King and the Bitter Fig

In ancient times, the Bodhisatta was an ascetic residing in the serene Himalayas. Meanwhile, a king, eager for self-improvement, sought to identify his faults. However, despite his inquiries, no one in the city dared to speak ill of him. Determined to uncover the truth, the king disguised himself and wandered through the countryside, yet still found no one willing to voice their criticisms. Finally, he ventured into the Himalayas and encountered the Bodhisatta.The Bodhisatta welcomed the disguised stranger and offered him some delicious figs. Intrigued by their sweetness, the king asked why they tasted so delightful. The Bodhisatta explained that when a king rules with justice and righteousness, the fruits of the land become sweet and nourishing. Conversely, when a ruler is wicked, even the most delightful foods lose their flavor until virtue is restored.After this enlightening conversation, the king returned to his palace but soon succumbed to temptation and began ruling unjustly, hoping to test the Bodhisatta’s words. When he later visited the ascetic again and tasted another fig, he found it bitter and spat it out in disgust. Realizing his mistake, he revealed his true identity to the Bodhisatta and promised to rectify his wrongs.

The Buddha’s Reflection

In later years, during the time of the Buddha, a king approached him seeking wisdom on righteous rule. The Buddha advised him to govern justly and warned that indulgence in sensual pleasures leads to misery. He emphasized that when people die, their virtuous actions are their only refuge.To illustrate his point, the Buddha recounted the story of the king from the past who had earned rebirth in heaven through righteous living and adherence to virtue.The king from this tale was revealed to be an earlier incarnation of Ananda, one of the Buddha’s most esteemed disciples.Moral: This tale teaches us that righteousness in leadership is essential for a prosperous society. It emphasizes that a just ruler fosters harmony and well-being among their people. By cultivating virtue and integrity in our actions—whether as leaders or individuals—we can create a sweeter existence for ourselves and those around us. Understanding this principle helps us navigate our responsibilities with wisdom and compassion, ensuring that our choices reflect our highest values.