Cullasuka-Jātaka

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Source: Adapted from Archaic Translation by H.T. Francis and R.A. Neil
JATAKA No. 430

CULLASUKA-JATAKA

"Lo! countless trees," etc.--This story the Master living at Jetavana monastery told concerning the Veranja section (*1). When the Master after passing the rainy season at Veranja in due course arrived at Shravasti city, the Brethren(Monks) in the Hall of Truth raised a discussion saying, "Sirs, a Tathagata(Buddha), a delicately raised kshatriya and Buddha, though possessed of supernatural powers, at the invitation of a brahmin of Veranja stayed three months with him, and when owing to the temptation of Mara he failed to receive an alms at the hands of the brahmin, even for a single day, he gave up all greedy ways, and keeping in the same place for three months lived on water and a small amount of the ground flour of roots. Oh the contented nature of Tathagatas!" When the Master came and on inquiry learned the nature of their discussion he said, "It is no marvel, Brethren, that a Tathagata(Buddha) now has lost all desire of possession, seeing that formerly when born in an animal form he gave up desire of possession." And on this he told a story of the past. The whole story is now to be told in detail in exactly the same way as in the preceding tale.

Lo! countless trees are here, all green and fruitful see! Why, parrot, do you cling to this poor withered tree?

Long years we have enjoyed the delicious fruit it bare, And though it now has none, it still should claim our care.

Nor leaves nor fruit it yields, alas! the tree is dead: Why blame your fellow-birds, that they should all have fled?

They loved it for its fruit, and now that it has none, Poor selfish fools! their love and gratitude is gone.

Your gratitude I own,your true and constant love, Sure virtue such as this the wise will sure approve.

I offer you, O bird, whatever you will for choice; Tell me, I ask, what boon would mostyour heart rejoice?

Would that this tree bear fresh leaves and fruit again; I would be glad as they that treasure trove obtain.

Then was the tree by Sakka(Indra) with ambrosia (drink of gods/angels) sprinkled over, And branches sprang up with cooling shade, as lovely as before.

May Sakka(Indra) and all loved by Sakka(Indra) blessed be, As I to-day am blessed this joyous sight to see.

Thus was the tree made fruitful by the parrot's grateful choice, And Sakka(Indra) and his queen in groves of Nandana rejoice.

The Master, his lesson ended, identified the Birth: "In those days Sakka(Indra) was Anuruddha, the parrot king was myself."

Footnotes:

(1)See Vinaya, Par. i. 1-4.