Khuddaka Nikaya - Jataka - Dukanipata - Duddada Jataka

Jataka Vol. II: Book II. Dukanipāta: No. 180. Duddada-Jātaka



p. 59
No. 180.
DUDDADA-JĀTAKA.
"Tis hard to do as good men do," etc.--This story the Master told whilst in
Jetavana, about alms given in common. Two friends at Sāvatthi, young men of good
position, made a collection, providing all the necessaries to give the Buddha
and his followers. They invited them all, provided bounty for seven days, and on
the seventh presented them with all their requisites. The eldest of these
saluted the Master, and said, sitting beside him, "Sir, amongst the givers some
gave much and some gave little; but let it bear much fruit for all alike." Then
he offered the gift. The Master's reply was: "In giving these things to the
Buddha and his followers, you, my lay friends, have done a great deed. In days
of old wise men gave their bounty thus, and thus offered their gifts." Then at
his request he told a story.
_____________________________
Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta was king of Benares, the Bodhisatta was born
into a brahmin family of Kāsi. When he grew up, he was thoroughly educated at
Takkasilā; after which he renounced the world, and took up the religious life,
and with a band of disciples went to live in Himalaya. There he lived a long
time.
Once having need to procure salt and seasoning, he went on pilgrimage through
the country-side, and in course of it he arrived at Benares. There he settled in
the king's park; and on the following morning he and his company went a-begging
to some village outside the gates. The people gave him alms. Next day he sought
alms in the city. The people were all glad to give him their alms. They clubbed
together and made a collection; and provided plenty for the band of anchorites.
After the presentation their spokesman offered his gift with the same words as
above. The Bodhisatta replied, "Friend, where faith 1 is, no gift is small." And
he returned his thanks in these verses following: [86]
"’Tis hard to do as good men do, to give as they can give,
Bad men can hardly imitate the life which good men live.
"And so, when good and evil go to pass away from earth,
The bad are born in hell below, in heaven the good have birth."
This was his thanksgiving. He remained in the place for the four months of the
rains, and then returned to Himalaya; where he practised all the modes of holy
meditation, and without a single interruption continued in them until he joined
the hosts of heaven.
_____________________________
When this discourse came to an end the Master identified the Birth: "At that
time," said he, "the Buddha's company was the body of ascetics, and I myself was
their leader."



Footnotes
59:1 Citta-pasādo.



Next: No. 181. Asadisa-Jātaka