The Jataka, Vol. III, tr. by H.T. Francis and R.A. Neil, [1897], at sacred-texts.com
No. 430.
CULLASUKA-JĀTAKA.
"Lo! countless trees," etc.—This story the Master dwelling at Jetavana told concerning the Verañjā section 1. When the Master after passing the rainy season at Verañjā in due course arrived at Sāvatthi, the Brethren in the Hall of Truth raised a discussion saying, "Sirs, a Tathāgata, a delicately nurtured kshatriya and Buddha, though possessed of supernatural powers, at the invitation of a brahmin of Verañjā stayed three ṃonths with him, and when owing to the temptation of Māra he failed to receive an alms at the hands of the brahmin, even for a single day, he gave up all covetous ways, and keeping in the same place for three months lived on water and a modicum of the ground flour of roots. [4951 Oh the contented nature of Tathāgatas!" When the Master came and on inquiry learned the nature of their discussion he said, "It is no marvel, Brethren, that a Tathāgata now has lost all covetousness, seeing that formerly when born in an animal form he forsook covetousness." And hereupon he told a story of the past. The whole story is now to be related in detail in exactly the same way as in the preceding tale.
Long years we have enjoyed the luscious fruit it bare, Nor leaves nor fruit it yields, alas! the tree is dead: They loved it for its fruit, and now that it has none, Thy gratitude I own, thy true and constant love, I offer thee, O bird, whate’er thou wilt for choice; Would that this tree alight bear fresh leaves and fruit again; Then was the tree by Sakka with ambrosia sprinkled o’er, May Sakka and all loved by Sakka blesséd be, Thus was the tree made fruitful by the parrot's grateful choice,
Why, parrot, dost thou cling to this poor withered tree?
And tho’ it now has none, it still should claim our care.
Why blame thy fellow-birds, that they should all have fled?
Poor selfish fools! their love and gratitude is gone.
Sure virtue such as this the wise will aye approve.
Tell me, I pray, what boon would most thy heart rejoice?
I would be glad as they that treasure trove obtain.
And boughs sprang up with cooling shade, as lovely as before.
As I to-day am blest this joyous sight to see.
And Sakka and his queen in groves of Nandana rejoice.
[496] The Master, his lesson ended, identified the Birth: "In those days Sakka was Anuruddha, the parrot king was myself."
Footnotes
294:1 See Vinaya, Pār. i. 1-4.