Susima Jataka, Susīma-jātaka: 1 definition
Introduction:
Susima 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 Names1. Susima Jataka (No. 163). Susima was king of Benares, and the Bodhisatta was his chaplains son. The chaplain had been master of ceremonies in the kings elephant festival, and, as a result, had amassed great wealth. He died when his son was sixteen. Soon after, another elephant festival came round, and other brahmins obtained the kings consent to be in charge of the ceremonies on the plea that the chaplains son was too young. When but four days remained before the festival, the Bodhisatta found his mother weeping. She explained that for seven successive generations their family had managed the elephant festival and that she felt the change deeply. The Bodhisatta discovered that a teacher expert in elephant lore lived in Takkasila, two thousand yojanas away. He comforted his mother and proceeded to Takkasila, reaching it in a single day. There he paid his fee of one thousand pieces to the teacher and explained the urgency of his mission. In one night the teacher taught him the three Vedas and the elephant lore, and the pupil could even excel his teacher in knowledge. The next morning he left early for Benares and reached it in one day.
On the day of the festival the Bodhisatta went in all his array before the king, and protested against the alienation of his rights. He challenged anyone to show his superiority over him in elephant lore, and nobody could be found to do so. The king then appointed him to conduct the ceremonies.
The story was related in reference to an attempt on the part of the heretics to prevent the people of Savatthi from giving alms to the Buddha. All the people of the city made a collection to hold an almsgiving, but they were divided in their allegiance, some wishing to entertain the Buddha, others favouring heretical teachers. A vote was passed, and the majority were found to be in favour of the Buddha. For a whole week alms were given on a lavish scale, and, at the end of the week, the Buddha pronounced a benediction.
Ananda is identified with Susima, Sariputta with the teacher, Mahamaya with the Bodhisattas mother, and Suddhodana with his father. J.ii.45-50.
2. Susima Jataka (No. 411). The Bodhisatta was born as son of the chaplain of the king of Benares and was called Susima. The kings son, born on the same day, was called Brahmadatta. Together they grew up, and then studied under the same teacher in Takkasila. Later Brahmadatta became king and Susima his chaplain. One day, when Susima was taking part in a procession with the king, the queen mother saw him and fell desperately in love with him. The king, discovering this, made Susima king in his place and the queen mother Susimas queen. But Susima soon tired of royalty, and after establishing Brahmadatta once more on the throne, returned to the Himalaya in spite of his wifes protests. There he became an ascetic.
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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Search found 2 books and stories containing Susima Jataka, Susīma-jātaka; (plurals include: Susima 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 411: Susīma-jātaka < [Volume 3]
Jataka 163: Susīma-jātaka < [Book II - Dukanipāta]
Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita (by Nayana Sharma)
Teacher-Student Relationship < [Chapter 3]