Bodhisatta Teaches King Fair Judgment in False Accusation Case

In a time long ago, the Bodhisatta was born as a wise judge, known for his fairness and integrity. One day, while traveling in his chariot to his estate, he encountered a caravan of oxcarts blocking the road. The king’s chaplain, who was riding behind him, became enraged at the sight of the obstructing carts. In his fury, he hurled his goad stick at the first driver, but it ricocheted off the chariot and struck the chaplain on the forehead, leaving a painful bump.Fuming from this incident, the chaplain returned to the palace and falsely accused the caravan workers of attacking him. The king, incensed by the chaplain’s claims, ordered that all the workers’ property be seized without further inquiry. However, the Bodhisatta recognized that justice required a thorough investigation. He advised the king to listen to both sides before making any judgments.Taking heed of the Bodhisatta’s counsel, the king summoned the caravan workers and allowed them to present their case. As they shared their side of the story, it became evident that they had done nothing wrong. The truth prevailed, and justice was served thanks to the Bodhisatta’s wisdom.

The Buddha’s Reflection

In later years, during the lifetime of the Buddha, this tale gained deeper significance. The young chaplain was revealed to be an earlier incarnation of a greedy disciple named Cula Kokalika. This disciple had also acted rashly in a previous life when he falsely accused others without seeking the truth.When some of the Buddha’s disciples discussed Cula Kokalika’s misdeeds and downfall, the Buddha recounted this story to illustrate that even in past lives, Cula Kokalika’s hasty words had led to his own destruction.Moral: This tale teaches us that the pursuit of justice requires patience and discernment. It emphasizes the importance of listening to all parties involved before reaching a conclusion. Rash judgments can lead to unjust outcomes and suffering for innocent individuals. By practicing mindfulness in our speech and actions, we cultivate wisdom and ensure fairness in our interactions with others. Embracing this principle can guide us toward a more just and compassionate society.