Bodhisatta’s Wisdom: A Jataka Story on Teaching

In this Jataka story, the Bodhisatta was once a religious student under a teacher who preached moral law to everyone he met, whether they were interested in listening or not. His approach, however, was largely ineffective because those who were not interested never accepted his teachings. His disciples, noticing this, advised the teacher to focus his efforts on those who were willing to listen, but he refused to heed their counsel, believing that everyone should receive his teachings.

The Bodhisatta, seeing the futility of his teacher’s approach, decided to demonstrate the importance of discernment in teaching. He began throwing rocks into a cave. When other disciples noticed and asked him what he was doing, the Bodhisatta didn’t explain. Instead, he continued throwing the rocks in silence. Concerned, the disciples told the teacher about the Bodhisatta’s strange behavior, and the teacher came to ask him why he was throwing rocks into the cave.

The Bodhisatta explained that he was trying to make the world completely smooth by filling every hole and leveling every hill. His teacher, realizing the impossibility of such an endeavor, replied that it was a task no mortal could accomplish. From this, the Bodhisatta made his point: just as one cannot smooth the world by filling every crevice, one cannot make all people agree or accept teachings, no matter how well-intentioned the preacher might be.

The teacher, understanding the lesson, praised the Bodhisatta for his insight and agreed to stop trying to preach to those who had no interest in his teachings. He acknowledged the wisdom in focusing on those who were ready to learn and grow.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha
The teacher in the story was an earlier birth of Sariputta, one of the Buddha’s most revered disciples. Sariputta, in his earlier life, had made the mistake of attempting to convert many people who were not open to spiritual teachings, such as hunters and fishermen. Though they listened out of respect, none of them were willing to accept his teachings. His fellow disciples, noticing his frustration, advised him to focus on those who genuinely wished to learn, but Sariputta felt offended by this advice, as he wanted to help everyone.

When the Buddha heard of this discussion among his disciples, he told them this story, explaining that Sariputta had exhibited the same tendency to teach indiscriminately in past lives. By sharing this story, the Buddha was able to guide his disciples toward understanding the importance of knowing when and how to teach, and to whom.

Moral:
The story of the Bodhisatta’s wisdom in teaching shows that not everyone is ready to receive spiritual teachings or moral lessons. Wisdom lies in recognizing when to speak and when to remain silent, and in knowing who is receptive to learning. Efforts are more effective when directed toward those who are willing to engage and grow, rather than forcing teachings upon those who are not yet ready.