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Temiya
The Birth Story of Temiya, or of the Dumb Cripple
(Temiya-jÄtaka or MĆ«gapakkha-jÄtaka)
Introduction
In this, the opening story of the MahÄnipÄta, the Bodhisatta is born as a prince and pretends to be deaf, mute, and crippled in order to avoid inheriting the kingship. The two names by which the story is known reflect the name (Temiya) and feigned characteristics (mĆ«gapakkha âdumb crippleâ) of the Bodhisatta. The story is divided into two sections; the first in the palace and the second in the forest. With this simple setting and a very limited number of key characters, the focus of the story is on the psychology of the leading players, particularly Temiyaâs extraordinary resolve in the face of temptation and pain, and his motherâs grief at her sonâs apparent disability and death. Tension is built up by the description of Temiyaâs childhood and the various tests to which he is subjected. Temiyaâs persistent determination to remain motionless is finally broken after sixteen years, when he stretches out his limbs, picks up his chariot, and swings it over his head like a toy. This climactic moment of the narrativeâthe motion of the chariot and the strength of the Bodhisatta contrasting so dramatically with his childhood âparalysisââis often illustrated in manuscripts and temple murals. It also forms the climactic moment in the recent opera production
The Silent Prince, for it is the first time that the prince makes a sound. The story then moves to the forest, a peaceful juxtaposition to the busy life of the city and a place in which real spiritual progress can be made.
Friends and Family
This story hinges on the actions of four main characters: the Bodhisatta, his father, his mother, and the charioteer ordered to kill him. That the central figures of the narrative are so few allows the development of deep personal interactions. Temiyaâs parents are shown as essentially loving and concerned, but increasingly frustrated and upset by his lack of movement and sound. Temiyaâs mother demonstrates her affection by begging Temiya to change his ways and her husband to spare his life. The bitter questions she asks of the charioteer she believes has killed her son create a truly poignant interchange. Temiyaâs father also has affection for his son, but additionally he feels the influence of his brahmin advisers and the responsibility of providing for his kingdom. In the character of the charioteer, tasked with getting rid of the useless prince, we find a more neutral backdrop for Temiyaâs words and actions. Initially willing to carry out the kingâs command, the charioteer soon takes the advice of the prince and acts as intermediary between son and father. With a down-to-earth concern for his own welfare, he is careful to ensure that he is not going to be unduly punished by the royal couple, such that, in Shawâs (2006a: 184) words, his âsense of diplomacy and pragmatism gives a non-heroic counterpoint to the unfolding dramaâ.
One of the interchanges between Temiya and the charioteer is considered to be a paritta text and is therefore chanted for its protective benefits. These verses concern friendship and the many rewards that come from loyalty towards and care of oneâs friends. Although delightful and popular verses in their own right, these sit rather oddly in the narrative, for Temiya and the charioteer are not friends: the latter is merely the employee of Temiyaâs father. In fact Temiyaâs rationale for speaking the verses is that he (Temiya) is like a branch of a tree (the king) under which the charioteer has been enjoying the shade. Just as one wouldnât cut off the branch of a tree that had been of service, so the charioteer should not kill Temiya. The background is therefore a discussion of service and reward. However, the inclusion of an extended sermon on the benefits of friendship works well...