The Wisdom and Mercy of the Bodhisatta: The Panca-Pandita Jataka

The Panca-Pandita Jataka is part of a larger story, the Maha-Ummagga Jataka (#546), but this version focuses on a particular event from the life of the Bodhisatta, who was once a wise and revered king’s advisor.

The Plot

In this story, the Bodhisatta serves as the chief advisor to King Vedeha. He is respected and trusted for his wisdom, but Senaka, the king’s jealous chief advisor, wants him dead. Senaka, seeking to destroy the Bodhisatta, asks him a seemingly innocuous question: whether it’s ever appropriate to share a secret. The Bodhisatta replies that secrets should always be kept, knowing that King Vedeha would likely disagree.

Senaka manipulates the situation, feeding the king the idea that the Bodhisatta is a traitor. To prove this, Senaka suggests that the king ask each of his five advisors who secrets should be shared with. The other advisors suggest family members, friends, or trusted individuals, while the Bodhisatta stands by his answer that wise people keep secrets to themselves. This causes the king to doubt the Bodhisatta’s loyalty, and, despite the Bodhisatta’s good service, he orders the advisor’s execution.

However, the Bodhisatta, sensing a trap, leaves the palace and sets out to investigate. He quickly deduces that Senaka and the other advisors have secrets of their own, which they have shared with each other. The Bodhisatta spies on them and overhears their confessions, which include the following dark secrets:

• Senaka had committed a grave crime, killing a woman to steal her jewelry, and only his friend knew.
• One advisor suffered from leprosy, which his brother secretly treated, while another advisor had to be tied up during certain full moons due to possession by a goblin.
• A third advisor had stolen one of the king’s prized jewels and kept it hidden.

That evening, Queen Udumbara, realizing that the Bodhisatta is in danger, secretly warns him of the king’s plan to have him killed. The next morning, as the advisors stand ready to carry out the execution, the Bodhisatta arrives at the palace with a large crowd. He confronts the king, revealing that he knows about the planned execution and the secrets of the four advisors. As proof of his wisdom, the Bodhisatta exposes the hidden wrongdoings of the advisors, including their own confessions.

Furious, King Vedeha orders the advisors to be executed, but the Bodhisatta, showing mercy, suggests that they be pardoned after receiving a hundred lashes in public. The king agrees to the Bodhisatta’s plea, sparing the lives of the advisors.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

This Jataka is used by the Buddha to illustrate the depth of his wisdom. One day, his disciples were discussing his remarkable ability to humble even the most powerful individuals and convert a wide variety of people, including brahmins, ascetics, and even gods. When the Buddha overheard this, he told them this story to show that his wisdom was not just a recent phenomenon but something he had perfected over many lifetimes.

• King Vedeha in this story is an earlier incarnation of Laludayi, an elder disciple of the Buddha who was extremely shy and often misunderstood in his speech.
• Senaka, the scheming advisor, is an earlier incarnation of Saccaka, a Jain who later converted to the Buddha’s teachings and became a disciple.
• The other advisors—who each have their own secrets—are earlier births of Potthapada, Ambattha, and Pilotika, three ascetics who ultimately became followers of the Buddha.

Moral Lessons

1. Wisdom and Integrity: The Bodhisatta’s insistence on keeping secrets reflects the importance of integrity and trustworthiness, especially for those in positions of power. His wisdom in recognizing the hidden motives of the advisors demonstrates the value of discernment.
2. The Dangers of Jealousy and Malice: Senaka’s jealousy and malicious actions highlight the destructive power of envy. Despite the Bodhisatta’s years of loyal service, Senaka’s petty jealousy causes great harm, but in the end, it is his own secrets that lead to his downfall.
3. The Importance of Mercy and Forgiveness: The Bodhisatta shows compassion when he suggests that the advisors be pardoned after their public humiliation. His mercy illustrates that wisdom is not just about knowledge, but about knowing when to be kind and when to exercise restraint.
4. Karma and the Power of Truth: The revelation of the advisors’ secrets demonstrates the concept of karmic retribution, where those who act immorally will eventually face the consequences of their actions, even if they try to hide them.
5. The Role of Women in Supporting Justice: Queen Udumbara’s warning to the Bodhisatta is crucial in saving his life, showing the important role that women can play in promoting justice and righteousness. Her courage and loyalty are pivotal in the Bodhisatta’s survival.

Conclusion

The Panca-Pandita Jataka teaches that true wisdom is not just about knowledge but also about integrity, discernment, and the courage to act righteously, even when facing danger. It also illustrates the destructive power of envy and the redemptive potential of mercy and forgiveness. Through his actions, the Bodhisatta exemplifies the qualities of a just and wise leader, reminding us of the value of keeping secrets, revealing the truth, and showing compassion toward others.