Pv 30The Abandoned Baby

– STORIES OF HUNGRY GHOSTS

– MINOR COLLECTION

3.5

BJT 460The wisdom of the Fortunate One is of a wondrous nature; the Teacher has explained according to each individual: although many have abundant merit, they become (lowly); although many have little merit, they become (noble).

BJT 461This baby boy, cast away in the charnel ground, was nourished during the night by means of fluid from a finger. Yakkhas and demons, or reptiles, were unable to disturb this baby boy who had merit he had made.

BJT 462Even dogs licked the two feet of this child; crows and jackals moved about around him; flocks of birds carried away the impurities of the afterbirth, while crows took away the discharge from his eyes.

BJT 463For this child, no one had arranged any protection, any medicine, or any fumigation with mustard, nor had the relation to the stars been determined, nor had all kinds of seeds been scattered.

BJT 464Having fallen into such an extremely difficult circumstance as that, having been taken away at night, having been cast away in the charnel ground, while trembling like a lump of fresh butter, the remainder of his life was a matter of doubt.

BJT 465The one honored by gods and humans saw that child. And having seen him, the one of vast wisdom prophesied concerning the child: "By reason of wealth, this baby boy will be of the foremost clan of this city."

BJT 466"What practice did the child undertake, and further, what noble conduct did he observe, this achievement being the fruit of what practice, that having undergone such misfortune as this, he will come to enjoy such success as that?"

BJT 467"When people had made a splendid offering to the Community of bhikkhus with the Buddha at its head, this child's mind held a different view regarding that matter; he spoke rough, discourteous words.

BJT 468Having dispelled that thought, having regained joy and confidence, that child then served gruel for seven days to the Tathagata while He was dwelling at Jetavana.

BJT 469The child undertook that practice, and further observed that noble conduct; this achievement is the fruit of that practice, such that having undergone misfortune such as this, he will come to enjoy success such as that.

BJT 470That child, having lived here for a hundred years, replete with all pleasures, upon the dissolution of the body, in the next life, will go to dwell together with Vāsava (Lord of the Gods)."

The Story of the Hungry Ghost concerning the Baby Boy is the fifth.