Reading Notes Week 10 Part A: Shedlock. Eastern Stories and Legends

Buddha, Wikicommons

Shedlock. Eastern Stories and Legends

THE HARE THAT RAN AWAY - This story was interesting as it had Bhudda reincarnated as a lion. This story is similar if not the same to another story that I read at the start of the year where the word of mouth carried. The moral is still preserved and the story is well told!

THE MONKEY AND THE CROCODILE - I like how the monkey is trying to trick the crocodile, but at the same time the crocodile is trying to trick the monkey. The two are both have wits but the monkey is ultimately smarter. The dialogue in the story helps to move the story along a lot faster than just text would. The dialogue also helps to develop the characters. Also the poem at the end of the story is a nice addition and adds a lot to the story!

THE SPIRIT THAT LIVED IN A TREE - In this story Buddha is reincarnated  as a tree spirit. The tree was greatly respected, but then it was suddenly made to be cut down. This conflict is the driving force for the story. Everyone is apprehensive about having to cut down the tree. They beg the spirits within the tree to move elsewhere. The tree's selflessness is what ultimately saves him from being chopped down after he talks with the king.

THE HARE THAT WAS NOT AFRAID TO DIE - In this story Buddha going to born as a hare, and lives a the foot of a mountain. The hare taught the monkey, jackal, and otter important lessons like feeding the poor. All three of the animals went and found food and thought how they were virtuous. A Brahmin came and asked for food, but it was actually Sakka, king of the gods. He asked each of the animals for food and they all pronounced that the food had been stolen. The hare did not steal and instead offered his own body. He threw himself in the fire but did not burn. This made his a suitable fit for Buddha. The animals then continued to uphold moral law.

THE PARROT THAT FED HIS PARENTS - Buddha is reborn as a parrot. He is the parrot king who takes more than his fill of rice. The Brahmin who watches over the rice notices he is taking more than his share and captures and questions him. It becomes clear that he is taking more than he should because he is giving to his old parents and the weak that cannot make the flight. The issue is resolved and he is given rewards for his kindness.

THE MAN WHO WORKED TO GIVE ALMS - Buddha is born as a merchant. He was quite prosperous and give away a lot of his money in the form of alms to many a people. Sakka became aware of Buddha's doing and feared that he was trying to surpass him with good deeds, so he took away all of his money so he could no longer give. This did not stop Buddha and he continued to give everything he had and then made from cutting grass. He eventually passes out and is spoken to by Sakka. Sakka promises him happiness for life he stops giving, but he does not agree. Sakka is amazed that he gives out of the goodness of his heart and returns his wealth. 

THE KING WHO SAW THE TRUTH - Buddha is born a king is loves to give alms. He feels that food and money is not a enough so he decides to offer his body. Sakka overhears this and decides to test Buddha. A blind Brahmin is sent to ask for an eye. The Brahmin asks and Buddha complies, but instead gives him both of his eyes. Buddha's generals ask him to give the Brahmin anything else but his eyes, but he goes through as it would be sinful to go against his statement. After giving his eyes Buddha regains sight some days later, but not in his eye sockets but rather in his third eye that sees the ultimate truths. Buddha goes on to rule for many years righteously and with justice.