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The Bodhisatta was once a poor householder, named Sutana,
and supported his parents. One day the king of Benares went hunting, and, after
chasing a deer, killed it, and was returning with the carcase when he passed
under a tree belonging to the Yakkha Makhādeva, who, by the power conferred on
him by Vessavana, claimed him as his food. The king was set free on condition
that he sent one man daily to the Yakkha for food. As time went on, no one could
be found to take rice to the Yakkha, because all knew what awaited them. Then
the king offered one thousand, and the Bodhisatta, for the sake of his parents
and against his mother's wishes, consented to go. Before going he obtained from
the king his slippers, his umbrella, his sword, and his golden bowl filled with
rice. Sutana then approached the Yakkha's tree, and, with the point of his
sword, pushed the bowl of rice to him. The Yakkha then started talking to Sutana and was very pleased
with him. Sutana exhorted him to give up his evil ways, and returned to Benares
with the Yakkha, who was given a settlement at the city gate and provided with
rich food.
For the introductory story see the
Sāma Jātaka. The Yakkha
is identified with Angulimāla and the king with
Ananda. J. iii.324f.

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