Supparaka Jataka, Suppāraka-jātaka: 1 definition
Introduction:
Supparaka 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 NamesThe Bodhisatta, named Supparaka, was once a master mariner of Bharukaccha. His eyes were injured by the salt water and he went completely blind. The king appointed him valuer and assessor. One day an elephant was brought before him which was designed to be the state elephant, but, feeling it over with his hands, he condemned it, saying that its dam had dropped it in its youth, injuring its hind feet. He similarly condemned a horse, a chariot, and a blanket for various reasons, all these things having been designed for royal use. All his judgments were verified by the king and found to be correct; but he only gave Supparaka eight pieces of money each time, and so Supparaka left his service in disgust.
Some merchants had commissioned a ship, and, while searching for a captain, thought of Supparaka. When Supparaka refused, saying that he was blind, they replied that blind he might be, but no ship could founder if he were at the helm. After seven days the ship was caught in a storm and Supparaka drove her through various oceans - Khummala, Aggimala, Dadhimala, Nilavannakusamala, Nalamala and Valabhamukha. When he arrived at the last sea he saw that there was no means of rescuing the ship, and so performed an act of Truth. In one day the, ship sailed back to Bharukaccha.
The story was related in reference to the Buddhas perfection of wisdom. J.iv.136-47; cf. Saparaga Jataka in the Jatakamala (No. 14).
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: Supparaka, Jataka.
Full-text: Dadhimala, Bharu, Aggimala, Valabhamukha, Khuramali, Khuramala, Supparaka, Suppara.
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Search found 2 books and stories containing Supparaka Jataka, Suppāraka-jātaka; (plurals include: Supparaka Jatakas, jātakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story) (by Somadeva)
The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6 (by Robert Chalmers)
Jataka 463: Suppāraka-jātaka < [Volume 4]