This is the seventh fascicle of the Vessantara Jataka. The text tells of an old Brahmin named Jujaka who lived in Kalinga. He was wandering and begging and when he collected money, he left it with one of his friends. Because he stayed away so long, his friend spent all the money. When Jujaka came and asked for his money, they gave him their young beautiful daughter named Amittata instead. When Amittata was ridiculed by other brahmins’ wives for having an old husband, she asked Jujaka to bring her Prince Vessantara’s children to work for her. Jujaka left in accordance with her request.
Colophon:
Folio 20 on the recto side: In Culasakkarat (CS) 1269, a moeng mot year, on the ninth waning day of the third [lunar] month, the third day of the week (Tuesday), a kot set day, the writing [of this manuscript] was finished at the time of the morning drum (between 7.30-o’clock). Phò (father) Kham Fòng and Mae (Mother) Kham Fòng (the parent of Khamfong) had the ardent religious faith to sponsor the making of this manuscript-bundle entitled] Maha Vessantara Jataka to support the Teachings of Gotama Buddha to last until the end of 5000 years, definitely. Nibbāna paccayo hotu no niccaṃ dhuvaṃ paramaṃ sukhaṃ (May this be a condition for us to reach Nirvāna, contantly and certainly. [Nirvāna] is the greatest bliss).
Item 1 - Title in Native script:
ຊູຊະກະ ຜູກ 7
Item 1 - Title in Roman script:
Jujaka, Phuk 7
Item 1 - Title in English script:
Jujaka, a Brahmin in the Vessantara Jataka, fascicle 7