While residing at the Jetavanna monastery in Savatthi, the Buddha spoke to his followers about one of his previous life, when he was Bhuridata, the naga prince who successfully followed the eight precepts. The story is that. Bhuridata was a son of King Thataratha, the leader of the underwater world. One day, he was cought by a Brahmin who had magic power to subdue nagas and snakes, and was shown around various places. Bhuridata repressed his anger and his shame in order to successfully follow the eight precepts. Finally, he was helped by his brother, Suthatsana who infectd the Brahmin with venom.
Colophon:
Folio 26 on the recto side: In Culasakkarat (CS) 1202, a kot chai year, on the first waning day of the fourth [lunar] month, the writing of this manuscript was finished at the time of the sunset drum (between 13.30–15.00 o’clock). Xiang (ex-novice) Phumma had the religious faith to sponsor the making of this manuscript entitled Phulithat to support the Teachings of the Buddha to last until the end of 5000 years. Nibbāna paccayo hoto no dhuvaṃ dhuvaṃ (May this be a condition for us to reach Nirvāna, certainly).
Item 1 - Title in Native script:
ພູຣິທັດ ຜູກຕົ້ນ
Item 1 - Title in Roman script:
Bhuridata, Phuk Ton
Item 1 - Title in English script:
The story of Bhuridata, the Naga Prince, fascicle 1