Cave No. 17
Identification: Oldenburg (1895, narrative no. 10).—
A yakṣa (genius, a class of semi-divine beings) once observed a monkey tormenting a buffalo by climbing on the back and doing a balancing act on its horns, even covering up its eyes. The yakṣa was amazed at the buffalo’s patience. On inquiry, the buffalo explained the value of humbleness. The yakṣa admired the buffalo’s virtue, pushed the monkey off from its back, and gave the buffalo a protective charm.—The buffalo was none other than the Buddha in a former existence.
—Source: Singh 2019, 31-33; Schlingloff 2013, I, 112-113
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