Jujaka, Jūjaka: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Jujaka 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 Names

A brahmin of Dunnivittha in Kalinga. He was given a young maiden in repayment of a debt, but because she was praised for her virtues, the other wives in the village grew jealous of her and mocked her as an old mans darling. Thereafter she refused to go to the village well, and suggested that Jujaka should obtain as slaves the children of Vessantara, then living as an ascetic in Vankagiri.

After many adventures Jujaka found Vessantara, was allowed to have the two children, Jali and Kanhajina, and having tied their hands together, took them away. After he had travelled sixty leagues, the gods led him to Jetuttara, where the childrens grandfather reigned as king. The king bought the children back from Jujaka at a very great price and gave him choice foods to eat. Jujaka, having over eaten and being unable to digest the food, died on the spot (J.vi.521-81). He is identified with Devadatta (J.vi.593).

The wife of the brahmin who went for alms to Bavari was a descendant of Jujaka. His descendants were still living in Dunnivittha, even in the Buddhas day (AA.i.183).

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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Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Jūjaka (जूजक) is the name of a Brahmin who demanded prince Viśvantara’s children after he was exiled to the Vaṅka forest according to a note from the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter XX).—“At the cost of a thousand sufferings, the exiled family finally arrived at the forest of Vaṅka chosen for his exile. They lived there in a hut, eating roots and wild fruits. The trees, moved by compassion, bent down their branches to offer their fruit to the two children of Viśvantara and Madrī. But a new brahmin named Jūjaka arose and demanded that the father give him the two children to be his servants. Despite their terror, despite the desolation, he gave them. The god Indra, disguised as an ascetic, came and demanded his wife as slave: he gave her also. Finally Indra made himself known and gave back to the hero his family and his goods”.

Mahayana book cover
context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

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