The Sadhusila Jataka: Virtue as the Greatest Quality

In the Sadhusila Jataka, the Bodhisatta is born as a teacher. A father has four daughters, and each daughter has a suitor. The suitors are:

1. A handsome man.
2. An old man.
3. A virtuous man.
4. A man from a noble family.

The father is unsure which suitor to choose for each daughter, as each man has his own admirable qualities. Seeking guidance, the father asks the Bodhisatta for advice.

The Bodhisatta advises the father that while all four qualities—beauty, age, virtue, and noble birth—are valuable, virtue is the most important characteristic to consider when choosing a partner. Following the Bodhisatta’s counsel, the father decides to marry his daughters to the virtuous man.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

The Buddha tells this story in the Lifetime of the Buddha when a similar situation arises. A father is once again unsure which suitor to choose for his daughters, who each have different qualities. The Buddha recounts this previous life story of his to illustrate the value of virtue over other qualities.

The moral of the story is clear: virtue outweighs physical appearance, wealth, or social status when making important life decisions, especially in relationships. The story highlights the Bodhisatta’s wisdom and encourages people to value moral integrity and virtue in others.

Moral Lessons and Teachings

1. Virtue Over Other Qualities: The Bodhisatta’s advice emphasizes that external qualities such as beauty, age, and noble birth are not as important as inner virtue. Virtue is what sustains relationships and leads to happiness and success in life.
2. The Wisdom of the Teacher: The Bodhisatta, as a wise teacher, guides the father to make a decision based on enduring values rather than fleeting or superficial qualities. This shows the role of wisdom in guiding others toward good decisions.
3. The Importance of Moral Integrity: The story reminds us that moral character and ethical behavior are more significant than appearance, wealth, or family background. True worth comes from a person’s inner qualities, which are lasting and form the foundation of a good life.

Conclusion

The Sadhusila Jataka teaches the value of virtue and moral integrity in relationships and life decisions. The Bodhisatta’s advice to the father serves as a timeless reminder that personal character should be the most important criterion when choosing a partner, over external attributes such as beauty or noble lineage. This story underscores the lasting importance of virtue in cultivating meaningful relationships and a fulfilling life.