Sarabhamiga Jataka, Sarabhamiga-jātaka: 1 definition

Introduction:

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

The Bodhisatta was once born as stag. The king of Benares went out hunting with his courtiers, who contrived to drive the stag near the king; he shut, the stag rolled over as hit, but soon got up and ran away. The courtiers laughed and the king set off in pursuit of the stag. During the chase he fell into it pit, and the stag, feeling pity for him, drew him out and taught him the Law. On the kings return, he decreed that all his subjects should observe the five virtues. The king told no one of what bad befallen him, but the chaplain, hearing him repeat six stanzas, divined what had happened. He questioned the king, who told him the story.

Many men and women, following the kings instructions, were reborn in heaven and Sakka, realizing the reason for this, appeared before the king, who was practising shooting, and contrived that he should proclaim the Bodhisattas nobility.

The story was told in reference to Sariputtas wisdom. It is said that, when the Buddha descended from Tavatimsa after preaching the Abhidhamma, wishing to demonstrate the unique wisdom of Sariputta, he propounded certain questions before the multitude at Sankassa, which none but Sariputta could answer. What the Buddha asked in brief Sariputta answered in detail.

Ananda is identified with the king and Sariputta with the chaplain (J.iv.263 75). The story is also included in the Jatakamala (No. 25) as the Sarabha Jataka.

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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