Asitabhu Jataka, Asitābhu-jātaka: 1 definition
Introduction:
Asitabhu 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 was once a holy ascetic living in the Himalaya. At that time the king of Benares, growing jealous of his son Prince Brahmadatta, banished both him and his wife, Asitabhu. They went to the Himalaya and lived in a hut of leaves. One day the prince, becoming enamoured of a Candakinnari, followed her, forsaking his wife. (The kinnaris name was Canda, see Canda 9). Asitabhu went to the Bodhisatta and, having developed various superhuman powers, returned to her hut. Brahmadatta, having failed in his quest, returned to the hut where he found his wife poised in mid air uttering songs of joy over her newfound freedom. When she left, he lived in solitude till, at his fathers death, he succeeded to the throne.
The story was told in reference to a young girl, the daughter of a servitor of the two chief disciples. She was married, but finding her husband neglectful of her, visited the two Chief Disciples. Under their instruction she attained the First Fruit of the Path and embraced the religious life, ultimately becoming an arahant.
She was Asitabhu in the previous birth (J.ii.229ff).
The story is referred to in the Vibhanga Commentary (p.470f) in connection with a King of Benares who, having gone into the forest with his queen to eat roast flesh, fell in love with a kinnari and deserted his wife. When he returned to his queen he found her flying through the air away from him, having developed iddhi powers. A tree sprite then uttered a stanza, citing the example of Asitabhu.
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: Asitabhu, Jataka.
Full-text: Asitabhu.
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