Once a timid hare lying at the foot of a vilva (wood-apple) tree heard a vilva fruit fall on a palm-leaf and, imagining that the world was collapsing, started to run. Other animals, alarmed by the sight, ran also until all the beasts of the forest were in headlong flight. The Bodhisatta, born as a lion, heard their story and calmed their fears.

The story was related in reference to a question asked of the Buddha by some monks, as to various austerities practised by ascetics. J.iii.74 ff. The Jātaka is quoted at MA.i.313 f.