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Jataka Tale
X: Phra Wesandon
Phra
Wesandon was the final incarnation of the Bhoddisat before it was
incarnated as Prince Siddharta, who became the Buddha. The ten
panels above the eastern entrance show the major episodes from the
story and one panel on the northern wall shows Phra Wesandon giving
away his city’s rain bringing elephant. Phra Wesandon was the king
of Kalingaraj and was generous in every way. He built hospitals,
wayside rest houses and dhana salas, where he would give away
food to the poor of the city and itinerant holy men. He would never
refuse a request. One day, the King of the neighboring city asked
for Kalingaraj rain bringing elephant, Phra Wesandon would not
refuse. Unfortunately, the people of Kalingaraj had grown attached
to the elephant and in their rage exiled Phra Wesandon. Phra
Wesandon did not mind because then he was free to live the holy life
of a hermit in the forest with his wife, Matree and their two
children Ganha and Chalee.
They lived an uncomplicated holy life
in the forest until one day the old Brahman, Chuchok, who has
recently married a young wife comes to ask for Ganha and Chalee to
be his servants. The heavenly assembly saw what happened and
prevented Matree from returning by blocking her path with lions and
tigers. They knew that Matree was attached to worldly things and
would prevent Phra Wesandon from perfecting his state of
non-attachment by giving away his children. Phra Wesandon finds his
two children hiding in the lotus pond beside the ashram and hands
them over to Chuchok who binds their hands and urges them forward
with a stick.
That night, Chuchok sleeps in the
safety of a hammock and leaves the children bound to the tree below.
They are protected that night by two Tewada who comfort them
disguised as Phra Wesandon and Nang Matree. When Nang Matree returns
home, she swears that she will die for the loss of her children.
Phra Wesandon reasons with her that the Forest of Kow Wongot
Mountain is not a good place to die because he would be unable to
provide a funeral which would prove his true devotion to her.
When this episode is recited during a
reading of the ‘Mahachat’ the sound of the monks voice
beautifully evokes the emotions being described. Chanters of this
episode must train with an experienced master. When this episode is
read, the Viharn is filled with people because a recital is a rare
and beautiful occasion.
Nang Matree thus comforted, returns
to her hermit life until one day Phra In sees that it is time for
Phra Wesandon’s perfection to be accomplished. Phra In descends
disguised as a brahman and asks for Nang Matree to be his servant.
Again, Phra Wesandon does not refuse
and his perfections are accomplished. Phra In reveals his true
identity and explains to Phra Wesandon the golden mean and thus
returns Nang Matree, ordering him never to give her away again
because she is more valuable than any treasure man could posses.
Meanwhile, the heavenly assembly
intervenes and misdirects Chuchok to the city of Phraya Sanjaya, the
childrens’ uncle. He is overjoyed to see his niece and nephew and
handsomely rewards Chuchok with a hoard of treasure and an immense
feast. Chuchok has little time to enjoy his new wealth because his
devouring greed causes him to burst while he gorges himself.
This episode is also famous as a
masterpiece recital. The sound is much deeper than the previous
episode and the tempo is much faster. The sermons recited are
written in Lanna dialect and are rich in wordplay, onomatopoeia and
graphic descriptions of the characters and their adventures whilst
adhering to the true message of the sermon.
Phraya Sanjaya then sends out a
parade to request Phra Wesandorns return to the city because he had
been forgiven. This episode is also a wonderful thing to hear
because it contains many references to Lanna culture. As well as
listing the name of every horse and chariot in the parade it
describes step by step the traditional northern spear dance ‘Fon
Hork’ which is now rarely performed and not only the name of
every Phim-Bia played by the musicians but also the name of
every string. On his return Phra Wesandon finds seven of the eight
wishes Phra In had given him granted; 1) His father had forgiven him
and asked for his return; 2) His mind was constant in kindness even
unto his enemies and helped creatures and people from death; 3) He
became the mainstay bf help to everybody, whatever and wherever they
were; 4) He loved only his wife and no others; 5) His children were
wise long lived, healthy and happy; 6) His country was thriving and
prosperous and it’s people happy when he returned; 7) He had an
unlimited supply of alms. His eighth wish was granted when he died.
He was reborn in a high family and that family was the Sakyas and he
was born as Siddharta Gotama. In the city it rained gold and silver
for seven days ensuring the prosperity of the people and the
unlimited supply of alms. The Tossachat is thus concluded.
Sadhu,
Sadhu, Sadhu.
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