Gagga Jataka, Gagga-jātaka: 1 definition
Introduction:
Gagga 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)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper NamesThe Bodhisatta was once a traders son in Kasi. One day during their travels father and son were obliged to take lodging in a hall haunted by a yakkha. In the case of persons occupying this hall, if one of them should happen to sneeze and the other failed, thereupon, to wish him long life, the yakkha was allowed to eat them. This boon had been granted him in return for twelve years services to Vessavana. The two travellers from Kasi took up their abode in the hall for one night, during which the father sneezed. The son, knowing nothing of his danger, said nothing, but on seeing the yakkha preparing to eat him, he guessed the reason and hastened to wish his father long life. The father acted likewise, and the yakkha was foiled in his attempt on their lives. The Bodhisatta, having heard the yakkhas story, established him in the five precepts. The story became known, and the Bodhisatta was given the post of general, while the yakkha was made tax gatherer. In the story the Bodhisatta addresses his father as Gagga.
Once, when the Buddha was preaching, he sneezed, and all around him shouted Long Life, thus interrupting his sermon. The Buddha told them that the custom was superstitious, and forbade them to follow it. On their obeying him, the common people blamed them for their lack of good manners. The Buddha, thereupon, withdrew the injunction and related this story to account for the origin of the custom. (J.ii.15f.; the introductory story is found in Vin.ii.140).
Gagga is identified with Maha Kassapa. J.ii.17.
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).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Jataka, Gagga.
Full-text: Gagga.
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Search found 3 books and stories containing Gagga Jataka, Gagga-jātaka; (plurals include: Gagga Jatakas, jātakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6 (by Robert Chalmers)
Jataka 155: Gagga-jātaka < [Book II - Dukanipāta]
Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga (by T. W. Rhys Davids)
Cullavagga, Khandaka 5, Chapter 33 < [Khandaka 5 - On the Daily Life of the Bhikkhus]
Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story) (by Somadeva)
Appendix 3.1 - Sneezing Salutations < [Appendices]