Petavatthu(Ghost stories)42

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42. THE STORY OF THE RAJAH'S SON (4.7)
While the Teacher was living at Jetavana, he told this story.

In it. the son of a rajah(king) named Kitava once upon a time injured a lone buddha(pacekabuddha). He suffered in hell many thousands of years, and because of that very offence he was reborn among the petas later. His story has already been told in detail in the peta narratives of Sanuvasin.

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Now the Teacher, as he told an elder monk the fate of the peta's deceased relatives, said: "Not only your kinsmen actually, but you also, on becoming a peta, in your next existence after having left this world, will suffer great pain." At the elder's request he told this story.

1. The consequence of deeds committed in the past may disturb the mind as regards sight, sound, taste, smell, and pleasant touch.

2. He had enjoyed dancing, singing, love and sport in no small degree, and after he had ridden around in the royal garden, he entered Giribbaja.

3. There he saw the rishi Sunetta who was self-restrained and tranquil; the latter had few wants, was modest, and was pleased with the small food that came into his alms bowl.

4. He(king) dismounted from the back of his elephant and coming to him said, "Reverend sir." Then the prince grasping his bowl held it up.

5. He broke the alms-bowl on the ground, and laughing went away with the words: "I am the son of king Kitava. What will you, monk do to me ?"

6. The retribution for this unkind deed was severe, since the prince, it is said, was committed to hell.

7. And for six times eighty-four myriads of years he suffered in hell great pain on account of the sin of which he was guilty.

8. He was punished as he in tum was prostrate, lying face downward, and turned on his left or right side. Now with his feet up in the air, then in a standing posture, the fool was tortured for a long time.

9. For many thousands and myriads of years he suffered in hell great pain for the sin he had committed.

10. Verily such a severe penalty is suffered by men who perform evil by laying hands on a pious rishi who is free from sinful blemishes.

11. After he had for many years undergone great affliction in that place he was killed by hunger and thirst, and deceasing from there he became a peta later.

12. Thus having seen the distress caused by the wantonness of a ruler, one should be no wanton ruler but turn to humility.

13. Even in the present life, he who is respectful to the enlightened ones deserves praise; he is endowed with wisdom, and after the breaking up of the body he is born in the bright world(heaven).