In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

The Bodhisatta was minister to the king of Benares. The king had a wild horse called Mahasona. The king was miserly, and one day, when some horse dealers brought horses for sale, he gave orders, unknown to his minister, that Mahasona should be let loose among these horses, and that when he had bitten and weakened them, they should be bought at reduced price. The dealers complained to the minister. After inquiring into the matter, he advised them to bring Suhanu, a very strong horse they had, the next time they visited Benares. This they did, and when Mahasona and Suhanu were confronted with each other they showed great affection, and started licking each other. The king saw this, and was told by his minister that the horses recognized each others virtues. He then warned the king against excessive covetousness.

The story was told in reference to two hot headed monks, both passionate and cruel. One lived in Jetavana and the other in the country. One day the country monk came to Jetavana, and the monks eagerly awaited their quarrel. But when the two monks met they showed great affection. The Buddha explained that this was because of their like nature. J.ii.30-32.

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).

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Jataka, Suhanu.

Full-text: Suhanu, Mahasona, Shona.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Suhanu Jataka, Suhanu-jātaka; (plurals include: Suhanu 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 158: Suhanu-jātaka < [Book II - Dukanipāta]

show preview