Bhurithat Jataka
The Ten Birth Stories of the Buddha
Bhurithat Jataka
Perfection of Moral Practice: Observing the Eight Precepts
Translated by:
Mr. Jean-Francois Leduc
Phramaha Jerm Boonthong
Phramaha Prassert Ammart-Ek
Bhurithat was a son of King Thataratha, the leader of the Underwater World. His mother was Queen Samuthaja who was also the mother of the King of Paranasi. Phurithat was a sharp mind whose responsibility was to solve problems in the Nagas World. Purithat hoped to go to Heaven. He asked his parents to allow him to turn into a human being and get the 8 Precepts under the Banyan Tree. There was a Brahmin who had magic powers (Alumpaya) which he got from hermits and which allowed him to subdue Nagas and snakes. He caught Purithat, took him away and showed him around various places. Purithat repressed his anger and his shame in order to successfully follow the 8 Precepts (Uposatha). His mother, Samuthaja had a bad dream which convinced her that her son was in danger. She ordered her son named Suphogha to head for Himaphan Forest, she sent her other son, Aritha, to Devaloka and her third son, Suthasana to the world of men together with his half sister whom she ordered to turn into a small frog hiding in Suthasana's headdress. Suthasana went to see Purithat and saw the Brahmin who was about to perform in front of the City Gate. Suthasana then helped Purithat, his younger brother, out of the cage. Ajamukhee turned herself into a small frog and infected the Brahmin wiht venom. The Brahmin immediately fell ill with leprosy. Purithat continued living by the 8 Precepts (Uposatha). When he died he went to Heaven according to his wish.
