The Bodhisatta’s Test: A Lesson on True Honor

In a time long ago, the Bodhisatta was born as a king’s chaplain, revered for his unwavering righteousness and integrity. He enjoyed more honor than anyone else in the royal court, but he began to wonder whether this respect was due to his virtuous character or merely a result of his esteemed lineage. To uncover the truth, he devised a bold plan: he would steal some coins in plain sight of the king’s treasurer.When the theft was discovered, the Bodhisatta was arrested and brought before the king. Facing a death sentence, he proclaimed his innocence, explaining that his actions were a test of his own virtue. He argued that being punished for a crime he did not commit proved that his honor stemmed from genuine merit rather than noble birth. Moved by his conviction, the king pardoned him, and the Bodhisatta left the palace to embrace a life of asceticism in the Himalayas.As he departed, he witnessed a hawk snatching a piece of meat from a butcher. Other birds quickly surrounded the hawk, attacking it with their beaks and claws. In its struggle to hold onto the meat, the hawk eventually dropped it. This cycle repeated as each bird that seized the meat faced similar attacks until none could keep it. The Bodhisatta realized that human desires are akin to that piece of meat—life is far more fulfilling when we learn to let go of our attachments.That night, while staying at a village home, he overheard a slave girl waiting for her lover at the front door. She anxiously counted the hours until dawn but ultimately fell asleep in despair when he did not arrive. The Bodhisatta observed how her hope had brought her sorrow, yet when she resigned herself to her fate, she found peace.The following day, as he ventured deeper into the forest, he encountered an ascetic meditating peacefully on the ground. The Bodhisatta recognized that there was no greater happiness than the bliss found in meditation. He took these three profound lessons to heart as he embarked on his new life as an ascetic.

The Lesson of True Worth

In later years during the Buddha’s lifetime, one of his disciples revealed that he had once been a king’s chaplain himself. Curious if his honor was due to virtue or lineage, he conducted a similar test by stealing. After receiving forgiveness from the king, he joined the Buddha’s sangha and ultimately attained arahantship.When other disciples discussed this story among themselves, the Buddha shared his own experience from a past life to illustrate that even he had once tested his worthiness in this way.Moral: This tale teaches us that true honor comes from virtue, not lineage or status. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and integrity in our actions. By letting go of attachments and understanding impermanence, we can find deeper peace and fulfillment in life. Recognizing our true worth allows us to navigate challenges with wisdom and grace, fostering personal growth and enlightenment along our journey.