Patience and Forgiveness: The Pabbatupatthara Jataka

In this Jataka, the Bodhisatta is once again depicted as a wise advisor to a king. The king, troubled by a situation, seeks the Bodhisatta’s counsel. One of the king’s most trusted servants had committed a grave offense: he had slept with a woman from the king’s harem, a woman the king cherished greatly. The king, unsure of how to respond, turned to the Bodhisatta for advice. Rather than asking directly, the king posed a riddle: “A jackal had used a happy lake even though it knew a lion carefully watched over it.”

The Bodhisatta, perceptive as always, immediately understood the metaphor the king was presenting. He responded with another metaphor: “All creatures drink from a mighty river, and yet it remains a mighty river. If she is dear, be patient.”

The king, recognizing the wisdom in the Bodhisatta’s words, decided to forgive both the servant and the woman. He warned them, however, to never repeat their wrongdoing. The servant and the woman, deeply ashamed, ceased their inappropriate behavior, grateful for the king’s mercy.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

The story mirrors an incident in the life of Ananda, one of the Buddha’s closest and most trusted disciples. In this previous birth, Ananda was the king in the Jataka. When Ananda became aware of the same situation involving a servant and a woman in his harem, he sought the Buddha’s guidance. The Buddha asked him whether the servant was valuable and whether he loved the woman, to which Ananda answered affirmatively.

The Buddha then advised that one should not harm those who are valuable or beloved. Just as in the Jataka, the king took the Buddha’s words to heart, forgiving both the servant and the woman.

Moral Lessons and Teachings

The Pabbatupatthara Jataka conveys several important themes:

1. Wisdom in Decision-Making: The Bodhisatta (and by extension, the Buddha) shows that wisdom can be found in patience and understanding. The king’s initial confusion is resolved not through rash action but through the wise counsel of the Bodhisatta, who advocates for patience and careful consideration rather than impulsive judgment.
2. Mercy and Forgiveness: The king’s decision to forgive both the servant and the woman reflects the virtue of mercy. The forgiveness is not unconditional; rather, it is tempered with a reminder to avoid such mistakes in the future. This is a lesson in offering second chances while ensuring the lessons of the past are learned.
3. The Power of Metaphors: The use of metaphors in this Jataka highlights the Bodhisatta’s skill in guiding others. By using indirect yet clear imagery, he makes the king understand the underlying issue without causing further embarrassment or conflict. This underscores the importance of gentle communication and wisdom in resolving sensitive matters.
4. Valuing Relationships: The king’s concern for both the servant and the woman demonstrates the importance of nurturing valuable relationships. The advice to “be patient” suggests that in matters of love and loyalty, time and understanding can heal wounds, and that rash actions can sometimes do more harm than good.

Conclusion

This Jataka teaches us the importance of wisdom, patience, and forgiveness in leadership. It emphasizes the need for thoughtful responses to challenges, especially in delicate situations involving relationships. The story also highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing those who are dear to us, balancing justice with mercy. Through the Bodhisatta’s counsel, the king is reminded that sometimes, a calm, wise approach is the best path forward.