Eastern Stories and Legends

The Hare That Ran Away

Buddha was born again as a lion and was helping his fellow animals. He had to help Hare who was always scared something dreadful was going to happen to her. She thought this so much she believed it after hearing a heavy fruit fall behind her. She ran into old brother hare who started following her. The tiger, then the camel, the camel, the buffalo, and the deer followed suit, until they ran into buddha the lion. The lion made the hare show him where the Earth was falling in and calmed the situation. 

The Spirit That Lived in a Tree

Buddha was re-born as a Tree-Spirit. The king there wanted to live in a palace only supported by only one column so he could be the chiefest of all kings. In kings park, there was a great tree that was worshiped and he wanted it cut down. Many people protested this action. The spirit who lived in the tree was determined to protect his children. He made a plea to the king to cut him down gently so his children that grow at his feet would not be killed. The king was moved by this sacrifice so he did not cut him down. 

Baobab Tree

The Hare that Was Not Afraid to Die

Buddha was born a hare and lived in a wood, He lived with three friends, Monkey, Jackal, and Otter. The hare taught them many wise concepts: moral law should be observed, alms should be given to the poor, and holy days should be kept. Jackal stole fish from the fishermen and stole from the the lizard. He thought he was virtuous because of this.  The monkey ate mangoes before the due season. They were going to give it the Brahmin and he got together with the Monkey, Jackal, Otter, and the Hare to solve the area.

The Parrot That Fed His Parents

Buddha was reborn in the shape of a parrot and excelled all other parrots. His dad was the leader of the flock but he wanted him to take over. Each day he lead his flock to Himalaya Hill to eat rice. There was a man who tried to drive away the parrots but he couldn't stop them. He was scared that there was not any crops left so his master wanted him to catch the bird. He talked with the Brahmin to clear up the situation. 

The Man Who Worked To Give Alms

Buddha was born a merchant named Vissaya who loved giving alms. He gave 600,00 men what the needed. He was so giving Sakka, the King of the Gods, grew suspisious that he would dethrone them and make himself Sakka. So Sakka began giving like crazy until they had nothing so they began mowing the grass for them. Then they started talkin, Sakka realized that he did not want his position.

The King Who Saw the Truth

The Wisdom child who would become Buddha was born a King. He was a virtuous man and wanted to do anything and everything for his people. Sakka wanted to test his resolve and see if his words were vain. The king was going to give his eyes to a blind Brahmin. Because he was so giving, he was given eyes that see perfect and absolute truth. 

Eyes

Shedlock. Eastern Stories and Legends