Gangamala Jataka, Gaṅgamāla-jātaka: 1 definition
Introduction:
Gangamala 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 once took service under Suciparivara of Benares, in whose household everyone kept the fast on uposatha days. The Bodhisatta, not knowing this, went to work as usual on the fast day, but, on discovering that no one else was working and the reason for their abstention, he refused to take any food, and as a result of his fasting died in the night. He was reborn as son of the king of Benares, and later became king under the name of Udaya. On meeting Addhamasaka (q.v.), Udaya shared the kingdom with him, but one day Addhamasaka, discovering that he harboured a desire to kill Udaya, renounced his kingdom and became an ascetic. When Udaya heard of this he uttered a stanza, referring to his own past life, but no one could understand the meaning of it. The queen, anxious to learn the meaning, told the kings barber Gangamala how he might win the kings favour, and when the king offered him a boon, Gangamala chose to have the stanza explained to him. When he learnt how Udaya had won a kingdom as a result of having kept the fast for half a day, Gangamala renounced the world and, developing asceticism, became a Pacceka Buddha. Later he visited King Udaya and preached to him and his retinue, addressing the king by name. The queen mother took offence at this and abused Gangamala, but the king begged him to forgive her. Gangamala returned to Gandhamadana, though urged by Udaya to stay in the royal park.
Ananda was Addhamasaka, and Rahulamata was the queen.
The story was related by the Buddha to some lay followers to en courage them in their observance of the Uposatha (J.iii.444ff). Gangamala is mentioned as an example of a man who realised the evils of tanha and renounced desire. E.g., J.iv.174.
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, Gangamala.
Full-text: Gangamala, Upaligangapalanam-jatakam, Suciparivara, Gandhamadana, Addhamasaka, Upaka.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Gangamala Jataka, Gaṅgamāla-jātaka; (plurals include: Gangamala 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 421: Gaṅgamāla-jātaka < [Volume 3]