Mahapingala Jataka, Mahāpiṅgala-jātaka: 1 definition

Introduction:

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

Mahapingala was once king of Benares; he was extremely wicked and quite pitiless. When he died the people were delighted, and burnt his body with one thousand cartloads of wood amidst great festivity. They then elected his son, the Bodhisatta, as king. He noticed that while all others rejoiced, the palace doorkeeper wept, and inquired the reason. The man replied that Mahapingala would strike him on the head in passing eight times a day. He was sure, he would treat Yama in like fashion, and would be banished from hell and return to his palace where he would again start to assault him. The Bodhisatta told the man it would be quite impossible for Mahapingala to rise from hell.

The story was told in reference to the great joy shown by multitudes of people at the death of Devadatta. Devadatta is identified with Mahapingala. J.ii.239ff.; DhA.i.126f.

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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