batch.motif.buddhist-jataka-birth-stories-rhys-davids-gutenberg-l17199-l17302
---
record_id: batch.motif.buddhist-jataka-birth-stories-rhys-davids-gutenberg-l17199-l17302
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
passage_locator:
label: INDIAN TALES FROM TIBETAN SOURCES. / THE RELIGIONS OF INDIA. / BY A. BARTH.
/ FOOTNOTES:; lines 17199-17302
start: '17199'
end: '17302'
translation: Buddhist birth stories; or, Jataka tales, Volume 1
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: 'A sequence of editorial footnotes comments on Jātaka-related legends and
parallels: an elephant’s refusal of food prompts construction of a Dāgaba; standard
Jātaka endings include discourse on the Four Truths; six bad monks are linked
to Vinaya rules; the Buddha teaches angels during the rainy-season retreat and
is later said to descend into hell for a similar purpose; animals in Jātaka and
comparative fable traditions understand, communicate, or contrast their fates;
a Hall of Piety bears an inscription near a tree; Sakka defeats Titans through
kindness to animals; and an owl-crow feud is linked to another Jātaka.'
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: A king sends Mahinda to learn why the state elephant refuses food; Mahinda
finds that the elephant wants a Dāgaba built, and the king has the temple built
at once.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: A commentator explains that discourse on the Four Truths is understood at
the end of every Jātaka, and is mentioned when it is connected with conversion
in the introductory story.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: The passage identifies the “Six” as bad monks whose deeds and words are said
to have occasioned many Vinaya rules for the Buddhist Order.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:4
text: A December festival celebrates the end of the rainy-season period during which
members of the Order had to remain in one place.
category: setting
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:5
text: The Buddha is said to have spent the rainy-season period among angels to give
them an opportunity to learn, and in a later legend to have descended into hell
for a similar purpose.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:6
text: The old woman’s animal called Blackie can understand what is said to him and
make his meaning understood, but cannot speak.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:7
text: The editor says one Indian story reached Europe independently of the Kalilag
and Dimnag and Barlaam and Josaphat literatures, and notes a Hebrew version with
two donkeys in place of two oxen.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:8
text: An analogous story contrasts a falcon who serves humans with a cock who avoids
capture because cocks may be brought to table or cooked.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:9
text: An Aesop-type fable contrasts a calf that laughs at a draught ox with the
calf later being led to sacrifice while the ox receives a holiday.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:10
text: Jātaka No. 286 is described as the same story in almost the same words, with
a pig named Sālūha and with three verses instead of one.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: obs:11
text: A related tale is said to occur, with variations, in the commentary on verse
30 of the Dhammapada, though with a different introductory story.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: obs:12
text: The Bodisat is said to put a stone seat under a tree outside so visitors can
read an inscription identifying the Hall of Piety.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: obs:13
text: The editor says Sakka is made to conquer the Titans not by might but through
kindness to animals.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: obs:14
text: Another Jātaka is said to tell how an election produced a lasting feud between
the owl and the crow.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: King
description: A king who sends Mahinda to investigate the state elephant’s refusal
of food and then orders a temple built.
role_refs:
- role:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Mahinda
description: The person sent by the king to find out the state elephant’s motive.
role_refs:
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: State elephant
description: An elephant who refuses food because he wants a Dāgaba built.
role_refs:
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: The Six bad monks
description: Six noted bad monks in Buddhist legend whose deeds and words are linked
to Vinaya rules.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: The Buddha
description: The Buddha is described as spending the rainy-season period among angels
and, in a later legend, descending into hell to teach.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Angels
description: Beings described as ignorantly happy and deluded, whom the Buddha gives
an opportunity to learn.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Blackie
description: The old woman’s animal, able to understand and communicate meaning
but unable to speak.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Pig Muṇika / Sālūha
description: A pig in related Jātaka stories; one note discusses the name Muṇika,
and another says Jātaka No. 286 names the pig Sālūha.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: fig:9
name_or_label: Falcon
description: A bird in an analogous story who says he gratefully hunts for humans
when called.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: fig:10
name_or_label: Cock
description: A bird in an analogous story who avoids capture because he has seen
cocks brought to table or frying in a pan.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: fig:11
name_or_label: Calf
description: An animal in an Aesop-type fable who laughs at a draught ox and is
later led off to sacrifice.
role_refs:
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: fig:12
name_or_label: Draught ox
description: An animal in an Aesop-type fable who bears drudgery patiently and later
receives a holiday.
role_refs:
- role:12
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: fig:13
name_or_label: Bodisat
description: A figure who puts a stone seat under a tree outside the Hall of Piety
so people can read the inscription.
role_refs:
- role:13
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: fig:14
name_or_label: Sakka
description: A divine figure who is said to conquer the Titans through kindness
to animals rather than might.
role_refs:
- role:14
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: fig:15
name_or_label: Titans
description: Opponents conquered by Sakka in the story summarized by the editor.
role_refs:
- role:15
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: fig:16
name_or_label: Owl
description: A bird involved in a lasting feud with the crow after an election in
Jātaka No. 270.
role_refs:
- role:16
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
- id: fig:17
name_or_label: Crow
description: A bird involved in a lasting feud with the owl after an election in
Jātaka No. 270.
role_refs:
- role:16
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
roles:
- id: role:1
label: royal patron
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: The king investigates the elephant’s motive through Mahinda and builds the
requested Dāgaba or temple.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:2
label: investigating envoy
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Mahinda is sent to discover why the state elephant refuses food.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:3
label: animal petitioner
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: The elephant’s refusal of food expresses a desire for a Dāgaba to be built.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:4
label: rule-provoking offenders
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: Their evil deeds and words are said to have occasioned many Vinaya rules.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:5
label: teacher in other realms
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: The Buddha teaches angels and is later said to descend into hell for a similar
instructional purpose.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: role:6
label: deluded learners
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: The angels are described as ignorantly happy and deluded and are given an
opportunity to learn.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: role:7
label: non-speaking communicative animal
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: Blackie understands speech and communicates meaning without speaking.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: role:8
label: named animal in Jātaka variant
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: The notes discuss the pig’s names Muṇika and Sālūha in related stories.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: role:9
label: serving animal
assigned_to:
- fig:9
basis: The falcon says he hunts for humans at their beck and call.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: role:10
label: animal aware of danger
assigned_to:
- fig:10
basis: The cock explains that he has seen cocks brought to table or cooked.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: role:11
label: animal destined for sacrifice
assigned_to:
- fig:11
basis: The calf laughs at the ox but is later led off to sacrifice.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: role:12
label: patient laboring animal
assigned_to:
- fig:12
basis: The draught ox bears drudgery patiently and later receives a holiday.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: role:13
label: piety marker
assigned_to:
- fig:13
basis: The Bodisat sets up a stone seat under a tree so visitors may read the Hall
of Piety inscription.
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: role:14
label: compassionate victor
assigned_to:
- fig:14
basis: Sakka conquers the Titans through kindness to animals, not might.
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: role:15
label: defeated opponents
assigned_to:
- fig:15
basis: The Titans are the beings conquered by Sakka.
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: role:16
label: feuding birds
assigned_to:
- fig:16
- fig:17
basis: The owl and crow are named as parties in a lasting feud caused by an election.
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: Dāgaba or temple
literal_form: A Dāgaba / temple requested by the state elephant and built by the
king.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: sym:2
label: Four Truths discourse
literal_form: A discourse on the Four Truths placed at the end of Jātakas.
associated_figures: []
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: sym:3
label: Rainy-season retreat
literal_form: The period of WAS, during which members of the Order stay in one place.
associated_figures:
- fig:5
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: sym:4
label: Heavenly realm of angels
literal_form: The place among angels where the Buddha spends the rainy-season period
in the legend.
associated_figures:
- fig:5
- fig:6
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: sym:5
label: Hell descent
literal_form: A later legend in which the Buddha descends into hell for an instructional
purpose.
associated_figures:
- fig:5
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: sym:6
label: Sacrifice
literal_form: The calf is led off to sacrifice during a feast.
associated_figures:
- fig:11
- fig:12
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: sym:7
label: Tree with stone seat
literal_form: A stone seat placed under a tree outside the Hall of Piety.
associated_figures:
- fig:13
taxonomy_refs:
- tree
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: sym:8
label: Hall of Piety inscription
literal_form: An inscription on the pinnacle identifying the Hall of Piety.
associated_figures:
- fig:13
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Elephant requests a Dāgaba
summary: The state elephant refuses food; Mahinda discovers that the animal wants
a Dāgaba built, and the king has the temple built.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: scene:2
label: Jātaka ending with Four Truths discourse
summary: The commentator states that discourse on the Four Truths is assumed at
the end of every Jātaka and explicitly noted when associated with conversion.
figure_refs: []
symbol_refs:
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:3
label: Buddha teaches beings beyond the human realm
summary: The Buddha spends the rainy season among angels to instruct them; a later
form of the legend says he descends into hell for a similar purpose.
figure_refs:
- fig:5
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
- sym:4
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: scene:4
label: Non-speaking animal understanding
summary: Blackie understands human speech and can communicate meaning, though he
cannot speak.
figure_refs:
- fig:7
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: scene:5
label: Comparative animal fables of service and danger
summary: Analogous tales contrast animals that serve or labor with animals that
seem well fed but face being cooked or sacrificed.
figure_refs:
- fig:9
- fig:10
- fig:11
- fig:12
symbol_refs:
- sym:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: scene:6
label: Hall of Piety marker under a tree
summary: The Bodisat sets a stone seat under a tree so those entering can read the
Hall of Piety inscription.
figure_refs:
- fig:13
symbol_refs:
- sym:7
- sym:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:11
- id: scene:7
label: Sakka defeats Titans through kindness
summary: Sakka is described as conquering the Titans through kindness to animals
rather than by might.
figure_refs:
- fig:14
- fig:15
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
- id: scene:8
label: Owl and crow feud
summary: A Jātaka is said to explain how an election produced a lasting feud between
the owl and the crow.
figure_refs:
- fig:16
- fig:17
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: Animal communicates a request for sacred construction
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: The state elephant refuses food because it wants a Dāgaba built, and the
king responds by building the temple.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
confidence: medium
cautions: The note summarizes a Mahāvaŋsa episode rather than narrating the full
Jātaka story.
- id: motif:2
label: Teaching beings in other realms
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
- hero_descent
basis: The Buddha teaches deluded angels and, in a later legend, descends into hell
for a similar purpose.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
confidence: medium
cautions: The descent into hell is described as a later form of a legend, with its
origin said to be unknown.
- id: motif:3
label: Animal fable of apparent privilege hiding mortal danger
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
- sacrifice
basis: The cock and calf examples both contrast an animal’s apparent advantage with
danger of being eaten or sacrificed, while the serving or laboring animal survives
or benefits.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
confidence: high
cautions: These are cited as analogues by the editor, not as the full primary Jātaka
text in this passage.
- id: motif:4
label: Victory through kindness rather than force
taxonomy_refs:
- wisdom
basis: The editor states that Sakka conquers the Titans not by might but through
kindness to animals.
evidence_refs:
- ev:12
confidence: medium
cautions: Only the editorial moral summary is present; details of the narrative
are outside this passage.
- id: motif:5
label: Origin of enduring animal feud
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: The passage says Jātaka No. 270 tells how an election gave rise to a lasting
feud between the owl and the crow.
evidence_refs:
- ev:13
confidence: medium
cautions: The actual election narrative is not included in this line range.
- id: motif:6
label: Non-speaking animal comprehension
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Blackie understands spoken words and communicates meaning, but does not speak.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage gives only a commentator’s note about the animal’s capacities.
comparison_claims:
- id: claim:1
claim: The editor claims that the Indian story under discussion reached Europe independently
of the Kalilag and Dimnag and Barlaam and Josaphat literary routes.
claim_level: historical_contact
target: European transmission of an Indian animal story
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: The passage reports the editor’s claim and does not provide the full
transmission evidence.
- id: claim:2
claim: The editor reports a Hebrew version by Berachia ben Natronai that is almost
word for word the same story, except that two donkeys replace two oxen.
claim_level: same_motif
target: Unpublished Hebrew book by Berachia ben Natronai
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: high
limitations: The Hebrew text itself is not quoted in this passage.
- id: claim:3
claim: The falcon-and-cock analogue is presented as functionally similar to the
Indian story because it contrasts service to humans with fear of being eaten.
claim_level: same_function
target: Falcon and cock story in Anvar i Suhaili, Livre des Lumières, Cabinet des
Fées, Bidpai et Lokman, and La Fontaine
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: The editor calls it analogous, not necessarily identical.
- id: claim:4
claim: The Aesop-type calf-and-ox fable is presented as another analogue in which
an apparently disadvantaged working animal fares better than a well-kept animal
destined for sacrifice.
claim_level: same_function
target: So-called Aesop’s Fable of the calf and draught ox
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: The passage gives a brief summary only and does not establish direct
historical connection.
- id: claim:5
claim: Jātaka No. 286 is identified as the same story in almost the same words,
with differences in the pig’s name and number of verses.
claim_level: same_motif
target: Jātaka No. 286
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: high
limitations: The note identifies textual similarity, but the full parallel text
is outside the passage.
- id: claim:6
claim: The Dhammapada commentary is said to tell the following tale with some variations,
though the introductory story differs.
claim_level: same_motif
target: Commentary on verse 30 of the Dhammapada
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: The precise variations are not detailed in this passage.
- id: claim:7
claim: The editor states that the Mahāvaŋsa author must often have heard Jātaka
stories, including the elephant-and-Dāgaba story.
claim_level: historical_contact
target: Mahāvaŋsa and Jātaka storytelling tradition
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: This is an editorial inference stated in the passage, not demonstrated
by cited manuscript evidence here.
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: 17199-17204
quote_or_summary: The king sends Mahinda to learn why the state elephant refused
food; Mahinda finds that the elephant wants a Dāgaba built, and the king has the
temple built at once.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: 17206-17210
quote_or_summary: The commentator says the discourse on the Four Truths is understood
at the end of every Jātaka and mentioned when it is blessed to the conversion
of a character in the introductory story.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: 17212-17216
quote_or_summary: The “Six” are described as six bad monks whose evil deeds and
words gave occasion to many Vinaya rules for the Order of Mendicants.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: 17218-17228
quote_or_summary: A December festival marks the close of the rainy season; the Buddha
spent the period among angels to teach them, and a later legend says he descended
into hell for a similar purpose.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: 17230-17232
quote_or_summary: Blackie could understand what was said to him and make his meaning
understood, but could not speak.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: 17239-17248
quote_or_summary: The editor says the story reached Europe independently of two
named literary routes; Benfey traced analogues, and a Hebrew version by Berachia
ben Natronai is almost word for word but uses two donkeys instead of two oxen.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: 17250-17256
quote_or_summary: An analogous tale has a falcon praise his service to humans while
a cock explains that he avoids capture because cocks are brought to table or fried
in pans.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: 17256-17260
quote_or_summary: An Aesop-type fable has a calf laugh at a draught ox; later the
ox has a holiday while the calf is led off to sacrifice.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: 17262-17269
quote_or_summary: Jātaka No. 286 is described as the same story in almost the same
words, except that the pig is named Sālūha and there are three verses instead
of one.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:10
type: summary
locator: 17271-17273
quote_or_summary: The following tale is said to be told with variations in the commentary
on verse 30 of the Dhammapada, though the introductory story differs.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:11
type: summary
locator: 17275-17278
quote_or_summary: The Scripture Verses commentator adds that an inscription was
on the pinnacle and that the Bodisat put a stone seat under a tree outside so
entrants could read the letters and identify the Hall of Piety.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:12
type: summary
locator: 17288-17292
quote_or_summary: The editor says Sakka is made to conquer the Titans not by might
but through kindness to animals.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:13
type: summary
locator: 17296-17302
quote_or_summary: Jātaka No. 270 is said to tell how an election produced a lasting
feud between the owl and the crow.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/buddhist/project-gutenberg/buddhist-birth-stories-volume-1-rhys-davids.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: medium
notes: The passage consists of editorial footnotes and comparative comments rather
than continuous primary narrative; motifs are therefore extracted from summarized
references and should be reviewed against the full stories.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-28'
notes: |-
No taxonomy references were added beyond the supplied available taxonomy list. Comparison claims are limited to relationships explicitly stated or summarized in the passage.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:buddhist-jataka-birth-stories-rhys-davids-gutenberg__l17199-l17302
passage_sha256=9611c42b99f081b25ec42369f3b302ad5bf48687db33c73b5153559dd5a25db7