Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c31.2481

v2.c31.2481

Mahilāmukha Jātaka (No. 26).—Brahmadatta, king of Benares, owned a state elephant, called Mahilāmukha, who was gentle and good. One day thieves sat down outside his stable and started talking of their plans for robbery, and murder. Several days in succession this happened, until at last, by dint of listening to them, Mahilāmukha became cruel and began to kill his keepers. The king sent his minister, the Bodhisatta, to investigate the matter. He discovered what had happened, and made good men sit outside the stables who talked of various virtues. The elephant regained his former goodness and gentleness.