Chanthara Jataka
The Ten Birth Stories of the Buddha
Chanthara Jataka
Perfection of Forbearance
Translated by:
Mr. Jean-Francois Leduc
Phramaha Jerm Boonthong
Phramaha Prassert Ammart-Ek
King Akaraja had a son named Chantharakumara who was his viceroy and an advisor named Kanthahala who was a powerful judge. Kanthahala was unfair, he took bribes, so Chantharakumara took his place and became the judge himself. When King Akaraja learnt about it, he gave full authority to Chantharakumara. Kanthahala became angry. One day, King Akaraja dreamed of Heaven and asked Kanthahala how he could go to Heaven. Kanthahala saw his chance and advised Akaraja that he would get rid of bad luck if he invited Chantharakumara together with some cousins and a number of animals and killed them as sacrificial offerings. Chantha, wife of Chantharakumara besought the gods to come and save Chantharakumara from evil. So Sakka came to prevent that ceremony and forced Akaraja to release all of them. The people seized Kanthahala and killed him. Akaraja for his part was exiled from his city. Chantharakumara ascended the throne and ruled the city according to Dhamma. When he passed away, he went to Heaven because he had led a righteous life.
