-King Magadha ruler of Rajagaha in Magagha
-Bodhisatta was born an elephant
The elephant was white in color and described as very
beautiful. One of the festival days the elephant proceeded around the city and
the local people were excited to see the graceful elephant. The elephant was receiving
a lot of praise which made the King very jealous. The king wanted to kill the
elephant. The King called over the mahout and asked if the elephant was trained
in which the mahout responded that it was a very well-trained elephant. The
King argued with him and the mahout was insistent on that the elephant was
indeed trained.
The King challenged the man to have the elephant climb the
summit of Mount Vepulla since the elephant was so well-trained. The King got
off the back of the elephant and the mahout climbed on with the king walking
beside them. The King commanded the mahout to get the elephant to stand on
three legs. The elephant did as was commanded. The King commanded him to stand
on two fore-legs. The elephant once again did as he was told. The King asked
the elephant to stand on one leg still testing his obedience. The elephant stood
on one foot. The mahout realized that the King wanted the elephant to fall so
he would tumble down to his death. The King had commanded the elephant to stand
in the air. The mahout whispered to the elephant that the King was trying to
trick him so that he needed to fly away to Benares. The elephant rose into the
air. The mahout told the King that this creature was too good for a fool like
him and wished him good bye. The elephant and the mahout flew over the town of
Benares for everyone to see the mighty elephant. The King of Benares welcomed
the elephant and told the elephant and mahout he was excited for their arrival.
The King then divided the kingdom into three parts, one for the Bodisatta, one
for the mahout and one for himself and they did charitable work happily ever
after.
Bibliography:
Title: The Well-Trained Elephant
Author: Eastern Stories and Legends by Marie L. Shedlock
Link: Story
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