Once the Bodhisatta was a lion and dwelt with his retinue in Rajataguhā, while in a neighbouring cave lived a jackal. One day, when the lions were roaring and playing about, the jackal tried to imitate them and the lions became silent for very shame.

The story was told in reference to Kokālika who, trying to imitate the eloquence of the learned monks of Manosilā, failed miserably. The jackal is identified with Kokālika. J.ii.65 ff.