The Amba Jataka: A Tale of Selflessness and Reward

In the Amba Jataka, the Bodhisatta is born as an ascetic living in a forest with many followers. During a time of great drought, when the forest is suffering from a lack of water, one of the Bodhisatta’s companions cuts down a tree, carves out a trough, and fills it with water to relieve the thirst of wild animals. The need for water is so pressing that the ascetic spends all his time ensuring the trough remains full, neglecting to gather food for himself.

Seeing the ascetic’s dedication and selflessness, the animals of the forest begin to take notice. As a token of gratitude for the water, they agree that any animal who drinks from the trough must also bring a piece of fruit as an offering. Over time, the animals bring so much fruit that the trough becomes a source of abundance for all, including the five hundred other ascetics living nearby. The Bodhisatta uses this as an example to teach his followers the power of selflessness and the importance of doing the right thing, even when it requires sacrifice. He shows that good deeds are ultimately rewarded, as the generosity of the animals leads to an abundance that benefits everyone.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

The ascetic in the Amba Jataka is an earlier birth of one of the Buddha’s disciples. In his later life, this disciple is known for his dedication to his duties at the monastery. His diligence attracts the admiration of lay followers, and as a result, donations to the monastery increase. The Buddha, hearing others praise this disciple’s commitment, tells the story of the ascetic and the trough of water, showing how the disciple had also earned honor and support through his selfless actions in the past.

Moral of the Story

1. The Reward of Selflessness: The Amba Jataka teaches the value of selfless acts, especially those done for the well-being of others. The ascetic’s sacrifice of his own comfort to help the animals in the drought is rewarded not just with the gratitude of the animals, but also with the fruit they bring. This symbolizes the idea that selflessness and good deeds will eventually be rewarded, often in ways that benefit many others.
2. Teaching Through Example: The Bodhisatta’s role in the story is to set an example for his followers. By highlighting the generosity of his companion and the animals, he shows that right action, even when it requires personal sacrifice, will always lead to good outcomes. This reinforces the Buddhist teaching that compassion and generosity are essential to leading a virtuous life.
3. The Power of Community: The story also illustrates the importance of community and cooperation. When the animals work together to bring fruit to the trough, they not only help the ascetic but also ensure that everyone in the community benefits from his selfless action. This mirrors the interconnectedness of individuals within a spiritual or social community, where each person’s good actions can ripple out to benefit others.

Conclusion

The Amba Jataka highlights the profound impact of selfless generosity and the rewards that come from doing the right thing. Through the story of the ascetic and the animals, the Bodhisatta teaches his followers the importance of compassion, dedication, and community. The story also underscores the idea that good deeds, even when they involve personal sacrifice, are never wasted and will ultimately lead to blessings and abundance.