Mahavanija Jataka, Mahāvānija-jātaka: 1 definition
Introduction:
Mahavanija 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 NamesMahavanija Jataka Mahavanija Jataka (No. 493)
A company of merchants once went astray in the forest without food or water, and, seeing a huge banyan tree with moist branches, they out off a branch and water poured out, from another branch came food, from another a company of girls, and from the fourth various precious things. Overcome by greed, they wished to cut the tree from its roots in order to get more. Their leader, the Bodhisatta, tried to prevent this, but they refused to listen. Then the Naga king who lived in the tree, ordered his followers to slay all the merchants except the leader. Him the Nagas escorted to his home with all the treasures.
The story was told in reference to a company of merchants from Savatthi, followers of the Buddha, who had a similar experience. But having moderate desires, they made no attempt to cut down the tree. Then they returned to Savatthi, and, offering some of the precious things to the Buddha, made over the merit thereof to the deity of the tree. The Buddha praised them for their moderation. Sariputta is identified with the Naga king. J.iv.350ff.
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.
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