Jataka Tales 26: Mahilamukha

Mahilamukha Jataka While he was in residence at the Bamboo Grove Monastery the Buddha told this story about Devadatta. He had secured Prince Ajatasattu of Rajagaha as a follower and had gains and honour.

The prince had a monastery built for him at Gaya-sisa and it was supplied daily with five hundred pots of three-year perfumed rice and choicest flavoured victuals. As a result of this gain and honour Devadatta had around him a great following who did not have to leave the monastery for alms.

At that time, of two friends, one had taken the robe with the Buddha and the other with Devadatta. They maintained contact by visiting each other at their monasteries, or meeting casually at other times.

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One day the one following Devadatta said to his friend: "Sir, why do you go round for alms streaming with sweat? Devadatta sits quietly at Gaya-sisa and eats of the best rice and dishes.

There is no other way better than this. Why live miserably? It would be a good thing for you to visit us the first thing in the morning at Gaya-sisa. There is excellent rice-gruel with a relish to follow it. Then try our eighteen kinds of dishes of solid food as well as excellent soft food that are delicately flavoured?"

Pressed time and again to accept the invitation the other began to waver and finally he went, not just once, and there ate and enjoyed himself, not forgetting to return at the proper time to the Bamboo Grove monastery. He could not keep his visits secret and in a little while others knew how he used to go off alone to regale himself with food provided for Devadatta.

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So his friends asked him: "Is it true as they say that you went to enjoy the food provided for Devadatta?" "Who said that?" he asked. "So and so said it." So he admitted that he did so, but added that the food he ate was given to him by others, not Devadatta.

"Sir, Devadatta has turned into the foe of the Buddhas; through wickedness he has convinced Ajatasattu to be a strong supporter, and by unrighteousness obtained gain and honour for himself. Yet you who have taken vows of this faith that brings salvation has eaten food which was obtained by unrighteousness. Come with us before the Master." So they all went to the Dhamma Hall.

When the Buddha became aware of them he asked: "Monks, are you bringing this brother here against his will?" "Yes, Lord. This brother after taking the vows under you have eaten food which Devadatta obtained by unrighteousness."

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"Do not raise quibbles here, brother," admonished the Buddha. "Devadatta is a man of bad conduct and disposition. Oh, how could you, who have taken the vows here, eat Devadatta's food, while following my teachings? But you have always had the inclination to be led away, and have followed, in turn, whom you meet." And so saying this the Buddha told this story from the past.

Story of the past Once in ages past when Brahmadatta ruled as king in Benares the Bodhisatta was a minister in his entourage. In those days the state-elephant, was docile good natured animal, named Damsel-face.

One night some burglars sat in his stall to plan a break-in.

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They used words like, "This is the way to tunnel in; this is the way to break in; to carry off the plunder; to tunnel or breach walls as clear as an open road; not to be squeamish at murder so that none will resist; to be rid of goodness and virtue and to be a man of cruelty and violence."

Thus they spoke to each other.

Not only that night but other nights too to discuss their evil plans. This elephant hearing their talk concluded that he too must be like them, pitiless, cruel and violent. So one day he attacked his mahout without reason and killed him; and he did the same to a second and a third. Thus he threatened all who dared come within reach.

This news was brought to the king about Damsel-face. It was reported he had gone mad killing every one in sight and had to be forcibly restrained. The king spoke to the Bodhisatta and asked him to go and find out the reason for this turn of behaviour.

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The Bodhisatta went to the elephant stall and soon satisfied himself that the animal showed no signs of illness. He thought of the possible causes for the change and concluded that he had heard persons talking near him. He had thought they were giving him lessons and had become perverted by them. So he asked the elephant-keepers whether there were any persons talking near him.

They told him that some burglars were talking together recently a few nights ago. Then the Bodhisatta returned to the king and told him the elephant was well bodily. He related what he had found out and the conclusions he had made.

"Well," said the king, "what is to be done now?"

"Order some good men, sages and brahmins, who would not be harmed by the animal, to sit near him and talk of goodness." "Do so then, my friend," said the king. So the Bodhisatta invited and set some good men, sages and brahmins, to sit in the stall and speak of goodness. And they sat there and talked.

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In brief they said: "Neither ill-treat nor kill. The good should be long-suffering, loving and merciful." Hearing this the elephant thought this was meant as a lesson to him, and he resolved to be good, and good he became again.

"Well, my friend," said the king to the Bodhisatta; "is he good now?" "Yes, your majesty, thanks to wise and good me, the elephant that was so perverted has become his usual self again."

Then he spoke thus:" When burglars talked evil near the elephant, the elephant too became wicked.

After hearing virtuous word's the elephant regained its good behaviour."Said the king of his minister: "He can read even the mind of an animal!" And he heaped great honour on the Bodhisatta. Both lived to a ripe old age to pass away to fare according to their respective deeds.

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End of story of the past The Buddha said: "In the past brother, you followed the words of every one you met with.

You heard burglars talk and you followed what they said. Then hearing the wise words of good men you followed what they said." Then identifying the birth the Buddha said: "This disloyal brother was Damsel-face, Ananda was the king and I was the minister."

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