A king wanted to tear down a Sal tree to use it as the sole column for his palace. The tree spirit living in this tree was afraid that if he was cut down, the little children would also perish. He's not worried about himself, but his children. The king is awed by his sacrifice and decides not to cut down the tree.
The Hare that Was Not Afraid to Die
This time, Buddha is reborn as a hare, and again, he is willing to sacrifice himself to help others. The hare and his three friends, Otter, Jackal, and Monkey, believed that the moral law should be observed and that holy days should be kept. This moral law was to give alms to the poor. In this story, all four friends offer their own food to a Brahmin that asks, who was actually Sakka, the King of the Gods. The hare has no food to offer other than himself, and proceeds to do so when asked. I like the idea of this story, and the fact that Sakka disguised himself to prove something. It's an idea I can use for my story.
The Parrot that Fed His Parents
Buddha is born a parrot and once again shows his willingness to help others. This time he is the leader of a flock of parrots. He takes them to get food, and after they have all eaten, he brings extra food back to his parents so they can eat. He says he is repaying a debt and doing only what is right.
The Man Who Worked to Give Alms
Buddha is reborn a merchant to works to give alms to the less fortunate. Sakka becomes jealous of him and suspects Buddha of plotting to take his spot. Sakka takes all his alms and fortunes so Buddha cannot give anymore. Buddha does not let this stop him, and mows grass in order to sell to get alms. Sakka is amazed by this and restores his fortunes and allows him to distribute alms.
The King Who Saw the Truth
Buddha is born as a king who gives away his eyes to a blind man, which is actually Sakka.
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| Buddha; Pixabay |
Jataka Tales by Marie L. Shedlock
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