#(Buddha) 35 Devadatta, The Cousin

The first Cousin, Devadatta, Was always jealous of Buddha. He told people, he was greater, And Buddha was not superior. King Bimbisara, the disciple Of Buddha was too liberal In giving gifts to Buddha And not to Devadatta. This burnt Devadatta’s heart. He hatched a wicked plot To dethrone King Bimbisara, And crown his son Ajathashatru. He told Ajatashatru, his friend, “Your father has become old. You just put him in prison And then ascend the throne.” “You’re wiser and superior To your old father, So, better rule the Kingdom With all your wisdom.” Tempted by his advice, Ajatashatru, the prince, Became the next ruling King By imprisoning the old King. As Bimbisara was a noble King, His people started revolting. On the advice of Devatta He killed his father, Bimbisara. Devatta wanted to eliminate Buddha in the next plot. With King Ajatashatru’s help He wanted to send him up. To kill Buddha, he sent An archer, who went And came back without Shooting a single shot. He said, “He’s so radiant, So serene, and so great, I can’t do any harm Nor shoot to kill him.”