Jataka Valahassa Horse

tale:jataka_valahassa_horse

Merchants shipwrecked on an island are welcomed by beautiful women who are in truth man-eating ogresses. The Bodhisattva, born as a great flying horse, comes offering rescue and cries that all who wish to be saved must hold fast to him and never look back at the island's charms. Those who cling firmly are borne to safety; those who turn to the ogresses' calls fall and are devoured. Moral: from temptation, hold fast and do not look back. — Jataka tale