Bodhisatta’s Wisdom on Temptation and the Righteous Path

In a past life, the Bodhisatta was an ascetic living deep in the Himalayas, having renounced the comforts of his previous life as a wealthy brahmin after the death of his wife. He took his young son with him to live an austere life dedicated to spiritual practices. Over the years, they lived in peace, away from the distractions of worldly life.

One day, a group of bandits raided a nearby town, taking plunder and slaves. Among the raiders was a beautiful but wicked woman, who, after escaping the attack, fled into the mountains. On her journey, she stumbled upon the Bodhisatta’s hut. The Bodhisatta was away gathering fruit, but his son was home alone. The woman, using her charm and beauty, seduced the young man, convincing him to leave the wilderness and return to the life of civilization.

Before they left, the son told her that he needed to say goodbye to his father. Fearing the Bodhisatta’s reaction, the woman left at once and waited for him on the road. When the Bodhisatta returned and learned what had happened, he immediately realized the danger his son had faced. He understood that his son had fallen prey to the temptation of the woman because he had neglected his duties and his spiritual training.

The son told his father that he wished to leave and live in the world of men. But having spent his entire life in the forest, the son was unsure of what life outside the wilderness would be like. He asked his father which group of people he should seek out. The Bodhisatta, knowing the challenges of the world, warned his son to find people who were trustworthy, patient, and polite, and to avoid those who were impulsive and driven by passions.

The son realized how difficult it would be to find such people, and he decided against leaving. The Bodhisatta, relieved, then taught his son the ways of mystic meditation. Together, they continued their lives in the wilderness, dedicating themselves to their spiritual practices.

In the Lifetime of the Buddha
In the Buddha’s present life, the woman who tempted the Bodhisatta’s son was reborn as a plump, lascivious young woman who had no suitors. Her mother, eager to find a match for her daughter, decided to tempt one of the Buddha’s disciples. One day, she observed a disciple who still had a fondness for fine food and appearances. His bowl was pristine, his hair neatly arranged, and his robes were immaculate. The mother knew she could use this disciple’s vanity to her advantage.

She invited him into her home and offered him the best food she could provide. Afterward, she made him feel welcome and invited him to return anytime. Over time, the disciple visited often, and the mother began to manipulate the situation, encouraging her daughter to seduce him. She adorned her daughter with womanly charms, and the disciple, caught by her wiles, fell under her spell. He wanted to leave the Sangha and live a worldly life.

When the Buddha heard about this, he explained to his disciples that this same woman had tried to lure him away from the righteous path in a past life, when he had been the ascetic living in the Himalayas with his son.

Moral:
The greatest danger lies in giving in to temptations that lead one away from the righteous path. Even in the face of desire or worldly distractions, one must remain steadfast and focused on the higher purpose of life.