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Dhonasākha Jātaka (No.353)
Once a prince of Benares, named
Brahmadatta, learned the arts from the
Bodhisatta, then a teacher at
Takkasilā.
The teacher (Pārāsariya), having observed his character, warned him against
harshness and counselled him to be gentle. In due course, Brahmadatta became
king, and on the advice of his chaplain, Pingiya, went out at the head of a
large army and captured alive one thousand kings.
He could not, however, take
Takkasilā, and Pingiya suggested that a sacrifice be offered, to take the form
of blinding the captive kinks and letting their blood flow round the rampart.
This was done; but when Brahmadatta went to bathe, a Yakkha tore out his right
eye, and, as be lay down, a sharp-pointed bone, dropped by a vulture, blinded
his left eye. He died in agony and was born in hell.
The story was related in reference to
Bodhirājakumāra who blinded the architect of his palace
(Kokanada), lest
he should build another as grand.
Bodhi is identified with Brahmadatta and
Devadatta with Pingiya (J.iii.157.161).

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