Mugapakkha Jataka, Mūgapakkha-jātaka: 1 definition

Introduction:

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

Also called Temiya Jataka. Candadevi, wife of the king of Kasi, had, to her great grief, no son. Sakkas throne was heated by her piety, and he persuaded the Bodhisatta, then in Tavatimsa, to be born as her son. The Bodhisatta reluctantly agreed. Great were the rejoicings over his birth. He was called Temiya because on the day of his birth there was a great shower throughout the kingdom and he was born wet. When he was one month old, he was brought to the king, and, as he lay in his lap, he heard grievous sentences passed on some robbers brought before the king. Later, as he lay in bed, Temiya recollected his past births and remembered how he had once reigned for twenty years as king of Benares, and, as a result, had suffered in Ussada niraya for twenty thousand years. Anguish seized him at the thought of having to be king once more, but the goddess of his parasol, who had once been his mother, consoled him by advising him to pretend to be dumb and incapable of any action. He took this advice, and for sixteen years the king and queen, in consultation with the ministers and others, tried every conceivable means of breaking his resolve, knowing him to be normal in body. But all their attempts failed, and at last he was put in a chariot and sent with the royal charioteer, Sunanda, to the charnel ground, where he was to be clubbed to death and buried. At the queens urgent request, however, Temiya was appointed to rule over Kasi for one week before being put to death, but the enjoyment of royal power did not weaken his resolve. The charioteer, under the influence of Sakka, took Temiya to what he considered to be the charnel ground and there, while Sunanda was digging the grave, Temiya stole up behind him and confided to him his purpose and his resolve to lead the ascetic life. Sunanda was so impressed by Temiyas words that he immediately wished to become an ascetic himself, but Temiya desired him to inform his parents of what had happened. When the king and queen heard Sunandas news, they went with all their retinue to Temiyas hermitage and there, after hearing Temiya preach, they all became ascetics. The inhabitants of the three kingdoms adjacent to Benares followed their example, and great was the number of ascetics. Sakka and Vissakamma provided shelter for them. The crowds who thus flocked together were called the Mugapakkha samagama. With the death of Malayamahadeva Thera (q.v.) came the end of those who participated in this great collection of ascetics.

Temiyas parents are identified with the parents of the Buddha, Sunanda with Sariputta and the goddess of the parasol with Uppalavanna. The story was told in reference to the Buddhas Renunciation (J.vi.1-30; the story of Temiya is also given in Temiyacariya in Cyp.iii.6). It is often referred to (E.g., BuA.51) as giving an example of the Bodhisattvas great determination.

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 mugapakkha jataka in the context of Theravada from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: