Dhammaddhaja Jataka, Dhammaddhaja-jātaka: 1 definition

Introduction:

Dhammaddhaja 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»] — Dhammaddhaja Jataka in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

1. Dhammaddhaja Jataka (No.220) - The Bodhisatta was once born as Dhammaddhaja, chaplain to Yasapani, king of Benares. One day the kings captain, Kalaka, who was wont to take bribes, gave a wrong decision in a case, and the Bodhisatta, being appealed to, reheard the case and decided in the plaintiffs favour. The people applauded greatly and the king made him judge. But Kalaka, wishing for an excuse to put Dhammaddhaja to death, persuaded the king that he was getting too popular, and the king gave him various impossible tasks. Dhammaddhaja, with the help of Sakka, performed them all. One day the king ordered him to find a park keeper with four virtues, and once again, with the aid of Sakka, the Bodhisatta discovered Chattapani, the kings barber. On being questioned, Chattapani told the king that he was free from envy, drank no wine, had no strong desires, never gave way to anger; he then related stories of his past lives, the experiences of which had made him renounce these evils. (For details see Chattapani 2). The king, at length, discovered Kalakas perfidy and had him put to death.

The Jataka was related in reference to Devadattas attempts to kill the Buddha. Devadatta is identified with Kalaka and Sariputta with Chattapani. J.ii.186-96.

2. Dhammaddhaja Jataka (No.384) - The Bodhisatta was once born as leader of a flock of birds on an island. Certain merchants of Benares started on a voyage taking with them, to aid them on the way, a much travelled crow. The ship was wrecked and the crow flew to the island. There he pretended to the other birds that he was a holy person, practising austerities and living on air. The birds, being deceived by him, left him in charge of their eggs and young ones, which he proceeded to eat each day. One day the Bodhisatta kept watch and thus discovered his villainy. The birds collected round the crow and pecked him to death.

The story was related in reference to a deceitful monk, who is identified with the crow. J.iii.267-70.

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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