23. Bhoja Ajaneya Horse (Bhojajaneya Jataka)

 A certain young man from Sawat was ordained as a monk with great faith. There was great hope of developing sila, samadhi and wisdom. But after a while, this monk realized that it was difficult to meditate as he intended. He suffered a lot due to dirt. You spent time in the wall. They said that it would be better if they were more lay. Then the monks warned that monk in various ways . But he could not raise his heart. Then the monks took this monk to the Blessed One. The Blessed One asked about it.

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"Is it true, monk... Are you tired of developing the virtues? Are you suffering? Have you given up trying to practice Dharma? Are you saying that it would be better if there were laymen?"

"That's right, Lord"

"Holy monk, the wise men of old used to keep on fighting even when they were unable to do anything. Viriya did not give up even when attacked by enemies. That kind of heroism is worthy of taking." Then the monks asked the Blessed One to tell about the life of that hero. The Blessed One said this jataka.

"Venerable monks, long ago there lived a king named Brahmadatta in Varanasi. At that time, the great bodhisattva was born as a very beautiful horse of the great precious Saindhava horse race called Bhoja Ajanai. He was the first king of Varanasi. That horse received delicious food in a gold pot worth one lakh gold. The mandapa specially prepared for the horse was also scented with four types of incense. A soft red carpet was spread for the horse to lie on. There was a canopy decorated with golden stars. Aromatic oil lamps were lit constantly.

That state of Benares is very prosperous. At that time, there was hardly any king who did not seek the kingdom of Benares. At one time, seven kings from the surrounding states came to invade the state of Varanasi and camped around it. "Either give the kingdom! Or make war with us!” sent messages. The king assembled the Hanika ministers. "Children... The situation is not satisfactory. What are you doing now? There is no solution other than war"

"O Gods... We have to fight. But you should not intervene at the beginning of the war. We have a very talented horseman, don't we? Let's get him out first. If not, let's take the next step."

Then the king called him. "Child... seven kings surround us. Are you willing to make war with those seven kings?” "Lord of the gods, if you give me your food, the noble horse king, I can fight with all the kings, not seven kings." "Then, child, take a horse of your choice, be it the royal horse of Bhoja or any other horse, and go to war."

Then he worshiped the king. Descended from the palace. Bhoja took the royal horse out of the pavilion. Dressed in battle armor. He also dressed in all the armor of war. The sword was tied. Saindhava rode on the horse's back and left the city in a flash of lightning. The first forts were destroyed. One king was taken alive. Brought to the city and handed over to the army. The second community was also captured. In that way, five kings were captured very easily. At the time of breaking the sixth fort and capturing the sixth king, Bhoja's royal horse had to suffer a severe fatal attack. Blood started pouring out. But after that attack, the sixth community was also captured and handed over to the army. The horse whinnied in pain. Then the horseman sat the horse down before the king's gate. The horse's armor was loosened. Soon another horse began to be fitted with armor. The Bodhisattvas were lying down in great pain and difficulty, and heard the sound of armor being decorated, turned their heads and opened their eyes. 'Oh... This horse is also decorated... How does he do this job? He cannot do this. Another fort is broken. He is not good at this job. All our efforts fail. The cavalry is also destroyed. Our hero is in the water! Our kings also have to submit to Satveni Raja. No one else can do this last cry except me. At this time, there is no one who can capture the seventh community. Bosat the horse spoke to the rider and said this stanza.

“I lay down on the ground – from the blows of the enemies

I am still the noblest of the Saindhava caste

Therefore, the rider should use me - to that rod"

Then the horseman understood it immediately. “My horse king…. I understand. No one but you can win this last moment. Get up, my son," said Bhoja, smiling at the majestic horse's face. Raised with difficulty. The wound was bandaged. Armed again. The horseman mounted the horse to his great affection. The horse suppressed the pain and passed out like electricity. The seventh fort was also destroyed. That community was also captured. Handed over to the army. The Bodhisattva horse was also brought to the king's gate and seated. The king came running to see the horse. Hugs with great love. Then the horse said:

"Great king, do not kill the seven kings. To be freed by swearing not to do such things again. If I have anything to give to this horseman, give it all to him. Even giants captured with enemy kings are not worth killing. To free them too. To facilitate the citizen. He was advised to become a virtuous and righteous king and became silent. The horseman took off his horse's armor. As soon as it was removed, the horse's eyes closed. Life ceased. The kings cremated the horse with great ceremony. According to the advice of the horse, those kings were released. Ruled righteously.

Venerable monks. Our Anandas were the kings of Varanasi at that time. Our Sariputtas were the horsemen. I was the royal horse of Bhoja," he said. After that, the Blessed One warned the monk who gave up his heroism.

“Holy monk, the entire kingdom of Benares was saved because the sages did not give up their courage in such situations and under such severe attack. Now, when there is a teacher like me, it is not at all appropriate to become a monk and give up heroism in such a place that provides the realization of nirvana. Therefore, one should strive for Arya Satya Bodham,'' Chaturarya preached the doctrine of truth. At the end of that sermon, the monk, who had left the veeriya, reached the noble Rahat fruit.