Somanassa Jataka, Somanassa-jātaka: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Somanassa 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.

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In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Somanassa Jataka in Theravada glossary
Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

Once, when Renu was king of Uttarapancala, an ascetic, Maharakkhita, visited him with five hundred others from the Himalaya. The king entertained them and told them of his worry because he had no sons. Some time later, when the ascetics were returning, Maha Rakkhita saw that the king would have a son and told his companions so. One of the ascetics, a cheat, hoping to get gain thereby, feigned illness, and, returning to the palace, told the king that a son would be born to his queen, Sudhamma. The king showed him great honour, and he came to be called Dibbacakkhuka. In due course, the Bodhisatta was born as the kings son, and was named Somanassa. When the boy was seven years old the king had to leave home to quell a border rising, and Somanassa was left in the charge of the cheating ascetic. The boy soon discovered his real nature and paid him no honour. As soon as the king returned, Dibbacakkhu complained to him that the prince had ill treated him. Somanassa was ordered to be executed, but he exposed the cheats knavery, and men, sent to search his hut, found bundles of money in it. Disgusted with life at court, Somanassa obtained the kings leave and became an ascetic in the Himalaya, where Vissakamma, commanded by Sakka, built a hermitage for him. The cheat was stoned to death by the people.

The story was related in reference to Devadattas attempt to kill the Buddha. He is identified with Dibbacakkhu, Sariputta with Maharakkhita and Somanassas mother with Mahamaya. J.iv.445ff.

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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