Reading Notes: Jataka Tales, Part A

Part A

Owner whipping the Ox

Web Source: Gateway

• There was a very strong Ox whose owner was beyond proud of him
• The owner boasted of the Ox's strength to everyone in the village and promised a forfeit of a thousand silver pieces if the Ox could not draw a line of 100 wagons
• The men accepted this bargain and they began to round up the wagons
• The owner rudely spoke to the Ox and demanded he moved 
• The Ox was astounded by this newly found talk and did not move a muscle, but instead stood there. He was not phased by the hard blows or rude language
• The man lost the bet and went home crying
• He confronted the Ox later in the day and asked the Ox why he embarrassed him in front of the village
• The owner was surprised to find out that the Ox was also upset with him for how he was treated earlier in the day
• The owner had never spoke to the Ox in such a way and the Ox was caught completely off-guard by this behavior
• The owner apologized and the Ox agreed to win back his silver pieces the following day
• The owner hung a garland around the Ox's neck and fed him well in preparation for his day
• The owner offered two thousand pieces this time if the Ox could not move the wagons and the villagers were quick to accept this bet
• The owner kindly stroke the Ox and showered the Ox with love. As a result, the Ox was successful in pulling the 100 wagons
• The owner won back his money and an additional thousand silver pieces
• The two went home very happy

Bibliography:
The Ox Who Won the Forfeit
Author: Ellen C. Babbitt

Web Source: The Ox Who Won the Forfeit