds loads on him that none should bear,
Ill-doing is his good, and he is wroth when spoken fair,
Knows not right conduct; this is why I would have no fool there."
"Fair spoken, Kassapa," etc.
"Sakka, the Lord of beings all, has offered me a boon.
Be it mine the wise to see and hear, and may he dwell with me,
May I hold converse with the wise, and Love his company."
"What has the wise man done to you, O Kassapa, declare!
Why do you wish that where you are, the wise man should be there?
The wise does well, no burden binds on him that none should bear,
Well-doing is his good, nor is he wroth when spoken fair,
Knows well right conduct; this is why ’tis well he should be there."
"Fair spoken, Kassapa," etc.
Sakka, the Lord of beings all, has offered me a boon.
May I be free from lusts, and when the sun begins to shine
May holy mendicants appear, and grant me Food divine;
"May this not dwindle as I give, nor I repent the deed,
But be my Heart in giving glad: this choose I for my meed."
"Fair spoken, Kassapa, well put, most excellently said:
Choose now a boon—as bids your Heart, so let the choice be made."
"Sakka, the Lord of beings all, to me a boon he gave:—
O Sakka, visit me no more: this boon is all I crave."
"But many men and women too of those who live aright
Desire to see me: can there be a danger in the sight?"
"Such is thy aspect all divine, such glory and delight,
This seen, I may forget my vows: this danger has the sight."
[242]"Well, Sir," said Sakka, "I will never visit you more" ; and so saluting him, and Craving his pardon, Sakka departed. The Great Being then dwelt all his Life long, cultivating the Excellences, and was born again in the World of Brahma.
The Master, having completed this discourse, identified the Birth: "At that time Anuruddha was Sakka, and I myself was the wise Akitti."
Footnotes
148:1 Reading tain bodhim.
149:1 Canthium parviflorum.
149:2 Cf. vol. iii. p. 39 (no. 313).
150:1 The Malabar coast or Northern Ceylon.
150:2 Near Ceylon, or part of it.
151:1 This couplet has already been given: see p. 7, above.
151:2 See p: 7.