Matakabhatta Jataka, Matakabhatta-jātaka: 1 definition
Introduction:
Matakabhatta 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)
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper NamesOnce a brahmin, well versed in the Vedas, wished to slay a goat at the Feast of the Dead (Matakabhatta), and sent his pupils to bathe goat in the river. After the bath, the goat remembered its past lives and knew that after its death that day it would be free from misery. So it laughed for joy. But it saw also that the brahmin, through slaying it, would suffer great misery, and this thought made it weep. On being questioned as to the reason for its laughing and its weeping, it said the answer would be given before the brahmin. When the brahmin heard the goats story, he resolved not to kill him; but that same day, while the goat was browsing near a rock, the rock was struck by lightning and a large splinter cut off the goats head. The Bodhisatta, who was a tree sprite, saw all this and preached the Law to the assembled multitude.
The story was told in reference to a question by the monks as to whether there was any good at all in offering sacrifices as Feasts for the Dead, which the people of Savatthi were in the habit of doing. J.i.166ff.
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)
Partial matches: Jataka, Matakabhatta.
Full-text: Ussada.
Relevant text
Search found 2 books and stories containing Matakabhatta Jataka, Matakabhatta-jātaka; (plurals include: Matakabhatta Jatakas, jātakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Amaravati Art in the Context of Andhra Archaeology (by Sreyashi Ray chowdhuri)
Matakabhatta Jātaka < [Chapter 3 - Amarāvatī and the Formative Stage of the Buddhist Art]
The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6 (by Robert Chalmers)
Jataka 18: Matakabhatta-jātaka < [Book I - Ekanipāta]