Mudulakkhana Jataka, Mudulakkhana-jātaka: 1 definition

Introduction:

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

The Bodhisatta was once an ascetic, named Mudulakkhana, of great spiritual attainments, living in the Himalaya. On one occasion he came to Benares where the king, pleased with his demeanour, invited him to the palace and persuaded him to live in the royal park. Sixteen years passed, and the king, leaving the city to quell a border rising, left his wife in the care of the ascetic. The next day the ascetic visited the palace, and having seen the queen, fell instantly in love with her, losing all his iddhi powers. When the king returned he found the ascetic disconsolate, and, on learning the reason, agreed to give him the queen. But he secretly asked the queen, whose name was Mudulakkhana, to think of some device by which she might save the ascetics holiness. Together the ascetic and the queen left the palace and went to a house which the king had given them and which was generally used as a jakes. The queen made the ascetic clean the house and fetch water and do one hundred other things. The ascetic then realized his folly and hastened back to the king, surrendering the queen.

The story was related to a young man of rich family belonging to Savatthi, who became a monk and practiced meditation. One day, while going for alms, he saw a beautiful woman and was seized with desire. He thereupon gave up his practices, and was brought before the Buddha, who told him this story, at the conclusion of which he became an arahant.

Ananda was the king and Uppalavanna the queen. J.i.302-6.

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).

Discover the meaning of mudulakkhana jataka in the context of Theravada from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Let's grow together!

I humbly request your help to keep doing what I do best: provide the world with unbiased sources, definitions and images. Your donation direclty influences the quality and quantity of knowledge, wisdom and spiritual insight the world is exposed to.

Let's make the world a better place together!

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: