Bodhisatta’s Test of Virtue Over Knowledge

In this past life, the Bodhisatta was born as a king’s chaplain. He had received a distinguished education, learning from the best teachers in Taxila, a famous center of learning. Despite his knowledge and respected position in the king’s court, the Bodhisatta found himself wondering whether the king valued him for his virtue or for his learning. To answer this question, he devised a test.

One day, in full view of the king’s treasurer, the Bodhisatta stole some coins. He did this purposefully, believing that if the king respected him for his virtue, he would be punished, and if he was respected solely for his education and learning, he would be forgiven. Soon, the treasurer discovered the theft, and the Bodhisatta was arrested and brought before the king.

When the Bodhisatta was sentenced to death for his crime, he spoke out, explaining his actions. He admitted to stealing the coins, but he also explained the true purpose behind it: he had wanted to test whether his honor came from his virtue or from his education. The king, seeing that the Bodhisatta had not stolen out of greed or malice, but rather to test the nature of his respect, forgave him.

Realizing that the king’s honor and respect were based on his own virtue rather than his education, the Bodhisatta left the palace, choosing to live the rest of his life as an ascetic in the Himalayas. This story highlights the importance of integrity and virtue over external knowledge and prestige.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

In the time of the Buddha, one of his disciples had once been a king’s chaplain. Like the Bodhisatta, he had been highly respected in the royal court, and he too wondered if it was due to his virtue or his learning that he had gained such honor. Deciding to test his position, he performed the same act of stealing coins in front of the king’s treasurer. As in the past life, he was arrested and sentenced to death.

When the king learned that the chaplain’s actions were part of a test, he forgave him. The chaplain, realizing that it was his virtue that had won the king’s respect, chose to leave his position and join the Buddha’s sangha. Through his practice of the Buddha’s teachings, he eventually reached arahantship, realizing the truth of inner virtue over external achievement.

When the Buddha heard his disciples discussing this story, he shared this past-life tale with them, telling them that even in earlier births, he had done the same test. Through this story, the Buddha taught the value of virtue over superficial knowledge or status, encouraging his disciples to focus on inner qualities rather than seeking external validation.

Moral of the Story:

The Silavimamsa Jataka is a powerful lesson in understanding that true respect and honor are not earned through outward knowledge, wealth, or status but through moral integrity and virtuous living. The Bodhisatta’s test served as a reminder that virtue is the foundation of true respect—something that cannot be gained or taken away by external circumstances.