Kotisimbali Jataka: The Dangers of Attachment and Fear

In the Kotisimbali Jataka, the Bodhisatta is born as a tree fairy, living in a cotton tree. One day, a giant garuda—a fierce, mythical bird—captures a giant naga (serpent) from the ocean, holding it by the tail. In an attempt to escape, the naga grabs hold of a banyan tree, but the immense strength of the garuda and naga uproots the tree. The garuda then lays the naga and the banyan tree, which it was holding, onto the Bodhisatta’s cotton tree. The garuda rips open the naga to eat its fat and then throws the carcass back into the sea, but the Bodhisatta remains unperturbed by this event.

Some time later, a small bird that had lived in the banyan tree flies into the cotton tree and perches high up on its branches. The Bodhisatta begins to tremble with fear. Observing this, the garuda, who had seen the Bodhisatta remain calm even when a giant naga was brought to his tree, asks why the Bodhisatta is now afraid of such a tiny bird.

The Bodhisatta explains that banyan trees are parasitic; if the bird defecates a seed of the banyan tree onto the cotton tree, it will eventually grow into a banyan tree, wrap around the cotton tree, and strangle it. This will leave the Bodhisatta homeless, unlike the garuda, who does not face such threats. The garuda, understanding the logic, advises the Bodhisatta that fear should be based on real dangers. He then shooes the bird away to prevent the potential threat.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha:
Many years later, during the Buddha’s lifetime, five hundred of his disciples had gathered to hear his teachings on dharma. After listening to the Buddha, they all renounced the world and became his disciples. However, that night, thoughts of desire and attachment filled their minds, and the Buddha, sensing their inner turmoil, called them to an assembly.

He explained to them that fear and distrust are justified when the danger is real. To illustrate this point, he told them the Kotisimbali Jataka, explaining how attachments (like the banyan tree) can entangle a person’s life, just as the parasitic banyan entangles the host tree. By understanding the true nature of these attachments, one can avoid being ensnared by them.

After hearing this story, all five hundred disciples reached the state of arahantship, liberated from their desires and attachments.

Moral of the Story:
The Kotisimbali Jataka teaches a profound lesson about fear and attachment. It highlights that fear should be based on real, tangible dangers. The Bodhisatta’s fear of the parasitic banyan tree is a metaphor for how attachments can slowly consume and entangle us, often in ways that are not immediately visible or understood. Just as the garuda advises that the Bodhisatta’s fear of the tiny bird was unwarranted, the Buddha teaches his disciples that fear of imaginary or irrational dangers (such as attachment) should be replaced with understanding and wisdom.

Key Takeaways from the Jataka:

• Attachment is Like a Parasitic Tree: The story uses the banyan tree as a metaphor for attachments that slowly take root in our lives, eventually strangling us if we are not mindful.
• Fear Should Be Based on Real Danger: The Bodhisatta’s initial fear of the small bird was irrational compared to his calmness when facing the actual threat of the garuda and naga. The Buddha teaches that only real, tangible dangers—such as attachment and desire—should be feared.
• Wisdom Overcomes Illusion: The garuda (symbolizing wisdom) teaches the Bodhisatta to fear only real threats, thus illustrating how wisdom helps overcome irrational fears and attachments.

In conclusion, the Kotisimbali Jataka is a tale about the dangers of attachment and how our fears can be manipulated by irrational thoughts. By cultivating wisdom, one can recognize true dangers and avoid being entangled by false fears or desires. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of discerning real threats and not being enslaved by the illusions created by attachments.