Telapatta Jataka, Telapatta-jātaka: 1 definition

Introduction:

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

The Bodhisatta was once the youngest of one hundred sons of the king of Benares. He heard from the Pacceka Buddhas, who took their meals in the palace, that he would become king of Takkasila if he could reach it without falling a prey to the ogresses who waylaid travellers in the forest. Thereupon, he set out with five of his brothers who wished to accompany him. On the way through the forest the five in succession succumbed to the charms of the ogresses, and were devoured. One ogress followed the Bodhisatta right up to the gates of Takkasila, where the king took her into the palace, paying no heed to the Bodhisattas warning. The king succumbed to her wiles, and, during the night, the king and all the inhabitants of the palace were eaten by the ogress and her companions. The people, realising the sagacity and strength of will of the Bodhisatta, made him their king.

The story was related in reference to the Janapada Kalyani Sutta (q.v.). The monks said it must be very hard not to look at a janapada kalyani, but the Buddha denied this and related the above story (J.i.393ff).

The Jataka seems also to have been called the Takkasila Jataka (J.i.470).

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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