Somadatta Jataka, Somadatta-jātaka: 1 definition

Introduction:

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

1. Somadatta Jataka (No. 211). The story of the Bodhisatta when he was born as the son of Aggidatta. For details see Aggidatta (J.ii.164-7). The story was related in reference to Laludayi who is identified with Aggidatta, and is repeated in the Dhammapada Commentary. DhA.iii.123ff.

2. Somadatta Jataka (No. 410). A wealthy brahmin of Benares once left the world and became an ascetic in the Himalaya, where he adopted an elephant calf, calling it Somadatta. One day the elephant ate too much and fell ill. The brahmin went in search of wild fruit for it, but before he could return, the animal was dead. The ascetic was filled with grief. Sakka (the Bodhisatta) saw this and, appearing before him, reminded him that it was not for this that he had left wife, wealth and children.

The story was related in reference to a monk who had ordained a novice, and, when the latter died, he was full of grief. Somadatta is identified with the novice and the brahmin with the monk. J.iii.388-91.

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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