Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 2 1884.djvu/344

336 After this edict was issued in the manner enjoined, there remained not one individual addicted to immoral practices. Thus as long as Brahmadattakumâra continued to reign there was not to be found a single person doing even one (bad) deed included in the five and ten sinful actions.

So the Bodhisat, without even harming a single individual, made all the people in his realm observe the precepts. He himself, too, after giving meritorious gifts, passed away, at his death, along with his retinue, and filled the city of the devas.

In days long gone by, when Brahmadatta reigned at Benares, the Bodhisat was re-born among the hare-kind, and dwelt in the forest. On one side of that forest there was the foot of a mountain, on another side a river, and a border village on the other. The hare had three special friends—a monkey, a jackal, and an otter. These four wise creatures lived together, getting their food (during the day) each in his own respective haunt or hunting-ground, and meeting together in the evening. The wise hare, preaching the truth to these three individuals, said,—"You must give alms, keep the commandments, and observe the uposatha-fast." They agreed to follow his instructions. Having entered their respective quarters in the jungle, there they lived together. While the time was thus passing away the Bodhisat, looking up to the sky, saw the moon, and knew that uposatha-day was on the morrow, so he said to his three companions,—"To-morrow is 'fast-day'; do you therefore keep the precepts and observe the fast. Know, too, that for those well-established in the precepts, almsgiving is very meritorious. Therefore when a beggar comes to you give him of the food you've provided for your own repast, and then eat what is left."

"Well, let it be so," they agreed, and off they went each to his own dwelling-place. The next day, quite early in the morning, the otter