The Bodhisatta Jataka: The Dangers of Deceitful Friends and Discernment

In a distant past, the Bodhisatta was born as a noble fowl, the leader of a vast flock. For a time, he guided his birds with wisdom and care, ensuring their safety. However, disaster struck when a powerful falcon, hungry for prey, swooped down upon the flock, devouring each bird one by one. The Bodhisatta was the only survivor. Determined to make the Bodhisatta his next meal, the falcon devised a cunning plan to draw him from the shelter of his bamboo thicket.

The falcon perched on a nearby branch, feigning remorse for his past deeds. He claimed that he wanted to change and become friends with the Bodhisatta. He invited him to dine together at a place overflowing with food, suggesting that they could share a meal and put their past behind them.

The Bodhisatta, wise and discerning, rejected the offer. He made it clear that he could never befriend someone so deceitful, selfish, and wicked. He then addressed the surrounding forest deities, offering a sermon on the dangers of forming friendships with those who walk in evil ways. The Bodhisatta spoke of how such individuals can bring harm, and warned the falcon to depart or face the consequences. His words carried great power, and the falcon, realizing that he could not deceive the Bodhisatta, flew off to a distant land.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha:

Many years later, when the Buddha’s disciples spoke of Devadatta’s treacherous plots to have the Buddha killed by hired archers, the Buddha recounted this story to them. He explained that Devadatta, in his past lives, had similarly sought to destroy him. In that past life, the falcon had been an incarnation of Devadatta, who had harbored the same malice and desire to harm the Bodhisatta, even then.

Moral:

This Jataka teaches the importance of discernment and the dangers of befriending those who have deceitful, selfish intentions. It reminds us that virtue and wisdom are the true protectors, and that walking the path of righteousness can shield us from the harm brought by wicked individuals. True friends are those who walk the path of goodness and integrity, not those who seek to deceive and harm.