Tundila Jataka, Tuṇḍila-jātaka: 1 definition

Introduction:

Tundila 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)

[«previous next»] — Tundila Jataka in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

The Bodhisatta was once born as a pig and had a brother. They were adopted by an old woman of a village near Benares and were called Mahatundila and Cullatundila.

The woman loved them like her own children and refused to sell them, but, one day, some lewd men made her drunk and she agreed to sell Cullatundila. When Cullatundila discovered this, he ran to his brother, but the latter preached to him how it was the fate of pigs to be slaughtered for their flesh; he should, therefore, meet his death bravely. All Benares heard the Bodhisattas preaching, and flocked to the spot. The king adopted the pigs as his sons and Mahatundila was appointed to the seat of judgment. On the kings death, he wrote a book of law for the guidance of future generations.

The story was related in reference to a monk who was in constant terror of the thought of death. The monk was identified with Cullatundila (J.iii.286ff).

It is said (DhA.i.83) that the lewd men were identical with the Bhaddavaggiya. Having heard Mahatundila preach the five precepts, they observed them for sixty thousand years, hence their attainment of arahantship as in their last birth.

Mahatundilas preaching is referred to as the Tundilovada.

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).

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