Bodhisatta’s Generosity: The King’s Gift

In this Jataka, the Bodhisatta is a king who, one night, walks around the city in disguise. During his walk, a band of thieves steals his upper robe. A retired chaplain, who does not recognize the king, sees the event unfold and uses his astrological skills to interpret the signs in the sky, realizing that the king had fallen into the hands of enemies but was soon set free. The chaplain overhears a conversation at his home in which he discusses what he has observed, including the fact that the king had been involved in this incident.

The following day, the Bodhisatta, curious about the chaplain’s insight, calls for his astrologers. He asks them whether they had been observing the stars the previous night. They confirm that they had, but report that the time was considered a lucky period. Dismissing them, the Bodhisatta decides to reward the chaplain for his astrological abilities and summons him to the palace.

When the chaplain arrives, the Bodhisatta offers him a reward, but the chaplain asks for time to discuss it with his family. After consulting with his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and maid, each member of the family requests something different: the wife asks for a hundred dairy cows, the son wants a chariot drawn by thoroughbred horses, the daughter-in-law desires fine jewelry, and the maid suggests a mortar and pestle and a winnowing basket. The chaplain himself requests control over the revenue of a village.

When he returns to the Bodhisatta and explains that his family could not agree on a single wish, the Bodhisatta, in his generosity, agrees to grant them all their requests. He not only provides the rewards but also hires the chaplain as an advisor to the court, rewarding his skill and loyalty.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

The retired chaplain is revealed to be an earlier birth of Ananda, one of the Buddha’s chief disciples. The story of Ananda’s service to the Buddha reflects the Bodhisatta’s previous granting of wishes.

Ananda, chosen to be the Buddha’s full-time personal attendant, sets out eight conditions for his service: four negative and four positive. He agrees to serve the Buddha if he is not given any of the Buddha’s robes or food, if he is not allowed to sleep in the Buddha’s private chamber, and if he is not invited to the Buddha’s public engagements. However, he asks that the Buddha go with him when he is invited somewhere, let him introduce foreigners to the Buddha, allow him to discuss his doubts freely, and repeat the Buddha’s teachings if he misses any while away. The Buddha agrees to these conditions, and Ananda serves him faithfully for the next twenty-five years, until the Buddha attains nirvana.

When Ananda is chosen, some of the Buddha’s disciples discuss the matter. The Buddha tells them this story as a reminder that, in a previous life, he had also granted wishes to Ananda, demonstrating the consistency of the Bodhisatta’s compassionate nature.

Reflection on the Story

This Jataka illustrates several themes: the kindness and generosity of the Bodhisatta, his ability to recognize and reward virtue, and his long-standing relationship with Ananda, who served him selflessly in both their past and present lives.

The granting of wishes symbolizes the Bodhisatta’s deep understanding of the value of selflessness and service to others. It also highlights the notion that true merit and virtue are not tied to material rewards but to a life dedicated to ethical conduct and compassion. The king’s willingness to grant his advisor’s family’s wishes shows his fairness and wisdom, treating all members of society with respect and generosity.

Moreover, this Jataka exemplifies how the Bodhisatta’s kindness and wisdom extend beyond his lifetime, influencing those around him, as shown in his relationship with Ananda. The story demonstrates that, whether as a king or a humble ascetic, the Bodhisatta remains a model of virtue, compassion, and the power of generosity.