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Jātaka Stories of Past Lives 11
Ekakanipāta The Book of the Ones
Sīlavagga Ethics
1. Lakkhaṇamigajātaka The Deer Named Lucky Spot: a past life story
“Hoti sīlavataṁ attho, The virtuous ones prosper, Lucky Spot, the wise and prudent deer-king, kept his herd safe in their journey, while the foolish and careless Black Mark lost his whole herd.
paṭisanthāravuttinaṁ; who live extending protection.
Lakkhaṇaṁ passa āyantaṁ, See Lucky Spot coming, Here, lakkhaṇa has the sense “possessing beautiful or auspicious marks”, and hence “lucky”. The description fits the common Chital or “spotted” deer, who are elegant in form, gregarious, and roam in herds.
ñātisaṅghapurakkhataṁ; surrounded by their family circle;
Atha passasimaṁ kāḷaṁ, then see this Black Mark, Kāḷa (“dark”) has the opposite sense, “unlucky”.
suvihīnaṁva ñātibhī”ti. bereft of family.
Lakkhaṇamigajātakaṁ paṭhamaṁ.