Bhimasena Jataka, Bhīmasena-jātaka: 1 definition
Introduction:
Bhimasena 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 very skilful archer, educated at Takkasila and famed as Culla Dhanuggaha. He was a crooked little dwarf and, lest he should be refused employment on account of his size, he persuaded a tall, well built weaver, called Bhimasena, to be his stalking horse. Bhimasena went with him to the king of Benares and obtained the post of royal archer. Once, the kingdom was attacked by a tiger and Bhimasena was sent to kill it. Following the advice of the Bodhisatta, he went with a large band of country men, and when the tiger was sighted he waited in a thicket and lay flat on his face. When he knew that the tiger had been killed, he came out of the thicket trailing a creeper in his hand and blamed the people, saying that he had meant to lead the tiger like an ox to the king and had gone into the wood to find a creeper for that purpose. Who has killed the tiger and spoilt all my plans? he asked. I will report all of you to the king. The terrified people bribed him heavily and said no word as to who had killed the tiger. The king, believing that Bhimasena himself had killed it, rewarded him handsomely. The same thing happened with a buffalo. Bhimasena grew rich and began to neglect the Bodhisatta. Soon after, a hostile king marched on Benares. Bhimasena went with a large army riding on an elephant, the Bodhisatta behind him, but at the sight of the battlefield Bhimasena was so terrified that he fouled the elephants back. The Bodhisatta taunted him and sent him home, while he himself captured the enemy king and brought him to the king of Benares, who showed him all honour.
The story was related in reference to a monk who, although of low family, used to boast of that familys greatness. The truth was discovered and his pretensions exposed. He is identified with Bhimasena. J.i.355-9.
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, Bhimasena.
Full-text: Bhimasena, Culla Dhanuggaha, Mahimsaka.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Bhimasena Jataka, Bhīmasena-jātaka; (plurals include: Bhimasena 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 80: Bhīmasena-jātaka < [Book I - Ekanipāta]