Kacchapa Jataka, Kacchapa-jātaka: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Kacchapa 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 Names1. Kacchapa Jataka (No. 178) - The story of a tortoise who would not leave the lake where he lived even though all the other tortoises, knowing there would be a drought, swam in time to the neighbouring river. When the drought came, he buried himself in a hole. There he was dug up by the Bodhisatta who was digging for clay, having been born as a potter. The tortoises shell was cracked by the potters spade and he died, having uttered two verses on the folly of clinging too much to things. The Bodhisatta took his body to the village and preached to the villagers.
The story was told to a young man of Savatthi who, when the plague broke out in his house, listened to his parents advice and escaped through a hole in the wall. When the danger was past he returned and rescued the treasure hoarded in the house and, one day, visited the Buddha with many gifts.
Ananda is identified with the tortoise of the story. J.ii.79-81.
2. Kacchapa Jataka (No. 215) - The story of a tortoise who became friendly with two geese living in the Cittakuta mountain. One day the geese invited the tortoise to their abode, and when he agreed they made him hold a stick between his teeth, and seizing the two ends flew away with him. The children of the village, seeing them, started shouting, and the tortoise, being of a talkative nature, opened his mouth to reprimand them and fell near the palace of the king of Benares, crushing himself to death. The Bodhisatta, who was the kings minister, seized the opportunity for admonishing his master, who was an inveterate talker, on the virtues of silence.
The tortoise is identified with Kokalika, in reference to whom the story was related (J.ii.175-8; repeated also in DhA.iv.91f). For details see the Mahatakkari Jataka.
3. Kacchapa Jataka (No. 273) - The story of how a monkey insulted a tortoise by introducing his private parts into the tortoise as the latter lay basking in the sun with his mouth open. The tortoise caught hold of the monkey and refused to release him. The monkey went for help, and the Bodhisatta, who was an ascetic in a hermitage near by, saw the monkey carrying the tortoise. The Bodhisatta persuaded the tortoise to release the monkey.
The story was related in reference to the quarrelsome ministers of the king of Kosala. J.ii.359-61.
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, Kacchapa.
Full-text: Bahubhani Jataka, Kancanaguha, Kondanna, Kokalika.
Relevant text
Search found 4 books and stories containing Kacchapa Jataka, Kacchapa-jātaka; (plurals include: Kacchapa Jatakas, jātakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Mahavastu (great story) (by J. J. Jones)
The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6 (by Robert Chalmers)
Jataka 273: Kacchapa-jātaka < [Book III - Tika-Nipāta]
Jataka 215: Kacchapa-jātaka < [Book II - Dukanipāta]
Jataka 178: Kacchapa-jātaka < [Book II - Dukanipāta]
Settlement in Early Historic Ganga Plain (by Chirantani Das)
Part 4 - Urban features of ancient Vārāṇasī < [Chapter VIII - Vārāṇasī–Sārnāth: Inter-Settlement Relations]
Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story) (by Somadeva)
Chapter LX < [Book X - Śaktiyaśas]