Mahanaradakassapa Jataka, Mahānāradakassapa-jātaka: 1 definition

Introduction
In Buddhism
1. Theravada
See also

Introduction:

Mahanaradakassapa 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 Names

Angati, king of Mithila in Videha, is a good ruler. One full moon night he consults his ministers as to how they shall amuse themselves. Alata suggests new conquests; Sunama suggests that they shall seek pleasure in dance, song and music; but Vijaya recommends that they shall visit some samana or brahmin. Angati falls in with the views of Vijaya, and in great state goes to Guna of the Kassapagotta, an ascetic who lives in the park near the city. Guna preaches to him that there is no fruit, good or evil, in the moral life; there is no other world than this, no strength, no courage; all beings are predestined and follow their course like the ship her stern. Alata approves of the views of Guna; he remembers how, in his past life, he was a wicked councillor called Pingala; from there he was born in the family of a general, and now he is a minister. A slave, Bijaka, who is present, can remember his past life and says he was once Bhavasetthi in Saketa, virtuous and generous, but he is now the son of a prostitute. Even now he gives away half his food to any in need, but see how destitute he is!

Angati is convinced that Gindas doctrine is correct, and resolves to find delight only in pleasure. He gives orders that he shall not be disturbed in his palace; Candaka, his minister, is deputed to look after the kingdom. Fourteen days pass in this manner. Then the kings only child, his beloved daughter Ruja, comes to him arrayed in splendour, attended by her maidens, and asks for one thousand to be given the next day to mendicants. Angati protests; he will deny his daughter no pleasure or luxury, but has learnt too much to approve of her squandering money on charity or wasting her energy in keeping the fasts.

Ruja is at first amazed, then tells her father that his councillors are fools, they have not taken reckoning of the whole of their past, but remember only one birth or two; they cannot therefore judge. She herself remembers several births; in one she was a smith in Rajagaha and committed adultery, but that sin remained hidden, like fire covered with ashes, and she was born as a rich merchants only son in Kosambi. There she engaged in good works, but, because of previous deeds, she was born after death in the Roruva niraya and then as a castrated goat in Bhennakata. In her next birth she was a monkey, and then an ox among the Dasannas; then a hermaphrodite among the Vajjians, and later a nymph in Tavatimsa. Once more her good deeds have come round, and hereafter she will be born only among gods and men. Seven births hence she will be a male god in Tavatimsa, and even now the god Java is gathering a garland for her.

All night she preaches in this way to her father, but he remains unconvinced. The Bodhisatta is a Brahma, named Narada Kassapa, and, surveying the world, sees Ruja and Angati engaged in conversation.

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).

Relevant text

Search found 2 books and stories containing Mahanaradakassapa Jataka, Mahānāradakassapa-jātaka; (plurals include: Mahanaradakassapa Jatakas, jātakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Diksa (Initiation) < [Chapter 3 - The Ritualistic Context]

show preview

Jataka 544: Mahānāradakassapa-jātaka < [Volume 6]