Hamsa Jataka, Hamsa-jātaka: 1 definition

Introduction:

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

Once Khema, wife of King Bahuputtaka of Benares, dreamed of a golden goose preaching the Law and craved for her dream to come true. The king had a lake, called Khema, dug outside the city, and put into it various kinds of food in order to entice the golden geese which lived in Cittakuta. They came, led by Dhatarattha the Bodhisatta, who was caught in the snare laid by the kings hunter. The Bodhisatta gave the alarm, and all the geese fled except Sumukha, his captain, who refused to leave him even though told to do so. When the hunter came, Sumukha persuaded him to let Dhatarattha free and to take him instead. The hunter agreed, but when the Bodhisatta heard of the reason for his capture, he, too, insisted on going before the king. Both geese were, therefore, led before the king, who was overjoyed. Dhatarattha preached the Law and the queens craving was appeased; the geese were then allowed to fly away.

The story was related in reference to Anandas readiness to give his life for the Buddha. Channa is identified with the huntsman, Sariputta with the king, Khema Theri with the queen, and Ananda with Sumukha. J.iv.423-30; cf. the Mahahamsa Jataka.

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. See the Culla hamsa Jataka and Mahahamsa Jataka.

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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