The Kakkaru Wreaths: A Tale of Honesty and Deceit

Once upon a time, in the celestial realms above, the Bodhisatta resided as a divine being among the gods. During a splendid festival hosted by King Brahmadatta in Benares, a multitude of celestial creatures—nagas, garudas, and other deities—descended to witness the grand celebration. Among them were the Bodhisatta and his three divine friends, each adorned with magnificent wreaths of kakkaru flowers. The fragrant blossoms filled the city with an enchanting aroma that captivated the hearts of all who inhaled their sweet scent.As the townsfolk marveled at this delightful fragrance, they turned their gaze skyward, where the gods floated gracefully above. The king, intrigued by their presence, approached them and asked about the exquisite flowers they wore. “Mighty beings,” he inquired, “may we partake in this divine fragrance? What are these wondrous blooms?”With a voice as melodious as a gentle breeze, the Bodhisatta replied, “These are kakkaru flowers, fit only for those of exceptional virtue—honesty, humility, perseverance, and a good reputation. Alas, most mortals are too ensnared by folly and sin to wear them.”Yet among the crowd stood the king’s chaplain—a man devoid of such virtues. Driven by greed and ambition, he concocted a deceitful plan. Believing he could fool the gods into granting him a wreath, he approached them with false bravado. The Bodhisatta and his companions, unaware of his treachery, bestowed upon him a wreath each before returning to their heavenly abode.However, as soon as they departed, a dreadful affliction seized the chaplain. A searing pain enveloped his head; he writhed upon the ground in torment. In his agony, he confessed his lies to all who witnessed his plight. Despite their efforts to remove the wreaths from his head, they remained steadfastly in place.Days turned into an agonizing week as his suffering continued unabated. The king and his advisors convened to devise a solution to save him. They resolved to host another grand festival in hopes that the gods would return to their city.Their plan bore fruit; when the Bodhisatta and his companions reappeared amidst the festivities, the chaplain fell at their feet in desperation. “Forgive me!” he cried out. The Bodhisatta admonished him for his dishonesty and sinful life but showed mercy after warning all present against following in his misguided footsteps. With compassion in his heart, he lifted the wreaths from the chaplain’s head before ascending back to heaven.In this tale lies a deeper truth: the chaplain was none other than an earlier incarnation of Devadatta—a disciple who would later become a formidable adversary of the Buddha himself. Devadatta’s path was fraught with deceit and ambition; he sought to lead many astray from the Buddha’s teachings but ultimately faced dire consequences for his actions.When the Buddha learned of Devadatta’s suffering after losing his followers—spitting blood and falling ill—he recounted this story to illustrate how past misdeeds echo through time and manifest as suffering in one’s life.The three divine friends who accompanied the Bodhisatta were reborn as Maha Kassapa, Moggallana, and Sariputta—the Buddha’s most esteemed disciples—who embodied wisdom and virtue throughout their lives.Moral: This tale teaches us that the truth cannot be hidden, and those who seek to deceive will ultimately face consequences for their actions. Honesty and integrity are virtues that pave the way for true honor and respect among peers. In life’s grand tapestry, every thread woven with deceit will unravel under scrutiny; thus, let us strive for purity of heart and clarity of purpose.