Bodhisatta, King, and Queen: A Tale of Modesty and Virtue

In a past life, the Bodhisatta served as an advisor to a king. One day, the king looked out of his palace window and saw a countrywoman walking past. She was plump, poorly dressed, and moving briskly through her day. When she paused by the palace to relieve herself, the king was struck by the way she managed the task with swift modesty, showing no shame or hesitation. Impressed by her efficiency and simple dignity, the king wondered about her character.

After confirming that she was unmarried, the king decided to marry her, believing her modesty and composure reflected a strong and virtuous nature. Soon after their marriage, the queen proved to be a wise and capable ruler. She maintained an immaculate household, ensuring that everything in the kingdom was orderly and well-kept. In time, she gave birth to a son, and under her guidance, the young prince grew up to be virtuous, strong, and wise, eventually becoming a universal monarch—ruling justly and bringing prosperity to the kingdom.

The Bodhisatta, reflecting on this chain of events, remarked that this story serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of modesty and adherence to proper conduct. By living a simple, modest life and maintaining a sense of humility, one could achieve greatness in both personal and public life.

The Buddha’s Teaching

In the time of the Buddha, a prince who had invited the Buddha and his disciples to his palace was discussed by the disciples after their visit. The disciples were surprised by the prince’s love for a woman who was, by all appearances, fat and poorly dressed, which seemed at odds with the prince’s noble status. The Buddha, hearing their comments, shared this story from the Bahiya Jataka, explaining that in a previous life, the prince and the woman had been the same couple. The Buddha used this story to remind his disciples that love, wisdom, and virtue are not bound by outward appearances, and that true beauty and greatness lie in inner qualities such as modesty, virtue, and simplicity.

Reflection and Wisdom

The story of the Bahiya Jataka teaches us that true worth is not determined by external appearances or wealth, but by one’s character and behavior. The king’s judgment of the woman based on her modesty, rather than her outward condition, reveals a deeper understanding of what makes someone virtuous. In both the past and present, modesty, humility, and good conduct are key qualities that lead to happiness, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.