Sharing is Caring To snap off one’s head in today’s culture simply seems taboo and unjust. But according to our book, Buddhist Scriptures, “In Buddhism, no deed is more universally praised than the act of giving (Dana)” (142). To physically give yourself up to something or someone is the best gift you can ever give, and also be well on your way to enlightenment. Throughout the book the Bodhisattvas do many different tasks, tell different stories and meet different people that will help them to enlightenment. Each chapter shows a different way, level and physical form of generosity and compassion about the Buddha that leads him to enlightenment. Chapter 18 takes generosity and the notion of ‘no self’ to a whole different level. It’s a bittersweet take on generosity. The title ‘A King Gives Away His Head’ no better describes the story in just a few words.
To be a Bodhisattva means abundant giving. They dedicate their live(s) to attaining the higher being, contributing to the well being of the, and focusing on the six virtues of the Mahayana: giving, ethics, patience, effort, concentration and wisdom. Giving is among the first on both the Mahayana and Theravada lists –therefore the most important and is ruled before any of the other virtues.
King Candraprabha fulfills his role of Bodhisattva giving to his kingdom everything they could have ever wanted or desired for. He allowed them feel, look and act the way he would, “All of Jambudvipa resounded with a delightful noise, just as the heavenly city of the Thirty-Three Gods resounds with the sound of dancing, singing and the playing of musical instruments” (147). As the kingdom continued to celebrate, the villain (Brahmin Raudraska) decided he did not like this. Much like a fairy tale story, Brahmin wanted to steal all the happiness away- and asked for the King’s head. According to the scriptures, “There are many things that can be given away. The most precious is one’s own body and there is a special category of giving’ described in Buddhist literature as ‘the gift of the body’” (142). Assuming this, and assuming that the King had primarily done all the giving he could have possibly done to his kingdom- showering them with gifts and jewels and clothing –EVERYTHING he would have to sacrifice his head as a gift. If Brahmin had not come into this life asking for King’s head, he would have surely achieved enlightenment with just his good deeds alone.
Sadly as the Brahmin demands the head of the King, you would assume the King would temporize and maybe decline and tell the Brahmin to get lost. But considering the Bodhisattva way, “’Go ahead, Brahmin, take my head, my chief limb. You’ll get no fight from me. Even though it is dear to me as an only son, take this head of mine! May your intentions bear fruit! And by the gift of my head, may I quickly attain awakening!” His reaction was prompt, and he let the Brahmin know his clear intentions giving away his head. He had enlightenment on his mind. To abandon his body was the last act to do of generosity. No other piece of the story can explain the King’s aspire for enlightenment better than, “And I will give up my own head not for the sake of heaven, not for the sake of wealth, not to become Sakra, not to become Brahma, not for victory of a universal emperor, and not for anything else. But having attained complete and perfect awakening” (156).
This scripture models generosity. It shows that the King was willing to do everything in his will power to give up self, and to give up any personal identity as well as the things he gave to his kingdom. It is no doubt that giving up your head is a radical decision, and the King did not even hesitate to depart from it. On page 143, the king explains the gift of the head is the mightiest gift in terms of meaning and award to the giver, and he says that he has given his head away many times on the path to enlightenment. He dedicates the meaning of his head to the goal of his achievement of Buddhahood for the welfare of all beings, and cuts off his own head. The importance of cutting off his own head versus someone else cutting it off is huge. It’s an act of the King’s personal willingness and brevity. He deserved to be on his path or very well at the destination of enlightenment with such an act.

Works Cited
Lopez JR., Donald S. Buddhist Scriptures. London, England: Penguin Group, 2004.