Nigrodha Jataka, Nigrodha-jātaka: 2 definitions

Introduction:

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

A king, named Magadha, once reigned in Rajagaha. His son married a rich merchants daughter, but she, because she was barren, lost favour. Thereupon she pretended to be with child, and when her time drew near, she journeyed to her home with an old nurse who was in the secret. On the way she found a child deserted by its mother, and, greatly rejoicing, she claimed it as her own. The child was the Bodhisatta and was called Nigrodha. His father found for him two companions: Sakha, son of a merchant, and Pottika, son of a tailor.

These three grew up together and were educated in Takkasila. In the course of their travels, while his companions lay sleeping, Pottika heard a cock say that whoever ate its fat would become king, the flesh of its body commander in chief, and the flesh near its bones treasurer. Pottika killed the cock, gave to Nigrodha the fat, to Sakha the flesh of the body, while he himself ate the flesh near the bones. Immediately after, men, in search of a successor to the throne of Benares chose Nigrodha, while the others accompanied him as commander in chief and treasurer. One day Nigrodha, wishing to have his parents near him, sent Pottika to fetch them from Rajagaha. On the way back he called at Sakhas house, but Sakha, who had a grievance against him for having given the cocks fat to Nigrodha, insulted him. When Pottika reported this to Nigrodha, he wished to have Sakha killed, but Pottika intervened on his behalf.

The story was related in reference to Devadattas ingratitude. Sakha is identified with Devadatta and Pottika with Ananda. J.iv.37ff.

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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