In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

King of Benares. A son was born to him who was named Dutthakumara, and who, according to the fortune tellers, would die for lack of water. In order to falsify the prophecy, the king guarded his son closely, made numerous tanks near the city, and saw that vessels of water were placed wherever possible. One day, while returning from the park, the prince saw a Pacceka Buddha, and being angry that obeisance should be paid to the Buddha instead of to himself, he took the Buddhas bowl and dashed it on the ground. The princes body burst into flames, but all the water around having dried up, they could not be quenched and he was swallowed up in hell. When Kitavasa heard of this he was greatly grieved, but on reflection he realised that his grief sprang from affection, and thenceforth resolved to fix his love on nothing.

Kitavasa is identified with Chattapani of the Dhammaddhaja Jataka, Chattapani himself being a former birth of Sariputta (J.ii.194ff).

The story of Kitavasas son bears close resemblance to that of Kitavas son (see Kundinagariya Thera). Perhaps Kitava and Kitavasa are identical.

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).

See also (Relevant definitions)

Starts with: Kitavasaujanya.

Full-text: Duttha, Chattapani.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Kitavasa, Kitavāsa; (plurals include: Kitavasas, Kitavāsas). 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 220: Dhammaddhaja-jātaka < [Book II - Dukanipāta]

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