The Tale of the Wise Advisor and the Goddess’s Riddles: Bhuri-Panha Jataka

In a distant past, the Bodhisatta was born as a wise advisor to King Vedeha. One day, four of the king’s other advisors, jealous of the Bodhisatta’s wisdom and influence, falsely accused him of stealing from the royal treasury. To avoid the wrath of the king, the Bodhisatta fled for his life. During this time, the goddess who lived under the royal parasol, a divine being who greatly admired the Bodhisatta’s wisdom, grew distressed at his absence. She missed his teachings and, in her frustration, threatened to kill the king unless the Bodhisatta was returned.

Terrified of the goddess’s power, King Vedeha immediately dispatched men to find the Bodhisatta. One of the king’s servants, having recently finished his work as a potter, found the Bodhisatta covered in clay. The servant, who belonged to the faction of the king’s chief advisor, mocked the Bodhisatta for his apparent fall from grace, believing that such a wise man should not be so lowly as to work with clay.

The Bodhisatta, unruffled by the insult, replied calmly that he would restore his fortunes when the time was right, and that the fact that he was needed to answer the goddess’s riddles proved that wisdom was superior to material wealth. He then hurried back to the palace, his appearance unchanged by his work or travel.

Upon his return, the king, seeing the Bodhisatta arrive in such humble condition, without any pomp or royal entourage, immediately recognized his innocence. The Bodhisatta’s demeanor and lack of anger proved that he was not a thief or a wrongdoer. In a gesture of respect and forgiveness, the king gave him a warm and grand welcome.

When the king asked the Bodhisatta why he had not shown anger despite being wronged, the Bodhisatta replied that wise men do not harbor resentment. He likened it to a man who would not cut off a branch that provides him shade. The king, having shown kindness to the Bodhisatta and his parents, deserved his respect. The Bodhisatta pledged his loyalty but also gently rebuked the king for his hasty judgment. He advised the king to think carefully before making decisions in the future.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha:

Years later, the Buddha’s disciples were discussing his supreme wisdom, particularly how he had been able to humble and convert many, from brahmins and ascetics to gods and goblins. When the Buddha overheard them, he recounted this story to illustrate that his perfect knowledge had been present even in his past lives. He explained that, just as he had been a wise advisor in a previous birth, he had always possessed profound wisdom.

King Vedeha, the ruler in this story, was later revealed to be an earlier birth of Laludayi, an elder disciple of the Buddha who was known for his shyness and tendency to speak in ways that often confused others. The Bodhisatta’s rivals in this story, the four advisors, were revealed to be earlier births of Potthapada, Ambattha, Pilotika, and Saccaka, three ascetics and one Jain who had all come to respect the Buddha in their later lives.

Moral:

This Jataka teaches the importance of wisdom, patience, and maintaining composure in the face of adversity. The Bodhisatta’s calm response to both insults and wrongful accusations shows that a wise person does not react impulsively or with anger. Instead, they are thoughtful and measured, understanding the value of restraint and the long-term consequences of their actions. It also emphasizes that wisdom, rather than material wealth or outward appearances, is the true source of power and respect. The story reminds us to remain humble, to think carefully before acting, and to treat others with respect, even when they may wrong us.