In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

1. Silavimamsa Jataka (No. 330). The Bodhisatta was once chaplain of the king of Benares, later becoming an ascetic. One day be saw a hawk, attacked by other birds, drop a piece of meat he had stolen. On another day he saw a slave girl, Pingala, waiting for her lover until late into the night, and, when he did not come, she fell asleep. On a third occasion he saw a hermit meditating. Drawing a moral from these incidents, he lived the hermit life and was reborn in the Brahma world.

The story was told in reference to a brahmin who was ever proving his virtue. J.iii.100-102.

2. Silavimamsa Jataka (No. 362). The Bodhisatta was chaplain to the king of Benares. He was both learned and good; but wishing to test which quality brought him greater honour, he started stealing money from the treasurer. On the third occasion he was arrested and led before the king. He then explained his behaviour to the king, and, having discovered that virtue was the more highly esteemed, he became an ascetic with the kings leave.

The story was told in reference to a brahmin of Savatthi who carried out the same test. J.iii.193-5.

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).

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Jataka.

Full-text: Pingala, Silavimamsana Jataka.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Silavimamsa Jataka, Sīlavīmamsa-jātaka; (plurals include: Silavimamsa Jatakas, jātakas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Dhammapada (Illustrated) (by Ven. Weagoda Sarada Maha Thero)

Verse 143-144 - The Story of Venerable Pilotikatissa < [Chapter 10 - Daṇḍa Vagga (Punishment‌)]

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