Angulimala - 5

Bhaggava confides in the King about the Royal Astrologer's prediction
 

by G.K. Ananda Kumarasiri

The Brahmin Bhaggava, being one of the most trusted and loyal officers of the royal court, addressed the king "your Majesty, have no fear. The same strange phenomenon had taken place throughout the city of Savatthi.

The mysterious happenings do not concern Your Majesty's safety and well-being. Last night my wife was blessed with a son. At the time of his birth, all the weapons in the city had glowed as if they were on fire. "With a heavy heart, he proceeded to disclose to the king, "I requested the Royal Astrologer to cast my son's horoscope and also consulted him about the mysterious happening.

According to him, my son was born during a 'Bandit constellation'. This was what caused the weapons in the royal armoury to dazzle brightly. He had predicted that the strange phenomenon portended a danger to Kosala."

Out of his loyalty to his monarch, Bhaggava stated that he could not bring up a son who was destined to be a threat to the people of Kosala. He requested of the king whether his son's life is to be ended in order to protect the kingdom.

He cited as justification, the Vedic Scriptures which stated that one evil life may be sacrificed to save a hundred lives. Based on this Vedic ruling, Bhaggava with a heavy heart submitted "Your Majesty, permit me to put an end to my new-born son before he grows up to be a notorious bandit and a threat to Kosala."

To be continued

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