Seyya Jātaka (No.282, 310)
1. Seyya Jātaka (No.282).– The Bodhisatta was king of Bārāṇasī and ruled well. One of his courtiers was found guilty of an intrigue in the harem and was banished. He went to the court of an enemy king and persuaded him to lead an army against Bārāṇasī. The Bodhisatta offered no resistance, and was captured and cast into the prison in chains. While there he developed the ecstasy of pity towards his enemy, whose body became filled with great pain. Having discovered the reason, he set the prisoner free and restored to him his kingdom.
The story was related in reference to a courtier of the king of Kosala who was imprisoned on a false charge. Owing to his virtue he became a Stream-
Ānanda is identified with the marauding king. J.ii.400, 403; c.f. the Mahāsīlava Jātaka.
2. Seyya Jātaka (No.310).– The Bodhisatta was once the son of the chaplain of Brahmadatta, king of Bārāṇasī. He was brought up with the king’s son, and they studied together in Takkasilā, becoming great friends. When the prince succeeded to the throne, the Bodhisatta, not desiring to live a householder’s life, became an ascetic and lived in the Himavā. As time passed, the king began to think of him, and sent his minister, Seyya, to fetch the ascetic, that he might become the royal chaplain. However, the Bodhisatta refused to come, saying that he had no need of such honour.
The story was related in reference to a monk who, loving a woman, was discontented. The king is identified with Ānanda, and Seyya with Sāriputta. J.iii.30‑33.