Maha Assaroha Jataka, Mahā-assāroha-jātaka: 1 definition

Introduction:

Maha Assaroha 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»] — Maha Assaroha Jataka in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

The Bodhisatta was once king of Benares, and having been defeated in some frontier disturbance, he fled on his horse till he reached a certain village. At sight of him all the people disappeared except one man, who made enquiries, and, on finding that he was no rebel, took him home and entertained him with great honour, looking well after his horse. When the king left, he told the man that his name was Maha Assaroha, and asked him to visit his home if ever he should be in the city. On reaching the city himself, he gave orders to the gate keepers that if anyone should come enquiring for Maha Assaroha, he should be brought at once to the palace. Time passed and the man failed to appear. The king, therefore, constantly increased the taxes of the village, until the villagers asked their neighbour to visit his friend Maha Assaroha and try to obtain some relief. So he prepared presents for Maha Assaroha and his wife, and taking a cake baked in his own house he set forth. Arrived at the city gates, he was conducted by the gate keeper to the palace. There the king accepted his presents, showed him all the honours due to a king, and, in the end, gave him half of his kingdom. When the ministers complained, through the medium of the kings son, that a mere villager had been exalted to the rank of king, the Bodhisatta explained that real friends who help one in time of adversity should be paid every honour.

The story was related in reference to the good offices of Ananda, who is identified with the villager. J.iii.8 13.

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).

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