Cakkavaka Jataka, Cakkavāka-jātaka: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Cakkavaka Jataka means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Cakkavaka Jataka in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

1. Cakkavaka Jataka (No.434) - A greedy crow, dissatisfied with the fish from the Ganges, flew to the Himalaya and there, seeing two golden coloured geese (cakkavaka), asked what they fed on that they should be so beautiful. The geese replied that not food but character made people comely; the crow was too greedy ever to be beautiful.

The story was told in reference to a greedy monk who went from house to house in search of dainty food, frequenting the dwellings of the rich. The monk is identified with the crow. J.iii.520-4; cf. Kaka Jataka.

2. Cakkavaka Jataka (No.451) - Similar to the above. The reason given for the colour of the crow was that his heart was full of fear and sin and that he had done evil in past lives. The greedy monk always went about looking for invitations. J.iv.70-2.

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Discover the meaning of cakkavaka jataka in the context of Theravada from relevant books on Exotic India

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