Palasa Jataka, Palāsa-jātaka: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Palasa 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 Names1. Palasa Jataka (No. 307)
Once a poor brahmin paid great honour to a judas tree (palasa), hoping thereby to get some benefit. One day, the tree sprite appeared before him in disguise and asked why he honoured the tree. Pleased with his answer, the sprite revealed his identity and helped the brahmin to obtain the treasure which lay buried beneath the tree. The story was related to Ananda as he stood weeping, leaning against the lintel, when the Buddha lay dying. The Buddha sent for him and told him not to grieve as his services to the Buddha would not be fruitless. Ananda is identified with the poor brahmin. J.iii.23ff.
2. Palasa Jataka (No. 370)Once the Bodhisatta was a golden goose living in Cittakuta. On his way to and fro from the Himalaya, he rested on a palasa tree and a friendship sprang up between him and the treesprite. One day a bird dropped a banyan seed in the fork of the palasatree from which a sapling sprang. The goose advised the sprite to destroy it, but he paid no heed, and by and by the banyan grew up and destroyed the palasa.
The story was related by the Buddha to the monks in order to illustrate that sins should be uprooted however small they may be. J.iii.208ff.
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, Palasha.
Full-text: Kotisimbali Jataka, Palasha.
Relevant text
Search found 1 books and stories containing Palasa Jataka, Palāsa-jātaka; (plurals include: Palasa Jatakas, jātakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6 (by Robert Chalmers)